WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Since water damage can differ in type and severity from one situation to another, the rebuilding process will not be the same for everyone. Nevertheless, understanding the general practices of a water damage rebuild can give you insight into what to expect.

Following a structured timeline of events during the rebuild can be critical, especially when it comes to making sure your insurance company covers all necessary repairs. With the right approach, you can increase your chances of receiving full compensation.

Before the rebuild phase in Manhattan Beach starts, there are several essential steps that need to be completed. These initial steps are vital in ensuring you receive a fair settlement from your insurance provider as part of the claims process.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

We all understand that water and electricity are hazardous together. If you experience water damage around electrical outlets or light fixtures, immediately turn off the main power supply. Avoid any contact with standing water until the electricity is off, and don’t enter rooms with sagging ceilings or floors. If the water has been present for over 24 hours, it’s best to wear a mask or avoid entering the area to minimize the risk of inhaling dangerous substances like mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

If water damage occurs in your home or business in Manhattan Beach, the first step is to hire a licensed plumber to locate the source of the leak. Their professional assessment can help establish how long the leak has been active. This information is crucial, as insurance companies often refuse to cover leaks that have lasted longer than 14 days. An insurance adjuster can ensure your claim has a better chance of being approved by providing this evidence.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

When you’re preparing to file an insurance claim, make sure you gather proper documentation. Take photos and videos of the leak as it happens and any damage caused, including ruined floors and furniture. Save any broken appliances that contributed to the damage, such as washing machines, pipes, or water heaters. Providing this evidence to the insurance company will help ensure that you receive full coverage and a fair settlement for the damage.

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Step 04

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

Once you’ve filed a water damage claim, your insurer will assign an agent to inspect your home. This field scoping inspection involves assessing the leak’s source and determining what must be repaired. An estimate will be prepared based on this evaluation. Although it may seem simple, having a public adjuster on your side in Manhattan Beach can be invaluable, as they advocate for your best interests and ensure you receive the fair and reasonable compensation you deserve for your repairs.

It’s crucial to know that water damage isn’t always covered by a typical homeowners insurance policy. Damage from floods, neglect, or long-term leaks usually falls outside standard coverage. To handle flood-related issues, you would need to have a separate flood insurance policy. A public adjuster can assist in navigating these complicated situations, ensuring you fully understand what your insurance policy covers and whether you are eligible for compensation under flood insurance.

Moreover, when determining the actual cash value of repairs, insurers may factor in depreciation, lowering your settlement. A public adjuster can advocate for a fairer valuation to process your fair and reasonable claim.

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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 successfully documenting and filing your claim with the insurance company, it’s important to follow a few steps to prevent additional harm 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

As mold can begin to spread within 24 hours, commencing the rebuilding process swiftly is crucial. Although the specifics may vary from one property owner to another, most water damage repair operations generally follow these key steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

Removing the water is the first essential step. Engaging a professional water damage restoration firm is recommended, as they have the appropriate equipment and are skilled in identifying unseen water damage. The water could be contaminated with sewage, urine, or toxic chemicals, depending on the leak’s origin. Professionals wear protective gear and adhere to safety protocols to address these hazards effectively during the cleanup.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Before you can proceed with rebuilding, it is essential to repair the leak. If this step is neglected, it could compromise the effectiveness of the entire rebuild. Insurance policies typically cover repairs at the exact leak site but do not cover the complete re-piping of the home. To address the leak accurately, insurance companies usually hire leak detection professionals or specialized plumbers. Proper repair of the leak is vital for ensuring that the subsequent rebuilding process can be conducted effectively.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once you’ve fixed the leak, drying the affected areas is crucial to avoid further water damage and prevent mold growth. Contacting a water damage restoration firm is advisable for this step. They use specialized equipment, including commercial heaters, dehumidifiers, and high-powered air movers, to remove moisture and improve air flow. Air scrubbers may also be used to filter out mold particles from the air efficiently.

After filing a claim with your insurance, the company might suggest a particular water damage restoration service for the drying phase. However, some of these services are closely associated with insurers and may handle a large number of jobs, frequently 30 or more per month, due to these referrals.

Insurance companies, by setting the payout amounts for water damage claims, hold leverage over their recommended restoration vendors. This situation can cause a water damage repair company chosen through your insurance to look for ways to cut corners in the drying process to keep the insurance company they frequently work with satisfied and maintain their preferred status.

