WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water damage affects properties differently, meaning the rebuild process must be tailored to each situation. While there’s no universal method, understanding the common steps involved can help you manage the process more effectively.

By following a timeline of events and keeping track of the rebuild, you can ensure your insurance company covers the necessary repairs. There are specific tips that can help improve your chances of receiving full coverage from your insurer.

Before the rebuild in Los Feliz begins, there are critical steps to take. These initial actions help ensure that you receive a fair settlement from your insurance provider, making the overall process smoother and more efficient.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and if you see water damage near outlets or light fixtures, it’s crucial to turn off the main power supply. Avoid touching standing water until the electricity is shut off. Be extra cautious in rooms where the ceiling or floor is sagging. If the water has been stagnant for over 24 hours, wear a mask or stay away from the area to reduce the risk of inhaling harmful substances like mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

As soon as you notice water damage in your Los Feliz property, call a licensed plumber to inspect your property. They will identify the source of the leak and document how long it’s been present. Since most insurance companies won’t cover leaks lasting more than 14 days, having proof of the leak’s timeline is critical. Hiring a licensed insurance adjuster can improve your chances of getting your claim covered by providing that essential evidence.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

Planning to file a claim with your insurance company? Make sure you’re prepared with comprehensive evidence. Take photos and videos of the leak in action, as well as the damage it caused to your flooring, furniture, and other belongings. Don’t discard any malfunctioning appliances or broken pipes that may have contributed to the leak. Providing this type of evidence throughout the claims process will significantly improve your chances of obtaining coverage from your insurer.

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Step 04

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

As soon as you file a water damage claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to evaluate the damage. This field scoping process includes determining the source of the leak and identifying what needs repair or replacement. The adjuster will then prepare a cost estimate for the necessary work. Having a public adjuster in Los Feliz can help ensure your claim is properly handled, giving you peace of mind that your interests are fully represented and that you’ll get the compensation you deserve.

Standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover all water damage. Flood damage, neglected maintenance, and long-term leaks are usually excluded from coverage. You’ll need to have a separate flood insurance policy for flood-related claims. Public adjusters are helpful in these cases, as they can clarify your coverage details, making sure you’re aware of what’s protected under your policy and guiding you through the process of filing claims for any water damage.

Moreover, insurance companies may calculate your claim based on the actual cash value, taking depreciation into account and lowering the final amount. A public adjuster can work to achieve a more accurate

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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 the evidence is gathered and your insurance claim has been filed, you should consider taking further steps to protect your belongings from sustaining more 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

With mold potentially starting to grow within just 24 hours, starting the rebuild process without delay is essential. While the specifics of this process may vary for different property owners, most water damage repair projects generally follow these fundamental steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The first order of business is to eliminate the water. Hiring a professional water damage mitigation service is highly recommended, as they are equipped with specialized tools and have the experience to find hidden damage. The water might also include dangerous materials such as sewage, urine, or chemicals, depending on the leak’s origin. Professionals are equipped with protective gear and are trained to take the necessary safety precautions during the cleanup process.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Fixing the leak is an essential step before you can begin any rebuilding efforts. Skipping this crucial repair can compromise the entire reconstruction process. Insurance policies generally cover repairs to the exact leak site but do not cover the full re-piping of the home. Insurance companies usually work with leak detection experts or specialized plumbers to accurately locate and fix the leak. Properly addressing the leak is vital for ensuring that the rebuild is carried out effectively.

Step 03

Dry Job

After fixing the leak, it’s important to dry the damaged areas to avoid further water damage and control mold growth. Hiring a water damage restoration company is advisable for this process. They employ high-grade equipment such as commercial heaters, dehumidifiers, and air movers to effectively remove moisture and enhance air flow. Air scrubbers may also be utilized to clean the air of mold spores.

Keep in mind that after you file a claim, your insurance company might refer you to a specific water damage restoration firm for the drying process. Some of these firms are closely tied to insurance companies and manage a large volume of jobs, sometimes up to 30 or more per month, due to these referrals.

Because insurance companies control the compensation amounts for water damage claims, they have significant influence over their preferred restoration vendors. This leverage often results in a water damage repair firm hired through your insurer opting for shortcuts in the drying process to align with the expectations of the insurance provider they frequently collaborate with.

