WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water damage manifests in various ways, meaning the rebuilding process will differ depending on the extent of the damage. Despite this, it’s helpful to understand the basic steps involved in a typical water damage rebuild.

Having a clear timeline of events can make it easier to work with your insurance company, and knowing a few tricks can help increase your fair and reasonable coverage. This can ensure the rebuild process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Before any repairs in Buena Park begin, there are a few essential steps that must be taken. These initial actions are crucial to the insurance claims process and may help you receive a fair settlement for the damages incurred.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

We all know how dangerous water and electricity are together. If you encounter water damage around outlets or light fixtures, make sure to switch off the water and main power supply. Don’t touch any standing water until you’re certain the electricity is turned off. If the ceiling or floor is sagging, stay away from that room. If the water has been sitting for more than 24 hours, consider wearing a mask or avoiding the area to reduce exposure to mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Once you spot water damage in your home or business in Buena Park, immediately hire a licensed plumber. Their role is to find the source of the leak and establish when it began. This information is vital, as most insurance companies won’t cover leaks that have lasted more than 14 days. A licensed insurance adjuster can provide the essential documentation needed to improve the likelihood of your insurance claim being accepted.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

When preparing to submit a claim, be sure to have solid proof ready. Photograph and film the leak and any damage it caused to floors, furniture, or other belongings. Keep any broken pipes, water heaters, or appliances responsible for the damage. This type of evidence will strengthen your insurance claim and help ensure you receive proper coverage from your insurer, leading to a smoother claims process and potentially a quicker resolution.

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Step 04

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

When you file a claim for water damage, an insurance agent will come to your home to perform a field scoping inspection. This step involves identifying the cause of the leak and assessing the damage. The insurance company will use this information to calculate an estimated repair cost. While this seems like a simple process, having a licensed public adjuster in Buena Park can ensure your interests are prioritized and that you receive the compensation you deserve based on the true extent of the damage.

Be mindful that standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover all types of water damage. For instance, flood damage, poor maintenance, or leaks that have existed for some time usually aren’t included. A separate flood insurance policy is necessary for flood claims. Public adjusters are incredibly helpful in these situations, providing clarity on what is covered and assisting you in navigating the sometimes complicated process of filing water damage claims with your insurance provider.

Moreover, insurers often calculate your claim based on the actual cash value, factoring in depreciation to lower your compensation. A public adjuster can work to get a fairer valuation and a higher payout.

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What Kind Of Water Damages Should Be Covered?

  • Sudden and accidental leaks that started less than 14 days ago
  • Slab leaks (unless specifically excluded in insurance policy)
  • Sudden dishwasher leaks
  • Water purifier leaks
  • Garbage disposal leaks
  • Rain and wind together
  • Burst pipes
  • Washing machine leak
  • Refrigerator leaks
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Step 05

Do Damage Control

Once you’ve submitted the photo and video evidence and finalized your insurance claim, here are some useful steps to take in order to protect your property from further damage:

  • Wipe furniture dry
  • Open cabinet drawers and closet doors
  • Prop up couch and chair cushions
  • Put small wood blocks, aluminum foil, or foam under furniture legs
  • Move photos, paintings, jewelry, and any other valuables to a dry, safe place
  • Remove rugs, books, magazines, and other colored items from wet floors or carpet
  • Dry curtains by looping them through a coat hanger and placing the hanger on the curtain rod

WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

As mold growth can begin within 24 hours, promptly initiating the rebuilding process is vital. While the process might differ for each property owner, the majority of water damage restoration efforts will include these key steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The primary step is to get the water removed. It’s best to hire a professional water damage mitigation service since they have the appropriate tools and are skilled in locating hidden water damage. The water could also contain harmful substances such as sewage, urine, or toxic chemicals, depending on the leak source. Professionals come prepared with protective gear and know how to safely manage and clean these hazardous materials.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Repairing the leak is a critical step that must be addressed before any rebuilding work can begin. If this step is omitted, it could negatively impact the overall reconstruction process. Insurance generally covers the repair of the exact leak site but does not extend to re-piping the entire property. Insurers often enlist the help of leak detection specialists or skilled plumbers to find and repair the leak accurately. Properly handling this repair is essential for a smooth rebuilding process.

Step 03

Dry Job

After the leak has been fixed, it is essential to dry the damaged areas to stop further water damage and limit mold growth. Contacting a professional water damage restoration company is advisable. They will use advanced tools like industrial heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers to remove moisture and boost air circulation. Air scrubbers may also be employed to filter out mold particles from the air effectively.

It’s important to consider that if you’ve filed an insurance claim, your insurer may direct you to a water damage repair company for drying services. Some of these recommended companies are associated with the insurance company and might handle many assignments, frequently around 30 or more jobs each month.

