WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE WATER DAMAGE REBUILD PROCESS

Water damage restoration can vary greatly depending on the severity and type of damage. Each situation is unique, meaning the steps involved in rebuilding will differ from case to case. However, understanding the typical practices used in water damage rebuilds can help you navigate the process more confidently.

The timeline of events during a rebuild is crucial, especially when coordinating with your insurance company. There are also tips and tricks you can use to ensure that your insurer fully covers the necessary repairs and restoration.

Before starting any rebuild work in Santa Monica, there are essential steps that must be taken. Completing these steps properly can not only simplify the process but also ensure you get a fair settlement from your insurance provider.

Contact Us Today
Water Damage Rebuild

Step 01

Protect yourself and your home

It’s common knowledge that water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If water damage has occurred near electrical outlets or light fixtures, turn off both the water and main power supply immediately. Never touch standing water until you’re sure the electricity is disconnected. Additionally, stay away from rooms with sagging ceilings or floors, as these could collapse. If water has been present for over 24 hours, wearing a mask or avoiding the area entirely is advisable to prevent exposure to mold, lead, or asbestos.

Image for step 1

Step 02

Hire a Plumber

If you spot water damage in your home or business in Santa Monica, it’s critical to hire a licensed plumber immediately. They will locate the source of the leak and provide documentation regarding how long the leak has been present. Since insurance companies typically won’t cover leaks older than 14 days, having a professional determine the leak’s timeline can play a key role in ensuring your claim is approved.

Step 03

Collect Evidence

If you intend to file a claim with your insurance company, gather solid evidence to support it. Take clear photos and videos of the leak as it happens and document the damage to your floors, furniture, and other valuable belongings. Additionally, retain any broken appliances or devices like water heaters, pipes, or washing machines that may have caused the leak. This thorough documentation will help ensure your insurance company covers your claim effectively.

Image for step 3

Step 04

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

When filing a claim for water damage, your insurance provider will send an agent to assess the damage to your home. This inspection, called “field scoping,” helps determine the cause of the leak and what repairs are necessary. Based on their evaluation, an estimated cost for repairs will be prepared. Though the process might seem simple, hiring a licensed public adjuster in Santa Monica can safeguard your interests and ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.

It’s essential to recognize that not all water damage is covered by your standard homeowners insurance policy. Damage caused by flooding, neglected maintenance, or leaks that have persisted for an extended time is often excluded. To protect against flood-related damage, a separate flood insurance policy is required. If you have flood coverage, you can file a claim under that policy. Public adjusters can guide you through this process, ensuring you know what’s covered and what isn’t.

Additionally, insurance companies may determine the actual cash value of your repairs, factoring in depreciation, which can lower your final payout. A public adjuster can work to ensure you receive a fair valuation.

Image for step 4

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
Contact Us Today
Image for step 5

Step 05

Do Damage Control

Once you’ve taken the necessary photos and videos and submitted your claim, there are still precautions you can follow to prevent additional damage to your property:

  • 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

Given that mold can begin to develop within just 24 hours, it’s crucial to initiate the rebuilding process without delay. While the specifics of this process can differ based on individual situations, most water damage restoration projects generally involve the following steps:

Water Clean Up

Step 01

Water Clean-Up

The first priority is to remove the water. We suggest hiring a specialized water damage restoration company because they possess the right equipment and expertise to detect hidden water damage. Additionally, the water may contain harmful substances such as sewage, urine, chemicals, or mold, depending on the leak’s source. Professional technicians are equipped with protective gear and are well-versed in safety measures required for handling such hazardous materials during the cleanup process.

Fixing The Leak

Step 02

Fixing The Leak

Before any rebuilding efforts can begin, it is crucial to address and repair the leak. Neglecting this step could severely impact the effectiveness of your reconstruction. Insurance coverage usually extends to repairing the specific leak location but typically does not cover comprehensive re-piping of the entire house. Insurers generally rely on specialized leak detection services or experienced plumbers to accurately locate and repair the exact source of the leak. Ensuring this step is handled correctly is essential for a successful rebuild.

Step 03

Dry Job

Once the leak is fixed, the damaged areas need to be dried out. This prevents further water After repairing the leak, it’s crucial to dry out the affected areas to prevent additional water damage and inhibit mold growth. For optimal results, it’s advisable to engage a professional water damage restoration company. They employ advanced tools like industrial heaters, powerful dehumidifiers, and air movers to eliminate moisture and enhance air circulation. Additionally, air scrubbers may be used to capture and remove mold spores from the air.

It’s important to understand that after filing a claim with your insurance, the company might suggest a water damage restoration firm for the drying process. Be cautious, as some of these firms are affiliated with the insurance company. These companies often receive numerous assignments from insurers, sometimes up to 30 or more each month.

Since insurance companies have the authority to dictate the payout amounts for your water damage claims, they can exert considerable pressure on the restoration companies they endorse. This dynamic often results in a water damage repair firm hired through your insurer seeking shortcuts in the drying process to meet the expectations of the insurer they regularly collaborate with.

