Insurance claim reconstruction after water damage

Most water damage rebuilds are paid for through a homeowners or commercial property insurance claim. Flood Rewind specializes in that part of the process. We write a detailed reconstruction estimate, work with your adjuster on the scope, and then complete the rebuild. Our owner, Brock, has spent nearly two decades in property restoration and insurance claim settlement, on both the contractor and adjusting sides. That experience helps keep your claim moving and the scope fair.

Signs you need insurance claim reconstruction

It's a good time to call us if:

• Your mitigation company has finished, and your adjuster is asking for a rebuild estimate
• You've received an adjuster's estimate that doesn't seem to cover everything that was removed
• You're not sure which finishes, such as flooring, cabinets or paint, should be matched across rooms
• Your claim has stalled and your home is still torn up
• You want one contractor to handle the estimate, the insurance communication and the work

Our process after mitigation

Here's how we work through a claim:

1. After mitigation: we inspect the property once the mitigation company has confirmed the structure is dry.
2. Document: we record every affected room, material and finish, with measurements and photos.
3. Estimate: we prepare a line-item reconstruction estimate in Xactimate.
4. Coordinate: we communicate with your adjuster, answer questions and work toward an agreed scope that returns the property to its pre-loss condition with materials of like kind and quality.
5. Rebuild: we complete the work. You pay your deductible, and completed work carries a one-year workmanship warranty.

How insurance estimates are written

Most insurance carriers price property claims with estimating software, and Xactimate is the most widely used. These estimates break the job into line items, such as removing and replacing drywall, taping, applying texture, priming, painting and detaching and resetting fixtures. Each line item uses a unit price for your region.

Your adjuster writes one estimate, and the contractor's estimate is compared against it. Differences usually come from:

• Missing items: texture, primer, painting baseboards, detaching and resetting appliances, or protecting adjoining rooms.
• Quantities: square footage, wall height, or the number of doors and cabinets.
• Matching: whether continuous flooring, cabinets or paint should be replaced beyond the damaged area.

We write our estimates in Xactimate, the same software insurance adjusters use, and adjust line items to local pricing when real costs differ. Because both estimates use the same format, your adjuster can compare ours with theirs line by line, and any local pricing adjustments are easy to see and discuss.

How supplements work

Some damage only shows up once reconstruction starts. Removing flooring might reveal a damaged subfloor, pulling cabinets might expose framing that needs repair, or a code requirement might add work. When that happens, the contractor submits a supplement: a request to add the newly found items to the approved scope, backed by photos and line items. The adjuster reviews it, and the carrier decides what to approve. Supplements are a normal part of many claims. Clear documentation helps them move faster.

Matching and like kind and quality

Most policies call for repairs with materials of like kind and quality to what was damaged. Matching questions come up most often with flooring that runs through several rooms, kitchen cabinets that are no longer made, and paint or texture on large walls and ceilings. We document what you had before the loss and explain the options when an exact match isn't possible, so your adjuster can make an informed decision.

Permits and code items

Electrical, plumbing and structural repairs may need a permit, depending on your city and scope. Building codes may also require upgrades that weren't in the original construction. Some policies include ordinance or law coverage for those costs, so check with your agent or adjuster. We handle permits when your project needs them and include inspections in the schedule.

What to have ready when you call

A few things help us get started quickly:

• Your claim number and your adjuster's name and contact information
• The mitigation company's paperwork, including photos and a list of what was removed
• Any estimate your adjuster has already sent you
• Photos of the rooms before the loss, if you have them, which help with matching finishes
• Notes on any upgrades you're considering, so we can price them separately from the covered scope

If you don't have everything yet, call anyway. We can start with the walk-through and fill in the rest as the claim moves forward.

Materials and options

A claim can cover any part of the rebuild:

• Drywall, ceilings and painting
• Flooring and hardwood
• Trim carpentry and framing, electrical and plumbing
• Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and finished basements
• Commercial spaces

If you'd like to upgrade, for example to new cabinets from our cabinet options, we'll show you the difference between the covered scope and the upgrade.

Insurance claim tips

A few tips that help any claim:

• Report the loss to your insurer promptly and keep your claim number handy.
• Keep receipts for any supplies you bought and any out-of-pocket costs.
• Take photos before and after mitigation.
• Ask your adjuster which parts of the loss are covered and whether any endorsements apply, such as sump pump coverage.

We're glad to help you understand the estimate and the next steps.

They dry it, we fix it

Flood Rewind is a reconstruction company. The property's mitigation company handles the dry-out, and once they confirm the structure is dry, we take over the rebuild.

Areas we serve

We rebuild homes and businesses across the Kansas City metro from our office at 15275 Metcalf Ave in Overland Park, including Overland Park, KS, Olathe, KS, Lenexa, KS, Leawood, KS, Shawnee, KS, Gardner, KS, Spring Hill, KS, Stilwell, KS, Lawrence, KS, Leavenworth, KS, Kansas City, MO and KS, Lee's Summit, MO, Blue Springs, MO and Liberty, MO. See all of our service areas.

What our customers say

"Jake worked with us on putting our kitchen and half bath back into shape after water damage from the upper floor. What a wonderful help he was, always ready to answer any questions, oversee the work being done, and bending over backwards to make sure we were satisfied with the outcome. Jake could always be counted on for having the job done right, working closely with our insurance company, and being helpful, friendly and full of integrity. I highly recommend this company and give it a strong 5 out of 5 star review!!"

— Gayle M., Google review

Read our reviews on Google.

Frequently asked questions

Do you work directly with my insurance adjuster?

Yes. We prepare a detailed estimate and communicate with your adjuster on the scope of repairs.

Who pays for the reconstruction?

In a covered claim, your insurance company pays for the approved rebuild, and you pay your deductible.

What if the adjuster's estimate seems too low?

We'll review it against what was damaged and removed, and share our documentation with your adjuster to discuss any differences.

Can I choose my own contractor?

In general, yes. You can choose the contractor you want to rebuild your property. Check your policy for specifics.

Can I upgrade materials during a claim rebuild?

Yes. You pay the difference between the covered scope and your upgrade, and we'll show you that cost before work begins.

Do I need to wait for the adjuster before calling you?

No. You can call us once your mitigation company is finished. We'll inspect the property and prepare an estimate that can be shared with your adjuster.

What is a supplement?

A supplement is a request to add items to an approved claim scope when more damage is found during reconstruction, such as a damaged subfloor under flooring. It's submitted with photos and line items for the adjuster to review.

Can I live at home during the rebuild?

Often, yes, when the damage is limited to part of the house. If your kitchen or only bathroom is out of service, ask your adjuster whether your policy includes loss-of-use coverage.

Ready to rebuild?

Once your mitigation company is finished, call Flood Rewind at (913) 732-7220 or request an estimate. We'll walk through the damage with you, write a detailed reconstruction estimate, and work with your insurance company on the rebuild.

Flood Rewind · 15275 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66223 · (913) 732-7220 · Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

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