When fire or water hits your home, the hardest part often isn't the damage — it's the not knowing. Claims can stall for weeks, and most homeowners are left wondering what's happening and when their lives get back to normal. Here's the entire journey, step by step, so you always know exactly where you are.
Step 1 — Emergency mitigation (first 24–72 hours). The first priority is stopping the damage from getting worse — water extraction, drying, tarping the roof, boarding up. We bring in our trusted, certified mitigation partners to handle this fast, and we coordinate it for you. Everything is documented with photos and readings, because it becomes part of your claim.
Step 2 — File your claim & meet the adjuster. You file with your carrier; they assign an adjuster who inspects the damage. We meet the adjuster on-site and document the full scope so nothing gets missed.
Step 3 — Claim review & approval. Your carrier reviews and issues an approved scope and payment — usually the Actual Cash Value first. ⏳ This is where most of the waiting happens — and it's on the insurance company's side, not yours.
Step 4 — Scope agreement & supplements. Sometimes the first approval doesn't cover everything the repair truly needs. We document the gap and file supplements with the adjuster to get the scope right. This is another common cause of delay — and exactly where having a contractor who works claims every day pays off.
Step 5 — Repairs & rebuild. Once the scope and funds are aligned, we order materials (island lead times can add a little time) and rebuild your home. You track progress, photos, and approvals on your live client portal the whole way.
Step 6 — Final walkthrough & completion. We finish a punch list and walk the completed work with you to make sure it's right.
Step 7 — Depreciation release & warranty. After completion, your carrier releases the remaining recoverable depreciation; we send the final invoice, and your 1-year workmanship warranty begins.
Why claims feel slow — and how we fix it. Most delays come from the carrier's review and supplement process, plus material lead times to the islands — things no contractor controls. But the frustration comes from being left in the dark, and that part we fix: we deal with the carrier and adjuster directly, file the supplements, and keep every step visible on your portal — so you're never left for months wondering "what's happening with my home?"
Dealing with fire or water damage on Oʻahu? Call or text (808) 840-3193 — we'll guide you from the first day to the final walkthrough.