Instead of immediately opting for the water damage rebuild company recommended by your insurance, consider selecting a licensed and objective firm that ensures honest work. This independent contractor will usually handle billing directly with your insurance company. Provided the water damage results from an incident covered by your policy, your insurer should cover the costs. Choosing a firm that prioritizes transparency can help ensure you receive fair and thorough restoration services.

Step 04

Lead and asbestos abatement

Although most water damage repair companies aim for a minimally-invasive drying process, there are instances where removing drywall, insulation, or other irreparable materials is necessary. If your home was constructed before 1990, the rebuild company might conduct tests for lead and asbestos, as these materials could require special handling during the drying and reconstruction phases.

Each state has its own specific regulations and guidelines for handling lead and asbestos removal, with some states requiring licensed contractors to manage these hazardous materials. A reputable water damage restoration company will be well-versed in the regulations applicable to your state and can assist you through the necessary lead or asbestos abatement procedures if these materials are discovered.

Lead and asbestos abatement
For step 5-1
For step 5-2

Step 05

Cleaning Personal Belongings

Once the drying process is finished, it’s essential to treat your personal belongings with antimicrobial solutions to stop mold and bacteria from growing. This treatment should cover items such as carpets, clothing, furniture, and curtains.

Step 06

Rebuild

After the water has been removed and the area thoroughly dried, you can begin the rebuilding phase. This step involves assessing the damage and taking appropriate actions, which might include removing, repairing, or replacing affected materials and structural elements such as drywall, cabinets, hardwood floors, and potentially foundational components, depending on the extent of the damage.

While certain water damage rebuild companies may offer both drying and repair services, it’s wise to consult a reputable professional contractor for these tasks. Insurance companies often provide a list of vendors who can handle both aspects, but these vendors may lack the necessary expertise or may cut corners to save costs for the insurance company. As a result, many homeowners find themselves dissatisfied with the quality of work. Choosing a qualified contractor can ensure thorough and effective repairs.

Choosing a professional contractor you trust enhances the likelihood of receiving high-quality results. Additionally, with an estimate from your insurance claims manager detailing the coverage, you can negotiate with your contractor to ensure that the repairs stay within the budget provided by your insurance.

HOW A WATER DAMAGE REBUILD LOS ANGELES

Get Expert Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims In Santa Monica

Public adjusters in Santa Monica act as your personal advocate during the insurance claims process, unlike insurance adjusters who work directly for the insurance company. Their focus is to secure the fair and reasonable benefits from your policy. By hiring a public adjuster, you can avoid the stress of negotiating with your insurer. The public adjuster will manage all communications with the insurance company, allowing you to concentrate on restoring your normal life.

Public adjusters are skilled in negotiating with your insurance company to secure the benefits you’re entitled to. It’s ideal to reach out to a public adjuster at the start of your water damage claim, but they can also assist if:

    • If your insurance provider is denying coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use, a public adjuster can assist you by negotiating with the insurance company. They will strive to secure reimbursement for any temporary living costs incurred while your property undergoes repairs.
    • Unsatisfied with the repair quality of your home? A public adjuster can advocate for you, negotiating with your insurer to meet the “like-for-like” replacement standard stipulated in your policy, ensuring repairs match the original condition of your home.
    • If the insurance settlement offered is insufficient to restore your property to its pre-damage condition, a public adjuster can negotiate a better settlement. They work to process your fair and reasonable claim to cover all necessary repairs and return your property to its original state.

Wherever you are in the claims process, you might be asking—why should I hire a public adjuster if I can get repair estimates and handle the insurance negotiations on my own?

While you can handle the claims process on your own, most homeowners lack experience with water damage claims and in-depth knowledge of insurance policies and home repairs.

Plus, when it comes to your home, which is often one of your most treasured assets, it’s common to become emotionally invested. Public adjusters are dedicated to increasing fair and reasonable payouts for various insurance claims, including water damage, property damage, flood claims, and more. They are well-versed in aspects such as replacement costs, contingency fees, and the nuances of flood and sewage damage. With their expertise, they negotiate with insurance carriers to secure the best possible settlement for your repairs and ensure you get the financial support you need.

What’s more, contractors and flooring professionals typically lack the necessary Department of Insurance licensing, which means they can’t legally represent you during a water damage claim. In contrast, public adjusters are state-certified and equipped to offer full legal representation throughout your claim, ensuring that all aspects of your case are handled properly.

Finally, a public adjuster will be with you every step of the way during your claim process, offering expert guidance, negotiating on your behalf with the insurance company, and managing all the paperwork. Their in-depth knowledge and daily negotiation experience typically lead to settlements that exceed what homeowners usually manage on their own.

The best part? A public adjuster only takes a small percentage of the final settlement they secure with your insurance company, and they work diligently to fair and reasonable your claim’s payout.

If you’ve suffered water damage to your property, ​Excel Adjusters in Santa Monica​ is here to assist. With over 4,200 claims successfully settled, we are dedicated to ensuring you receive a fair settlement from your insurance. Reach out today for a complimentary consultation.

Contact Us Today
Excel Adjusters
Call:(213) 800-3333
Skip to content