HOW TO CLEAN AND REMODEL YOUR HOME AFTER A FLOOD

Whether you’re a hurricane victim or have suffered a minor flood, your home will need a thorough cleaning and restoration. A little time and professional help can turn your house into a livable space again.

Start Cleanup With a Water Extraction Plan

HOW TO CLEAN AND REMODEL YOUR HOME AFTER A FLOOD first step in any clean-up job is to assess the damage. Look for any visible signs of weakened structural integrity or damage to electricity and gas lines.

If a storm has damaged the power and/or gas lines, call the utility companies immediately.

Before you begin the cleanup process, consider taking pictures of all areas affected by the flooding and the contents of your house. These photos will help substantiate your insurance claim and provide you with peace of mind.

When Disaster Strikes: How to Clean and Remodel Your Home After a Flood and Get Your Life Back on Track

Be sure to wear the proper protective equipment, such as rubber or plastic boots, gloves and a mask for breathing in dust and sand. This is especially important if you’re cleaning contaminated soil or mold-infested surfaces.

Make Use of Your Vac System

Once you’ve removed the bulk of the water, vacuum the floors with a dry-only vacuum cleaner or wet/dry shop vac to remove any remaining particles. If you don’t have a vacuum, you can rent one from a hardware or home supply store for around $150 to $500.

It’s a good idea to move any valuable furniture, books and other belongings that flooded to the upper floor, where they can be more easily cleaned. You’ll also want to take the items that came into contact with sewer water and contaminated groundwater away to a safe place, as these can potentially become mold-infested.