WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If you notice water damage near outlets or light fixtures, make sure to turn off the main power supply right away. Avoid touching any standing water before ensuring the electricity is disconnected. Stay out of rooms where the ceiling or floor is visibly sagging. Additionally, if the water has been stagnant for over 24 hours, it’s wise to wear a mask or steer clear of the building to prevent inhaling harmful substances like mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

At the first sign of water damage in your home or business in Brentwood, contact a licensed plumber. Their job will be to locate the source of the leak and determine how long it has been active. This documentation is essential, as most insurance companies do not cover leaks that have been ongoing for over 14 days. A licensed insurance adjuster can offer critical evidence to support your claim and get it covered.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

To strengthen your claim with your insurance company, be proactive about gathering evidence. Snap pictures and record video footage of the leak as it occurs, and document the damage done to your property, such as your floors, furniture, and other valuables. Hold on to malfunctioning appliances, such as washing machines, garbage disposals, or water heaters. These pieces of evidence will support your claim and help you secure coverage from your insurer throughout the process.

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Step 04

File A Claim And Expect Your Insurance Company To Do Their Research

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What Kind Of Water Damages Should Be Covered?

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Step 05

Do Damage Control

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Mold can start forming within 24 hours, so it’s vital to start the repair process as quickly as possible. While the rebuild process may differ depending on the property, most water damage restoration efforts typically include the following stages:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The initial step involves removing the water. It’s best to hire a professional water damage remediation company since they are equipped with specialized tools and trained to find hidden damage. The water might also include contaminants such as sewage, urine, or chemicals based on the leak’s source. Professionals use protective clothing and understand the necessary precautions to safely manage and clean up these hazardous materials.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Repairing the leak must be the first step before commencing any rebuilding work. If the leak is not addressed, it could undermine the success of your reconstruction efforts. Insurance usually covers repairs to the specific leak location but does not extend to re-piping the entire property. Insurance companies often engage professional leak detection services or skilled plumbers to accurately locate and fix the leak. Properly handling this repair is key to ensuring that your rebuild process is carried out smoothly.

Step 03

Dry Job

Following the repair of the leak, it’s essential to dry out the damaged sections to avert additional water-related issues and curb mold growth. Engaging a water damage restoration company is recommended for this process. They utilize professional-grade equipment such as heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers to thoroughly remove moisture and boost air circulation. Air scrubbers may also be deployed to clean the air of mold spores.

Note that once you’ve submitted an insurance claim, the insurer might recommend a specific water damage restoration company to handle the drying process. Be aware that some of these companies are closely linked with insurance providers, receiving frequent job referrals, often 30 or more each month, from them.

Due to the control that insurance companies have over the amount paid out for water damage claims, they can influence their affiliated repair services. This influence can lead a water damage repair company hired by your insurer to take shortcuts during the drying process, aiming to meet the demands of the insurance provider they often deal with.

Instead of just accepting the water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurance provider, consider hiring a licensed and neutral firm that is committed to honest work. This firm will usually send their invoice directly to your insurer. As long as the water damage is from a covered event under your policy, your insurance should cover the cost. An unbiased company can offer more reliable and transparent restoration services.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Although the goal of most water damage restoration firms is to employ a minimally-invasive approach, certain situations may necessitate removing drywall, insulation, or other non-salvageable materials. For homes built before 1990, testing for lead and asbestos may be required, as these materials can affect the drying and reconstruction process.

Different states have varying laws and regulations concerning the removal of lead and asbestos, and some require that only licensed professionals manage these hazardous materials. A reliable water damage repair company will understand the specific regulations in your state and provide support throughout the lead or asbestos abatement process if these materials are present.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Upon finishing the drying process, ensure that your belongings receive antimicrobial treatment to inhibit mold and bacterial growth. This treatment should be extended to carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other affected items.

Step 06

Rebuild

Following the completion of water removal and drying, the rebuild process can start. Depending on how severe the damage is, this may involve steps like removing, repairing, or replacing parts of your home, such as drywall, cabinets, hardwood floors, and possibly foundational elements, to restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

Many water damage rebuild companies offer combined drying and repair services, but it’s better to consult a trusted professional contractor for these tasks. Insurance companies may recommend vendors who perform both functions, but these vendors might lack expertise or be inclined to cut corners to save money for the insurer. Consequently, homeowners often find themselves unhappy with the quality of work. Engaging a reputable contractor can help achieve superior results.

When you choose a contractor you trust, you are more likely to receive excellent results. With an insurance estimate in hand detailing the coverage, you can negotiate with your contractor to ensure that the repair expenses align with the financial limits set by your insurance company.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

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