WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

The severity and type of water damage vary, meaning the rebuild process is different for every situation. That said, it’s important to understand the typical steps that are part of a standard water damage rebuild.

A structured timeline of events during the rebuild process will help you work with your insurance company more effectively. With a few insider tips, you can ensure your insurer provides coverage for the necessary repairs.

Before the rebuild in Northridge starts, there are key steps that should be taken first. These steps are critical to the claims process and can play a significant role in helping you obtain a fair settlement from your insurance provider.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, so if you notice water damage near outlets or light fixtures, turn off the water and power supplies. Avoid touching any standing water until you are sure the electricity has been shut off. Stay out of rooms with sagging ceilings or floors, which could be unstable. If water has been present for more than 24 hours, it’s wise to wear a mask or avoid the building to reduce the risk of exposure to mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

Upon detecting water damage in your home or business in Northridge, it’s crucial to enlist a licensed plumber to pinpoint the source of the leak. They can determine how long the leak has persisted, which is crucial because most insurance companies won’t cover leaks older than 14 days. A licensed professional can help by providing the necessary evidence to ensure your insurance claim is valid and stands a better chance of being accepted.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

If you’re getting ready to file an insurance claim, make sure to gather the right evidence. Take pictures and videos of the leak in action and document any damage caused to your floors, furniture, or other possessions. Additionally, retain any damaged appliances, such as broken pipes or malfunctioning water heaters. This detailed evidence will be key to securing coverage from your insurance company and ensuring your claim is handled properly.

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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, an insurance representative will visit your home to conduct a field scoping inspection. During this visit, they’ll assess the source of the leak and determine what repairs need to be made. This evaluation helps them provide an estimate of repair costs. Although the process appears straightforward, hiring a licensed public adjuster in Northridge will ensure your interests are properly represented, increasing your fair and reasonable chances of receiving the full compensation for your claim.

It’s important to recognize that not all forms of water damage are covered by your typical homeowners insurance policy. Flood damage, issues stemming from poor maintenance, or long-standing leaks are usually excluded. To address flood-related damages, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy. Public adjusters can guide you through the process, ensuring you’re fully aware of what’s covered by your policy and helping you with the claims process when filing for water damage repairs.

Additionally, insurance companies may calculate the actual cash value for repairs, applying depreciation, which decreases your final payment. A public adjuster can help ensure you receive a fairer and more accurate settlement.

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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 documented the damage and filed a claim, you can take additional steps to safeguard your property and reduce any further potential harm:

  • 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

Mold can begin to form within just 24 hours, so starting the rebuild process as soon as possible is critical. Although the details may vary based on individual circumstances, most water damage repair jobs generally include these necessary steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The first thing to do is remove the water. We recommend hiring a professional water damage restoration company as they have the right tools and are trained to detect hidden damage. The water could also be contaminated with sewage, urine, or other harmful chemicals, depending on the leak source. These experts use protective equipment and are knowledgeable about the safety measures needed to handle and clean these hazards properly.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

To proceed with your rebuilding project, the leak must be fixed first. Neglecting this repair can compromise the success of your entire reconstruction. Insurance usually covers repairs at the specific location of the leak but does not provide coverage for re-piping the full house. Typically, insurance companies will engage leak detection experts or specialized plumbers to locate and repair the leak accurately. Proper repair of the leak is crucial for a successful and effective rebuild.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak is repaired, drying out the affected areas is crucial to prevent additional damage and control mold growth. Engaging a water damage restoration service is recommended for this task. They use commercial-grade equipment such as heaters, dehumidifiers, and powerful air movers to effectively remove moisture and improve air circulation. Air scrubbers may also be utilized to remove mold spores from the air.

Note that after filing a claim with your insurance, the company may suggest a particular water damage restoration company to perform the drying work. However, some of these firms are linked directly with insurers and often receive numerous job referrals, up to 30 or more per month.

The control that insurance companies have over water damage claim payouts enables them to apply leverage over their recommended restoration vendors. This often results in a water damage repair company chosen by your insurance looking for shortcuts in the drying process to meet the expectations of the insurance company they frequently deal with.

