WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water damage rebuilds will vary based on the specific type and extent of the damage, so the process is rarely identical from one case to another. However, there are some common practices that make up a typical water damage rebuild.

Understanding the timeline of events during this process is essential, especially when it comes to dealing with your insurance company. Implementing a few key strategies can help ensure that your insurer covers the necessary repairs.

Before any rebuild in Eagle Rock can take place, there are important preliminary steps you must take. Completing these steps can aid in the claims process and increase the likelihood of receiving a fair settlement from your insurance company.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Water and electricity don’t mix, so if you find water damage near electrical outlets or light fixtures, shut off the power and water supplies immediately. Avoid standing water until you’re sure the electricity is disconnected. Additionally, stay clear of any rooms where the ceiling or floor is sagging. If the water has been there for over 24 hours, consider wearing a mask or avoiding the area entirely to prevent inhaling hazardous substances like mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

If water damage is present in your property in Eagle Rock, hiring a licensed plumber should be your first step. They can locate the source of the leak and offer proof of how long the leak has been active. This is crucial because most insurance companies refuse to cover leaks older than 14 days. A licensed insurance adjuster can provide the necessary documentation to strengthen your insurance claim and get it approved.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

If you need to file a claim with your insurance company, it’s important to have all the right evidence. Take detailed photos and videos of the leak and the damage it’s caused to your property. Keep damaged appliances, such as broken pipes or faulty water heaters, as evidence. This documentation will be essential in ensuring that your insurance claim is approved, helping you receive the appropriate coverage for the repairs and losses incurred.

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Step 04

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

After submitting a water damage claim, your insurance company will send an agent to inspect your property. This field scoping inspection will assess the cause of the damage and determine what repairs are needed. The adjuster will provide an estimate of the repair costs. While this process seems straightforward, hiring a public adjuster in Eagle Rock can ensure your claim is handled properly and that your best interests are represented throughout the process, leading to fair compensation for the damages.

It’s critical to note that water damage isn’t universally covered by homeowners insurance. For example, flood damage, damage due to poor maintenance, or long-lasting leaks are often not included in standard policies. If flood-related issues arise, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy. Public adjusters can be invaluable, helping you navigate these complex insurance policies, ensuring you understand what is covered and how to properly file any claims under the appropriate policies.

Additionally, insurance companies may reduce your payout by calculating the actual cash value of repairs, considering depreciation. A public adjuster can advocate for a more favorable valuation to ensure you receive a fair amount.

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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

After you’ve taken photos and videos and filed your claim with the insurance provider, there are still a few preventive actions to help reduce damage to your possessions:

  • 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

Since mold can start to develop in as little as 24 hours, it’s crucial to begin the repair process right away. While the exact steps can differ depending on the property, most water damage restoration projects typically involve the following procedures:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

To begin with, removing the water is crucial. Engaging a professional water damage restoration company is advised because they have both the necessary equipment and the expertise to uncover hidden damage. Additionally, the water may be tainted with hazardous substances like sewage, urine, or chemicals, depending on the leak source. These professionals use protective gear and are well-informed about safety protocols needed to handle these risks effectively.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Before starting the rebuilding process, it is vital to address and repair the leak. If this step is not completed, it could undermine the effectiveness of the entire reconstruction. Insurance coverage often includes repair of the specific leak location but excludes comprehensive re-piping. Typically, insurers will hire leak detection services or specialized plumbers to pinpoint and resolve the leak accurately. Ensuring this repair is done correctly is crucial for a successful rebuild.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak is repaired, ensuring the affected areas are dried is crucial to prevent additional damage and curb mold growth. For the best results, engaging a professional water damage restoration company is recommended. They utilize specialized equipment, including commercial heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers, to thoroughly dry out the area and increase air circulation. Air scrubbers can also be used to remove airborne mold particles.

When you file an insurance claim, be aware that the insurer might recommend a water damage restoration service for the drying work. However, it’s worth noting that some of these companies are affiliated with the insurance provider and could be handling a high number of jobs, often 30 or more monthly.

Insurance companies’ control over the payout for water damage claims gives them the ability to influence their chosen repair companies. This means that a water damage restoration firm selected through your insurance might be inclined to take shortcuts in the drying process to keep in favor with the insurer they often work with and maintain their business relationship.

