WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Because the type and severity of water damage vary from person to person, the rebuild process is rarely the same for everyone. Despite this, understanding the basic practices of a water damage rebuild can help guide you.

The timeline of events that typically occur during the rebuild process is important to know, especially when it comes to ensuring that your insurance company covers the necessary repairs. Using the right techniques can improve your chances of getting full coverage.

Before the rebuild in Pasadena can begin, you must follow certain initial steps. These steps are important for the claims process and can greatly assist in securing a fair settlement from your insurer, ensuring that all damages are addressed properly.

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Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

Everyone knows the dangers of mixing water and electricity. If water damage occurs near electrical outlets or light fixtures, immediately turn off both the water and power supplies. Avoid touching standing water until the electricity is off. Also, steer clear of rooms with sagging ceilings or floors, which may collapse. If water has been present for more than 24 hours, either wear a mask or avoid the building to prevent inhaling hazardous materials like mold, lead, or asbestos.

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Step 02

Hire a Plumber

If you see water damage in your home or business in Pasadena, hire a licensed plumber to quickly locate the source of the leak. They can provide documentation of how long the leak has been active. Insurance companies generally do not cover leaks that have been ongoing for more than 14 days, so getting a professional assessment and timeline from an insurance adjuster is vital for your claim’s success.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

If you’re submitting a claim to your insurance adjuster, be sure to gather thorough evidence. Photograph and videotape the leak as it occurs, and don’t forget to document the damage to your flooring, furniture, and other personal items. Keep any broken pipes, washing machines, or water heaters that caused the issue. This documentation will be crucial in securing coverage from your insurance company, ensuring that your claim is properly handled and compensated.

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Step 04

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

When you file a water damage claim, an insurance agent will inspect your home to evaluate the damage. This inspection, called field scoping, involves determining how the leak occurred and identifying necessary repairs or replacements. The agent will use this assessment to estimate the repair costs. Although the process might seem simple, hiring a public adjuster in Pasadena can be critical in ensuring your interests are protected and you receive fair compensation from your insurance provider.

Be aware that not all types of water damage are covered under a typical homeowners insurance policy. Damage from floods, inadequate maintenance, or leaks that have persisted over time often aren’t covered. Flood insurance is required for flood-related claims. Public adjusters can assist in navigating the complexities of water damage claims, helping you understand what your policies cover and ensuring you are well-informed when filing any necessary claims with your insurer.

Additionally, insurers frequently use the actual cash value method, adjusting for depreciation and lowering the payout. A public adjuster can assist in negotiating a fair valuation, ensuring you aren’t shortchanged.

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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 photo and video documentation is completed and your claim is officially filed, there are some precautionary measures you can follow to minimize any additional damage to your items:

  • 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

Because mold can begin to grow within 24 hours, it’s important to get started on the repair process as soon as possible. The process can vary based on each property owner’s unique situation, but most water damage recovery projects include these standard steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

Removing the water is the crucial first step. We suggest hiring a professional water damage restoration service because they possess the necessary equipment and expertise to locate concealed water damage. Depending on the leak’s source, the water could be contaminated with substances like sewage, urine, or chemicals. Professionals are trained to use protective gear and follow proper safety procedures to handle these hazards during the cleanup.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Addressing and repairing the leak is a necessary first step before any rebuilding can commence. If this step is ignored, it could significantly affect the outcome of your reconstruction efforts. Insurance often covers the repair of the specific leak location but does not include re-piping the entire home. Insurance providers typically employ leak detection professionals or specialized plumbers to accurately locate and repair the leak. Properly managing this repair is essential for a successful and effective rebuild.

Step 03

Dry Job

Following the repair of the leak, it is essential to dry the damaged areas thoroughly to prevent additional water damage and limit mold growth. For optimal results, consider contacting a water damage restoration specialist. They use professional-grade equipment, including heaters, dehumidifiers, and powerful air movers, to remove moisture and improve air circulation. Additionally, air scrubbers might be used to eliminate mold particles from the air.

It’s essential to realize that if you file a claim with your insurance, they may suggest a water damage repair company to handle the drying. However, be cautious as some of these companies work mainly for the insurance company and may be assigned numerous jobs each month, often exceeding 30.

Given that insurance companies determine the payout for water damage claims, they can leverage this power to influence their associated repair firms. This can lead a water damage restoration company selected by your insurance to seek shortcuts during the drying process, aiming to meet the demands and expectations of the insurer they regularly work with.