Instead of automatically going with the water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurer, find a licensed and objective firm that offers honest work. This company will typically bill your insurance directly. As long as the water damage is from a covered event, your insurance provider should cover the cost. An independent contractor can provide thorough and unbiased restoration services, avoiding potential conflicts with the insurance company.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Although many water damage repair companies aim to minimize disruption, some scenarios require the removal of drywall, insulation, or other irreparable materials. If your home was built before 1990, it may be subjected to lead and asbestos testing, as these materials could complicate the drying and rebuilding process.

Lead and asbestos removal regulations differ from one state to another, with some states mandating that only licensed contractors manage these hazardous substances. A trustworthy water damage restoration company will understand the local regulations and provide assistance with lead or asbestos abatement if these materials are present in your property.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Following the drying process, apply antimicrobial treatments to your personal belongings to prevent mold and bacterial contamination. This includes carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other items that may have been impacted by the water damage.

Step 06

Rebuild

After the water has been successfully removed and drying is complete, you can start the rebuild. This process will vary depending on the damage level and might involve removing, repairing, or replacing parts of your home, including drywall, cabinetry, hardwood floors, and possibly structural elements like the foundation.

Although it’s common for water damage restoration companies to provide both drying and repair services, seeking a reputable contractor for these tasks is usually recommended. Insurance companies might offer a list of vendors who perform both functions, but these vendors may compromise on quality to save money. This can result in dissatisfaction with the repairs. A well-regarded contractor can ensure that both the drying and repair work meet high standards.

Hiring a contractor you trust can lead to superior results. Plus, with an estimate from your insurance adjuster about the coverage, you can work with your contractor to negotiate and ensure that the repair costs stay within the budget allocated by your insurance policy.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims In Northridge

Public adjusters in Northridge act as your representative during the claims process, unlike insurance adjusters who represent the insurance company’s interests. Their role is to ensure you receive the fair and reasonable benefits from your policy. By hiring a public adjuster, you avoid the stress of direct negotiations with your insurer. They will handle all communications and paperwork, letting you focus on getting back to your normal routine.

Public adjusters can negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. While it’s best to get a public adjuster involved early in your water damage claim, they can still be valuable if:

    • If your insurance company is not covering Additional Living Expenses or Loss of Use, a public adjuster can assist you. They will negotiate with your insurer to make sure you are reimbursed for any costs incurred while your home is being repaired.
    • If you’re dissatisfied with the quality of the repairs to your home, a public adjuster can step in to negotiate with your insurance company. They’ll ensure that the repair work meets the “like-for-like” standards specified in your policy.
    • When the insurance settlement provided does not cover the full extent of repairs needed to restore your home to its pre-damage state, a public adjuster can work to negotiate a higher settlement amount, ensuring all necessary repairs are funded.

Whether you’re just starting or further along in the claims process, you might ask—why is hiring a public adjuster important when I can manage obtaining repair estimates and negotiating with the insurance company on my own?

Although handling the claims process on your own is possible, most homeowners usually lack the experience and detailed knowledge necessary for managing water damage claims and dealing with insurance policies and home repairs.

Plus, given that your home is one of your most valuable assets, emotional involvement in the claims process is expected. Public adjusters focus on increasing fair and reasonable insurance payouts for a variety of claims, including those for water damage and flood damage. They are well-informed about replacement costs, contingency fees, and related issues like sewage backups. Their negotiation skills with insurance carriers help ensure you receive the full compensation needed for repairing and restoring your home.

What’s more, many contractors and floor experts do not have the Department of Insurance license necessary for legal representation in water damage claims. Public adjusters, in contrast, are state-licensed and can offer comprehensive legal guidance throughout your claim, managing the entire process to ensure you receive appropriate compensation.

Finally, engaging a public adjuster means expert support at every stage of your claim. They’ll negotiate with the insurance company, provide guidance, and handle all the paperwork. Their extensive knowledge and experience often lead to settlements that are more favorable than those usually secured by homeowners independently.

The key benefit? A public adjuster earns a modest percentage of the settlement amount they negotiate and is committed to doing everything possible to increase your fair and reasonable claim with your insurance company.

For those facing water damage, ​Excel Adjusters in Northridge​ can offer expert assistance. We have settled more than 4,200 claims and are committed to ensuring you get a fair adjustment from your insurance provider. Reach out today for a free consultation.

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Call:(213) 800-3333
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