Rather than immediately choosing the water damage repair company suggested by your insurer, seek out a licensed and impartial contractor who guarantees honest work. This contractor will typically bill your insurance company directly. Provided the damage is due to an incident covered by your policy, your insurer should pay for the services. Independent companies are often more dedicated to thorough, fair restoration work, avoiding potential conflicts of interest.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Even though water damage restoration companies generally aim to limit invasiveness during the drying process, there are cases where it’s essential to remove drywall, insulation, or other damaged materials. Homes constructed prior to 1990 might need testing for lead and asbestos, as these substances may require special handling during both drying and repair.

The rules for lead and asbestos removal differ from state to state, with certain states requiring specialized licenses for contractors dealing with these hazardous substances. An experienced water damage restoration company will be knowledgeable about your state’s regulations and can help you navigate the lead or asbestos abatement process if either material is detected.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying phase is done, apply antimicrobial treatments to your personal items to prevent potential mold and bacterial issues. This should include carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other belongings that may have been affected.

Step 06

Rebuild

Once the water has been extracted and the drying phase is done, you can begin the rebuilding process. This may include removing, repairing, or replacing any materials and structural components that were damaged by the leak, such as drywall, cabinets, hardwood flooring, and potentially even the home’s foundation, depending on the extent of the damage.

While some water damage restoration companies are capable of both drying and repairing affected areas, consulting a well-regarded contractor is generally recommended. Insurance companies may suggest vendors who provide both services, but these vendors might compromise quality to save money for the insurer. This often results in homeowners being dissatisfied with the outcome. A reputable contractor can ensure that both the drying and repair processes meet high standards.

By hiring a contractor you trust, you improve the chances of getting quality work. Additionally, with an estimate from your insurance claims manager about what will be covered, you can negotiate with your contractor to make sure the repair costs fit within the budget approved by your insurer.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims In Manhattan Beach

Public adjusters in Manhattan Beach work to represent you during the insurance claim process, differing from insurance adjusters who are on the insurance company’s payroll. Their goal is to ensure you get the fair and reasonable benefits allowed by your policy. Hiring a public adjuster means you can let them handle all the stressful negotiations with your insurer, allowing you to focus on restoring normalcy in your life.

Public adjusters are equipped to negotiate with your insurance company to secure the full benefits you are entitled to. It’s recommended to hire a public adjuster when you first file your water damage claim, but they can also assist if:

    • If your insurance provider is refusing to reimburse Additional Living Expenses or Loss of Use, a public adjuster can negotiate with them to secure compensation for any additional costs incurred while your property is under repair.
    • Dissatisfied with the standard of repairs completed 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 outlined in your insurance policy.
    • If the insurance settlement is inadequate to restore your property to its pre-damage condition, a public adjuster can work to negotiate a higher payout, helping you cover all necessary repairs and restore your property to its original state.

Whether you’re at the start or later in the claims process, you might be asking—why do I need a public adjuster if I can handle obtaining repair estimates and negotiating with the insurance company on my own?

While it’s feasible to navigate the claims process alone, most homeowners usually lack the experience with water damage claims and detailed knowledge about insurance policies and home repair intricacies.

Plus, with a home being one of your most cherished assets, it’s understandable to have a strong emotional connection. Public adjusters are skilled at enhancing insurance payouts for a variety of claims, such as water damage, flood damage, and property damage. They are knowledgeable about replacement costs, contingency fees, and the specific issues related to water damage like sewage backups. Their expertise in negotiating with insurance companies helps secure the necessary funds to cover your repairs and restore your home.

What’s more, contractors and flooring experts usually lack the Department of Insurance license required for legal representation in water damage claims. Public adjusters are state-licensed and able to provide legal support throughout your claim, managing the complexities of the process and helping you secure the full benefits you’re entitled to.

Finally, engaging a public adjuster means you’ll have expert support from start to finish in your claim. They will negotiate with your insurance company, provide valuable guidance, and handle all the required documentation. Their familiarity with the claims process usually translates into better outcomes than homeowners might secure alone.

The best news? A public adjuster’s fee is a small percentage of the settlement amount they negotiate with your insurance, and their goal is to increase this fair and reasonable amount to benefit you.

If water damage has impacted your property, ​Excel Adjusters​ in Manhattan Beach is prepared to assist. With a proven history of over 4,200 successful claims, we are committed to obtaining a fair resolution from your insurance provider. Contact us now for a free consultation.

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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