Instead of defaulting to the water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurance, find a licensed and impartial firm that offers honest work. This independent company will typically bill your insurance directly. Provided the damage is due to an event covered by your policy, your insurance should cover the payment. An unbiased contractor can provide more reliable and transparent services, ensuring that your restoration needs are met fairly.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Although water damage rebuild companies generally seek to avoid extensive removal, there are instances where drywall, insulation, and other non-repairable materials must be taken out. Homes built prior to 1990 may require testing for lead and asbestos, as these materials could affect both the drying and repair processes.

State laws governing lead and asbestos removal vary, with some states requiring that only specially-licensed contractors handle these hazardous materials. A trusted water damage restoration company will be knowledgeable about the specific requirements in your state and offer assistance with lead or asbestos abatement if necessary.

Lead and asbestos abatement
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Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

After the drying is finished, ensure that all personal items receive antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacteria. This should cover carpets, clothing, furniture, curtains, and any other items potentially affected by the water damage.

Step 06

Rebuild

After the water removal and drying are completed, you can start the rebuild process. The specific steps will depend on the damage extent and may include removing, repairing, or replacing various materials and structural elements like drywall, cabinetry, hardwood floors, and possibly even foundational components.

Some water damage rebuild companies offer both drying and repair services, but it’s recommended to consult a highly-regarded contractor for these tasks. Insurance companies may provide a list of such vendors, but these vendors often cut corners to save money for the insurance provider. This can lead to dissatisfaction with the work performed. Opting for a reputable contractor can ensure more effective and satisfactory repairs.

Working with a reliable contractor generally results in better quality work. Moreover, with an estimate from your insurance claims adjuster on what the coverage includes, you can negotiate with your contractor to ensure that repair expenses remain within the budget provided by your insurance policy.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims In Pasadena

In the insurance claims process in Pasadena, public adjusters work for you, unlike insurance adjusters who are employed by the insurance company. Their role is to help you obtain the fair and reasonable benefits from your policy. Once a public adjuster is on board, you can relax knowing they will manage all communication and negotiations with your insurer, letting you focus on getting back to your regular routine.

Public adjusters can effectively negotiate with your insurance company to secure the benefits you deserve. Although it’s optimal to contact a public adjuster at the start of your water damage claim, they can still assist if:

    • If your insurance provider is not covering Additional Living Expenses or Loss of Use, a public adjuster can help by negotiating with your insurer. They’ll work to ensure you receive reimbursement for any temporary living expenses while your home is being repaired.
    • Unsatisfied with the quality of the repair work done on your home? A public adjuster can advocate on your behalf to negotiate with your insurance company, ensuring that the repairs adhere to the “like-for-like” standard described in your policy.
    • When the insurance settlement is inadequate to cover all repairs required to bring your property back to its pre-damage condition, a public adjuster can work to secure a higher settlement amount, making sure your property is fully restored.

During any part of the claims process, you might ask—why do I need a public adjuster when I can take care of getting repair estimates and negotiating with the insurance company on my own?

While handling the claims process independently is an option, most homeowners don’t typically have the expertise in water damage claims or a comprehensive understanding of insurance policies and repair procedures.

Plus, considering the deep emotional attachment people often have to their homes, it’s crucial to have expert assistance when dealing with damage. Public adjusters work to increase fair and reasonable insurance payouts for a range of claims, including water damage and property damage. They are skilled in handling complex issues like replacement costs, contingency fees, and flood damage, including sewage backups. Their expertise in negotiating with insurance carriers helps ensure you receive the financial support required to repair and restore your home.

What’s more, because contractors and flooring experts generally do not hold a Department of Insurance license, they are not legally authorized to represent you in a water damage claim. Public adjusters, by contrast, are state-licensed and can offer comprehensive legal representation, guiding you through each step of the claims process to achieve the best possible result.

Finally, having a public adjuster means you’ll get comprehensive support during your claim process. They will manage negotiations with your insurance company, offer expert advice, and take care of all paperwork. Their extensive experience in insurance claims usually ensures better settlements than homeowners generally achieve independently.

The best thing? A public adjuster only takes a small cut from the settlement they negotiate with your insurance company and will work tirelessly to increase the fair and reasonable amount of your claim.

If your property has sustained water damage, ​Excel Adjusters in Pasadena​ is here to help. Having settled over 4,200 claims, we are committed to obtaining fair adjustments from your insurance company. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and expert assistance.

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