Case Study: Insurance Restoration After Flood Damage
Project Overview
When a busted water line flooded a slab home in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Morreau Construction managed the entire restoration from Paducah, KY — from insurance coordination and demolition through rebuild and finish selections.
- Project Type: Insurance Restoration — Water Damage
- Home Size: ~2,800 sq ft — Slab-on-Grade
- Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Managed By: Ryan Morreau, MCM — from Paducah, KY
What Happened
A busted water line caused extensive flooding throughout a slab-on-grade home in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Because the home was built on a slab foundation, the water had no place to drain — it spread across the entire floor level, saturating flooring, baseboards, lower cabinetry, drywall, and insulation throughout affected areas.
Ryan managed the entire project from Paducah, Kentucky — driving down to Gulf Shores for critical phases including demolition oversight, scope documentation, carrier walkthroughs, and key construction milestones. The distance didn't reduce the level of management. It demonstrated that disciplined construction management is about process and communication, not proximity.
The Challenges
The water affected the home broadly, which meant the scope of demolition and replacement touched nearly every area of the first floor. Once demolition began, it became clear that the original construction had issues that were never visible from the outside. Some of these defects had actually contributed to the severity of the flooding. These conditions needed to be documented, reported to the insurance carrier, and addressed as part of the restoration.
Without a construction manager actively documenting and communicating these discoveries to the carrier, homeowners often end up absorbing costs that should have been covered.
How We Managed It
Ryan handled the insurance reporting directly — documenting damage as it was uncovered, communicating with the adjuster, filing supplemental claims for hidden conditions discovered during demolition, and ensuring the scope of covered work was accurately defined. The homeowner didn't have to navigate the insurance process alone.
As demolition progressed, the original build defects that had been hidden behind finished surfaces became visible. These were documented with photos and detailed descriptions, reported to the carrier as discoveries, and incorporated into the restoration scope. This proactive documentation ensured the homeowner wasn't left paying for repairs that were directly related to the insured event.
When a home is stripped down to studs in multiple areas, there's an opportunity to make improvements — but only if someone is managing that conversation within the constraints of insurance coverage. Ryan guided the homeowner through finish selections, identified upgrade opportunities that stayed within coverage parameters, and communicated clearly when a choice would exceed coverage so the homeowner could make an informed decision.
What Insurance Restoration Actually Requires
Insurance restoration adds a layer of complexity that standard remodels don't have. The contractor isn't just managing construction — they're managing a three-way relationship between the homeowner, the insurance carrier, and the build team.
What this requires:
- Detailed damage documentation from day one
- Direct communication with the insurance adjuster
- Supplemental claim filing when hidden conditions are discovered
- Scope management within coverage parameters
- Finish selection guidance that maximizes coverage
- Clear communication when upgrades exceed coverage limits
When this is handled proactively with clear documentation and direct communication, the homeowner stays protected and the project stays on track. When it's not, homeowners end up absorbing costs that should have been covered and making decisions without the information they need.
The Outcome
The home was fully restored with new flooring, drywall, cabinetry, baseboards, and insulation throughout the affected areas. The hidden defects from the original build were addressed. The homeowner received finish upgrades that stayed within their insurance coverage. And the entire process was managed by one person who handled the insurance coordination, the construction management, and the decision guidance — even from hundreds of miles away.
Dealing With Property Damage?
If your home has been damaged and you're navigating an insurance claim, Morreau Construction can manage the entire restoration — from carrier coordination and scope documentation through rebuild and finish selections.
One call. One point of contact. Every issue addressed directly.
Contact Ryan Morreau to discuss your restoration project.