Living in Florida comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to the weather. Unfortunately, floods from severe storms are a part of these challenges, leaving homeowners grappling with the aftermath. As experienced cabinetry and countertop remodelers, we’ve been through this process and intend to share an overview of the process for homeowner actions after a flood.
1. Assess the Damage
Before diving into the remodeling process, it’s crucial to assess the extent of the damage. Depending on the severity of the flood, you may need to consult with a general contractor or restoration specialist who can evaluate the structural integrity of your home. They will inspect your foundation, walls, and roof, ensuring everything is safe before you start any repairs. The amount of floodwater your home took-in will greatly impact the scope of the remodel.
Key Considerations:
- Mold and Mildew: Even 1” of floodwater into the home can lead to mold growth, which is not only a health hazard but can also damage your home further over time. A professional mold remediation specialist can help identify and eliminate mold issues.
- Electrical and Plumbing Systems: Flooding can damage wiring and plumbing. Electricians and plumbers should be scheduled to assess and repair any affected systems before moving forward.
2. Document and Notify Insurance
Once you’ve initially assessed the damage, the next step is to document everything for your insurance claim (if applicable). Take photos and make a detailed list of damaged items. Working with a public adjuster can also help ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses. Contact your insurance provider to schedule a field assessment if needed.
Tip:
- Keep records of all communications with your insurance company and contractors. This will help streamline the claims process.
- Clarify payment terms and conditions with your insurance agency and the professional contractors you hire. Contractors cannot wait on the insurance claim approval to begin the process, especially the early stages of removing compromised material. This often requires service retainers
3. Removing Flood-Damaged Materials
One of the first and most critical steps in the remodeling process is the removal of materials that have been compromised by floodwater. This includes:
- Drywall: Typically, drywall needs to be removed up to at least 24 inches above the waterline to prevent mold growth and ensure a healthy living environment.
- Flooring: Depending on the type of flooring, it may need to be completely replaced. Carpet and laminate cannot be salvaged, while tile and LVP may be more resilient.
- Countertops: To access affected cabinets, the countertops will need to be removed. Stone countertops such as quartz and granite are installed as permanent fixtures of a home. Removal of the tops is no easy task and removal without the tops breaking is challenging. A professional countertop company is best suited to remove stone countertops to maximize the probability of retaining your tops without them breaking.
- Cabinets and Trim: If your kitchen or bathroom cabinets were compromised, they should be removed and most likely replaced. Few cabinets are made of marine grade wood or water-resistant materials. A cabinetry designer can help you determine whether to replace or simply dry out the affected cabinets.
- Doors & Windows: Inspect all doors and windows for water damage. Wooden doors can swell and warp, while seals around windows may be compromised, leading to leaks down the road.
- Furniture: If floodwater seeped into sofa or furniture legs, the product will most need to be discarded. The simple truth is, interior household products are never designed or built to withstand sustained water exposure. The smell and threat of should mold cannot be cleaned out.
Tips for Removal:
- Hire Local Professionals: It’s often best to hire local professionals for this task, as they will have the right tools and experience to safely remove damaged materials without causing further harm to your home. Schedule quickly to mitigate damage, as these professionals are often in high demand immediately following a community flood event. Insist on vetting contractors to ensure general liability, worker’s compensation, and previous work experience is in order.
- Safety First: Always wear protective gear, including gloves, masks, closed toe shoes when dealing with potentially contaminated materials and flooded areas.
- Air It Out: After removal of compromised materials, allow 24-72 hours of drying out that involves dehumidifies and air circulation.
- Storage: Not everything is compromised by floodwaters. Think about what can be cleaned up and where it can be stored while the remodel is underway. Metallic, stone, porcelain, and water resistant wood objects can likely be sterilized and stored.
4. Designing Your New Space
Once you’ve selected your contractors, it’s time to focus on the design. Do you wish to utilize the same floorplan? Or take the opportunity to revitalize your home and kitchen to something new and fresh? This is where you can really make your space your own. Work with your cabinet and countertop designer to explore options that suit your style and functional needs. If the home flooded now, it can flood again. Consider durable, water-resistant materials for new cabinetry to ensure longevity.
Unfortunately, it is also nearly impossible to color match new base cabinets to existing wall cabinets as manufacturers change application techniques over time. The existing cabinets continue to absorb stain or it’s paint fades due to sunlight, household use, and wood warping. A remodel has already been forced upon you by nature…now is the time to find the silver lining and prepare for the future of your home.
Design Tips:
- Color Palette: Light colors can help brighten a space and make it feel more open. Or create a “two-toned” kitchen with a contrasting color for your new base cabinets that can compliment your existing upper cabinets. Make a “mood board” to visually show how all the colors of cabinets, flooring, countertops, tile backsplash, and interior wall paint will look integrated together.
- Functional Layouts: Think about how you use the space. Custom cabinets can maximize storage and improve organization. Have you always hated that corner cabinet and it’s wasted space? Does your back break every time you have to get that stand-mixer or crock-pot out of a base cabinet? Are your pots, pans, and baking sheets a huge pile of randomness?
- Upgraded Features: Consider adding features like under-cabinet lighting, drawer roll-outs, specialty organization cabinets, or quartz countertops that offer beauty, durability, and higher probability of preservation during removal.
5. Installation and Moving Back In
Once the design is determined, it’s time to start installing. See our recent blog about the process of a remodel to help understand the timeline. This stage includes installing your cabinets and attempting to re-install existing stone countertops (if applicable), applying the finishing coats of paint to walls, and ensuring all household systems are fully functional.
Preparation for Move-In:
- Deep Cleaning: After construction, a thorough cleaning will ensure that your home is free of dust, debris, and ready to receive your household goods.
- Safety Checks: Before you move back in, do a final walk-through with your general contractor to ensure everything meets safety standards.
- Documentation & Warranty: Settle payments with contractors and ensure receipts are issued that outline their warranty work. Be sure that lien releases are signed by all contractors that helped on the project. Update the insurance company.
Conclusion
While recovering from a flood can be a daunting process, having a solid plan and a trusted team of contractors can make all the difference. Remember, the goal is not just to rebuild but to create a home that is resilient, beautiful, and uniquely yours.
If you find yourself in need of guidance or quality materials for your remodeling project, don’t hesitate to reach out. Deems Kitchens & Counters has served the local community for over 50 years and successfully remodeled over 30 kitchens in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia in 2023. Together, we can turn a challenging situation into an opportunity for renewal and transformation.