With insurance companies dictating the payout amounts for water damage claims, they can exert pressure on their preferred restoration companies. This influence may cause a water damage repair service hired through your insurer to cut corners during the drying process to satisfy the insurance provider they regularly work with, potentially affecting the thoroughness of the repairs.

Rather than simply agreeing to the water damage repair company suggested by your insurance company, consider hiring a licensed and impartial restoration firm that guarantees honest work. This firm will usually bill your insurance directly. Provided the water damage is from a covered incident, your insurance should handle the payment. Opting for an unbiased company helps ensure that you receive fair and transparent restoration services.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Even though water damage restoration companies typically prefer a minimally-invasive approach, removing drywall, insulation, or other non-salvageable materials may be necessary in some cases. For homes built before 1990, testing for lead and asbestos could be required, as these substances may impact the drying and reconstruction phases.

The rules for lead and asbestos removal vary across states, and some states require licensed professionals to handle these hazardous materials. An experienced water damage repair company will be acquainted with your state’s specific regulations and help you navigate the lead or asbestos abatement process if these materials are found.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

After drying is finalized, it’s important to treat your personal belongings with antimicrobial agents to deter mold and bacterial growth. This treatment should be applied to carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other items that could have been affected.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the area has been dried and the water has been removed, the rebuilding process can begin. Depending on how extensive the damage is, this may involve removing, repairing, or replacing damaged materials and structural elements such as drywall, cabinets, hardwood flooring, and possibly the home’s foundation.

Some water damage rebuild companies handle both drying and repair work, but consulting a reputable contractor is generally preferred. Insurance companies may suggest vendors who offer both services, but these vendors sometimes cut corners to reduce costs for the insurer. This can lead to unsatisfactory results for homeowners. Engaging a respected contractor ensures that the drying and repair processes are completed with high standards.

Opting for a contractor you trust typically results in better repair quality. Additionally, with an estimate from your insurance claims manager outlining the coverage, you can negotiate with your contractor to ensure that the repair costs are kept within the budget approved by your insurance company.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims In Buena Park

When dealing with insurance claims in Buena Park, public adjusters advocate for you, unlike insurance adjusters who are employed by the insurance company. They are focused on helping you secure the best possible benefits from your policy. Once you hire a public adjuster, you can shift the stress of negotiating with the insurer to them, allowing you to concentrate on recovering and returning to your normal life.

Public adjusters are proficient at negotiating with your insurance company to secure the benefits you’re owed. Though it’s recommended to reach out to a public adjuster at the start of your water damage claim, they can also assist if:

    • Should your insurance company refuse to cover Additional Living Expenses or Loss of Use, a public adjuster can help you by negotiating with them. They’ll work to secure reimbursement for any extra costs you’ve incurred while your property is being repaired.
    • If the quality of home repairs doesn’t meet your expectations, a public adjuster can negotiate with your insurance company to ensure that the repairs adhere to the “like-for-like” standard outlined in your policy, providing you with a satisfactory outcome.
    • If the settlement offered by your insurance company is insufficient to restore your property to its original condition, a public adjuster can advocate for a higher payout, ensuring that you have the funds needed to cover all necessary repairs.

Regardless of where you are in the claims process, you might be wondering—why should I employ a public adjuster if I can get my own repair estimates and handle the insurance negotiations myself?

While going through the claims process independently is an option, many homeowners typically don’t have the required experience or in-depth knowledge needed to handle water damage claims and understand insurance policies and repair needs.

Plus, since a home is often among your most valuable possessions, it’s common to have an emotional stake in the repair process. Public adjusters work to secure the highest possible insurance payouts for claims related to water damage, flood damage, and other issues. They are knowledgeable in handling replacement costs and contingency fees, and they address specific problems such as sewage backups. Their skill in negotiating with insurance carriers helps ensure you receive the necessary compensation for your repairs.

What’s more, most contractors and flooring specialists do not have the required Department of Insurance license and cannot legally represent you in water damage claims. Public adjusters are state-licensed and have the authority to provide expert legal support, handling all aspects of the claims process to secure the compensation you’re entitled to.

Finally, by working with a public adjuster, you ensure expert guidance throughout your claim. They will take charge of negotiations, provide valuable advice, and manage all necessary documentation. Their thorough grasp of the insurance claims process often leads to settlements that exceed what homeowners typically achieve on their own.

The best part? Public adjusters only take a small percentage of the settlement they negotiate with your insurance company and are focused on achieving the fair and reasonable possible settlement for your claim.

If your property has been damaged by water, ​Excel Adjusters in Buena Park​ can provide valuable help. With over 4,200 claims settled, we aim to secure fair adjustments from your insurance company. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and start the recovery process.

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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