Encore Construction Releases Guide on Handling Water Damage Claims

Arlington, Washington, On October 11, 2026, Encore Construction, a family-owned restoration contractor serving Western Washington, released a new homeowner guide aimed at helping residents avoid costly mistakes when dealing with water damage and insurance claims.

The guide addresses a common question homeowners face after a plumbing leak or flood: who to contact first when both immediate cleanup and an insurance claim may be necessary. According to the company, an initial assessment by a restoration contractor can help homeowners document the extent of the damage accurately. This documentation is crucial when discussing the loss with an insurance adjuster, as it can significantly impact the claims process.

Lokhmatov, the spokesperson for Encore Construction, explained that prompt action is key to minimizing damage and ensuring proper coverage.

The guide advises homeowners to notify their insurers promptly, in line with their policy requirements. Encore Construction points out that while insurance companies may recommend a preferred provider, policyholders have the right to choose their own contractor. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner confirms that homeowners are not required to use a contractor selected by their insurer.

Encore Construction's services include water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire damage restoration, and biohazard cleanup. The company handles the entire process with its own crews, from emergency mitigation and contents packout to full reconstruction, without relying on subcontractors. The company operates a 13,000-square-foot storage warehouse and has an in-house team that manages insurance claim documentation and coordination. Encore Construction holds an active Washington general contractor registration (ENCORCL857K6), with $1 million in general liability insurance coverage. The company offers free on-site inspections and responds to restoration emergencies 24/7. For more information, visit encorerestore.com.

The guide also covers what to expect during the claims process and why homeowners should notify their insurers promptly in accordance with their policy requirements. Encore recommends getting professional help documenting water damage as early as possible. A restoration contractor can identify affected materials and provide photographs and moisture readings that help homeowners give their insurance company an accurate account of the loss. About 95% of Encore's projects are paid through homeowners insurance. During a free inspection, a project manager measures and photographs the damage and explains what the homeowner can expect from the insurer.

Washington homeowners have the right to choose their own contractor for covered repairs, even when their insurance company recommends a preferred provider. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner confirms that policyholders are not required to use a contractor selected by their insurer. Calling a contractor first does not mean waiting to file. Encore stresses that delay is the costliest mistake it sees.

Homeowners who have already opened a claim can still bring in their own contractor. "That works too, no problem."

The company also points to the paperwork behind a claim, which includes line-item estimates, work authorizations, and thousands of job-site photos. Encore's in-house team prepares that file and handles the correspondence with the adjuster.

Encore Construction is a locally owned, family-run restoration company serving residential and commercial clients across Skagit, Snohomish, King, Whatcom, and Island counties in Washington. Founded in 2015, the company provides water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire damage restoration, and biohazard cleanup. Encore handles the entire process with its own crews, from emergency mitigation and contents packout to full reconstruction, without relying on subcontractors. The company operates a 13,000-square-foot storage warehouse and has an in-house team that manages insurance claim documentation and coordination. Encore Construction holds an active Washington general contractor registration (ENCORCL857K6), with $1 million in general liability insurance coverage. The company offers free on-site inspections and responds to restoration emergencies 24/7. For more information, visit encorerestore.com.