Water Damage During Remodel
Hi everyone,
I tried searching for similar posts but couldn’t find the specific information I need. If there’s a thread that addresses this, I apologize and would appreciate being pointed in that direction.
We’ve been in the midst of a major remodel for several months now. I recently reached out to my insurance company about upgrading our policy and was advised to switch to a builder’s policy. While I’m still in the process of making that change, I received a call from a city worker who informed me that he had to shut off my water supply due to a staggering 200,000 gallons recorded on the meter. He peeked through the window and noticed that the bathroom was flooding.
Since the house is currently vacant due to the renovations, I’m relieved that the damage doesn’t seem too severe. The water is now turned off, and I’m focused on drying everything out and assessing the damage.
I’m looking for insights on what to expect from my insurance company if I file a claim. Am I at a disadvantage because the house was vacant? Will my current policy situation complicate matters? Any advice you could share would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I’m sorry to hear about the water damage during your remodel. It can be really stressful to deal with issues like this, especially when navigating insurance claims. Since you’re transitioning to a builder’s policy, it might complicate your situation, but here are some general steps and considerations:
Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the damage, your water meter readings, and any ongoing work or repairs. This documentation will be crucial for your insurance claim.
Review Your Policies: If you haven’t done so already, read through your existing homeowner’s policy and the new builder’s policy. Look for any clauses regarding vacant properties, water damage, and potential exclusions. Sometimes policies have specific stipulations for vacant homes.
Contact Your Insurance Adjuster: Once you file your claim, discuss your specific situation with your insurance adjuster. Be upfront about the renovations and the fact that the home is currently vacant. They can provide guidance on what coverage applies.
Consider Timeframes: Some insurance policies have time limits on how long a home can be vacant before coverage is affected. If you’re nearing that mark, it could affect your claim.
Mitigation Steps: It’s great that you’re already working on drying out the space and assessing the damage. Document all your actions to mitigate further damage, as this can positively impact your claim.
Seek Professional Help: Depending on the extent of the damage, you might want to hire a water damage restoration company. They can provide an official assessment of the damage, which can be helpful for your claim.
Keep Records: Save all correspondence with your insurance company and any contractors you hire. Tracking your efforts and communications can help streamline the claims process.
It’s hard to say exactly how your insurance company will respond since it can vary widely by policy and provider. But being proactive, prepared, and informed will give you the best chance of a favorable outcome. Good luck with everything, and I hope you get this resolved quickly!