Make remodeling flooded home as simple as possible
When Hurricane Harvey struck, Houston was forever changed. With more than 134,500 residents affected by the storm, the devastation was substantial.
But it didn’t take long for the shock and disbelief to turn into an outpouring of love and support. The people of Houston rallied around one another, creating a community stronger than before.
As the city continues to rebuild and recover, the thought of remodeling a flooded home can be daunting, emotionally and financially.
These tips will guide you through the remodeling process, making it as simple and seamless as possible. If your home was affected by the storm, or you know someone who was, keep the following in mind:
• First and foremost, make sure all waterdamaged materials are completely dry and free of mold.
• Decide what your budget is and make a plan accordingly.
Will you be rebuilding the same home as before the flood? Or is there anything you want to change? This is a great opportunity to update and modify your home. If you decide to update, find a designer who can provide you with options and ideas for you to see.
You also can find free websites that allow you to design your home yourself (with limited capabilities).
• After you have a budget and plan in place, find a general contractor. It’s recommended that you contact at least three contractors. Check their references and online portfolio. Be cautious of any surprisingly low estimates. Most reputable general contractors will provide estimates that are in the same ball park. Keep in mind you get what you pay for. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Once you have a general contractor who has agreed upon your plan and budget, it’s time to take a deep breath. Due to Harvey, labor force and material availability has been abnormal, especially regarding sheetrockers, trim carpenters and tile installers. It’s important to exercise patience and to be prepared for delays during these stages of construction.
• If you are either planning on living in the house during the remodel or keeping personal belongings in the undamaged part of the house, be prepared for construction dust — a lot of it. Even with your best efforts put in place, dust will be sure to find its way into your personal items. If you don’t use a professional company to section off the undamaged part of the house, remember to block off all entries to the undamaged areas, as well as every air duct in the construction zone. If you have the option to move all your belongings into storage and/or have temporary housing elsewhere, it is recommended that you do so.
• Finally, keep your A/C off during the first part of construction. If the A/C remains on, it will suck in construction dust, potentially damaging the coils. It is best to keep the A/C off until the home is ready for floor installation. If you don’t have the option to turn off the A/C, be sure to replace the filters every couple of weeks.
With those remodeling tips and tricks, hopefully your home renovation will be a breeze.