Rather than accepting the water damage repair company suggested by your insurer without question, seek out a licensed and neutral contractor committed to honest work. This contractor will usually handle billing directly with your insurance company. If the water damage is caused by a covered incident, your insurer should pay for the restoration services. Independent firms often deliver more reliable and unbiased restoration work, free from potential conflicts of interest.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

While water damage restoration firms often aim for minimal disruption, some cases necessitate removing drywall, insulation, or other irreparable materials. For properties built before 1990, it’s advisable to test for lead and asbestos, as these materials may need special attention during the drying and reconstruction process.

Regulations for lead and asbestos handling differ from state to state, with some jurisdictions mandating that only licensed contractors perform these tasks. A reliable water damage restoration service will be aware of your state’s specific regulations and will guide you through the process of lead or asbestos abatement if these materials are present.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying job is complete, treating your belongings with antimicrobial solutions is crucial to prevent mold and bacterial growth. Be sure to include carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other affected possessions.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the drying and water removal processes are complete, you can begin the rebuilding phase. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may involve removing, repairing, or replacing affected materials and structural elements, including drywall, cabinets, hardwood floors, and potentially foundational parts of your home.

While it’s common for water damage companies to provide both drying and repair services, it’s often better to hire a reputable contractor for these tasks. Insurance companies may suggest vendors who do both, but these vendors may cut corners to save costs, leading to poor results and homeowner dissatisfaction. Choosing a trusted contractor can guarantee that both the drying and repair work are carried out properly and to a high standard.

Selecting a contractor you have confidence in helps ensure high-quality results. Additionally, with an estimate from your insurance manager about the coverage, you can negotiate with your contractor to ensure that the repair costs are kept within the financial limits set by your insurer.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims In Los Feliz

Public adjusters in Los Feliz represent your interests during the insurance claims process, contrasting with insurance adjusters who are aligned with the insurance company. They are dedicated to securing the highest possible benefits from your policy. Hiring a public adjuster means you can avoid the hassle and stress of dealing directly with the insurance company, as they will manage all the interactions and negotiations for you.

Public adjusters are adept at negotiating with your insurance company to ensure you get the benefits you’re entitled to. While engaging a public adjuster at the beginning of your water damage claim is ideal, they can still help if:

    • If your insurance company is not providing coverage for Loss of Use or Additional Living Expenses, a public adjuster can assist. They’ll negotiate with your insurer to get you reimbursed for the additional costs incurred while your property is undergoing repairs.
    • If the repairs to your home don’t meet the quality standards you expect, a public adjuster can step in to negotiate with your insurance company to ensure that the repairs align with the “like-for-like” standard outlined in your policy.
    • When the settlement offered by your insurance isn’t sufficient to restore your property to its previous state, a public adjuster can work on your behalf to negotiate a higher payout, covering all necessary repairs to return your property to its original condition.

At any point in the claims process, you may be curious—why should I hire a public adjuster if I can handle getting repair estimates and speaking with the insurance company by myself?

It’s possible to navigate the claims process by yourself, but most homeowners generally lack the necessary experience and deep knowledge of water damage claims and the specifics of insurance policies and home repairs.

Plus, since your home is likely one of your most prized assets, it’s natural to feel emotionally invested. Public adjusters are dedicated to securing the highest possible payouts for insurance claims, including those for water damage and flood damage. They possess in-depth knowledge of replacement costs, contingency fees, and related issues such as sewage backups. Their ability to effectively negotiate with insurance companies ensures you receive the necessary compensation to cover your repair expenses.

What’s more, most contractors and floor experts lack the necessary Department of Insurance license to legally act on your behalf in water damage claims. Public adjusters, however, are licensed professionals who can provide expert legal representation, managing every detail of the claims process to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Finally, with the help of a public adjuster, you’ll receive expert assistance throughout your claim. They will negotiate with your insurer, provide professional advice, and oversee all necessary documentation. Their deep understanding of the insurance process typically results in more favorable settlements compared to what homeowners often achieve alone.

The top benefit? A public adjuster’s fee is a small percentage of the final settlement they achieve with your insurer, and they will go to great lengths to ensure your fair and reasonable claim is fully increased.

Facing water damage to your home or business? ​Excel Adjusters​ in Los Feliz is ready to assist. With experience from over 4,200 claims, we work hard to ensure you receive a fair settlement from your insurance. Reach out today for a free consultation.

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