Instead of automatically choosing the water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurance provider, opt for a licensed and unbiased firm that performs honest work. This company will generally send their invoice directly to your insurer. If the damage falls under a covered event in your policy, your insurance should cover the cost. An independent company ensures that the restoration process is fair and not influenced by the insurer.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Most water damage rebuild companies strive to keep the drying process minimally invasive, but there are situations where removing drywall, insulation, or other damaged materials is unavoidable. Homes constructed before 1990 might require lead and asbestos testing, as these materials could influence the drying and rebuilding process.

Each state has its own set of rules for removing lead and asbestos, with some requiring specialized licenses for contractors dealing with these materials. A reputable water damage restoration company will be well-informed about the regulations in your area and can assist you through the lead or asbestos abatement process if these substances are identified.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Upon completing the drying process, it’s necessary to apply antimicrobial treatments to your personal items to avoid mold and bacteria. This treatment should be provided for carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other potentially impacted items.

Step 06

Rebuild

After removing the water and completing the drying process, you can proceed with rebuilding. The extent of damage will determine what needs to be done, which could include removing, repairing, or replacing drywall, cabinets, hardwood floors, and possibly even foundational elements based on the severity of the damage.

Although many water damage restoration companies offer combined drying and repair services, consulting a well-regarded contractor is advisable. Insurance companies might recommend vendors who perform both services, but these vendors may prioritize saving money over delivering quality work. This often results in subpar repairs and unhappy homeowners. A reputable contractor can provide thorough and satisfactory work, ensuring high-quality results.

Choosing a trustworthy contractor improves the chances of getting quality repairs. Furthermore, with the estimate provided by your insurance claims adjuster on what is covered, you can negotiate with your contractor to ensure the repair expenses fit within the insurance budget.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims In Eagle Rock

A public adjuster in Eagle Rock works on your behalf throughout the insurance claims process, whereas insurance adjusters work for the insurance company. Their primary goal is to increase the fair and reasonable benefits you receive from your policy. By engaging a public adjuster, you can avoid the stress of negotiating with your insurance company, as they will handle all communications and ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

A public adjuster is skilled in negotiating with your insurance company to obtain the benefits you’re entitled to. It’s best to consult with a public adjuster early in your water damage claim, but they can also help if:

    • If your insurance company is denying coverage for Loss of Use or Additional Living Expenses, a public adjuster can negotiate with them to ensure you are reimbursed for any temporary living costs incurred while your home is being repaired.
    • If you are unhappy with the standard of repairs done on your home, a public adjuster can intervene to negotiate with your insurance company, ensuring that the repairs meet the “like-for-like” standard as specified in your policy.
    • When the insurance settlement provided doesn’t cover the full scope of repairs needed to restore your home to its pre-damage condition, a public adjuster can negotiate for a higher settlement amount to ensure that all necessary repairs are completed.

As you move through the claims process, you might question—why is it necessary to hire a public adjuster when I’m able to obtain repair estimates and negotiate directly with the insurance company myself?

Even though you can go through the claims process alone, most homeowners often lack the experience required for managing water damage claims and the detailed understanding of insurance policies and home repairs.

Plus, with a home being one of your most important assets, it’s easy to get emotionally involved in the claims process. Public adjusters aim to increase fair and reasonable insurance payouts for various claims, such as water damage, property damage, and flood damage. They are experienced in handling replacement costs, contingency fees, and specific water damage issues, like sewage backups. Their expertise in negotiating with insurance carriers ensures you get the funds needed for thorough repairs.

What’s more, since contractors and flooring professionals typically do not possess a Department of Insurance license, they cannot legally represent you during water damage claims. Public adjusters, on the other hand, are state-licensed and can offer full legal representation, navigating the claims process on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Finally, a public adjuster will guide you through the entire claims process, offering their expertise, negotiating with your insurance provider, and handling all paperwork. Their specialized knowledge and experience generally lead to settlements that are more beneficial than those homeowners usually manage by themselves.

The best feature? A public adjuster charges a small percentage of the settlement they achieve for you and is dedicated to increasing the fair and reasonable amount you receive from your insurance claim.

Dealing with water damage? ​Excel Adjusters in Eagle Rock​ offers expertise in handling your insurance claims. With a history of over 4,200 settled claims, we are dedicated to getting you a fair adjustment. Contact us now for a free consultation to begin the process.

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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