Restoring Your Home After Hurricane Damage

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Air movers drying out the floor of an Oak Grove, KY home

Three Stages Of Recovery

Has your neighborhood recently been affected by the latest storm? Did you arrive home to stare at puddles in your living room? Are your walls damp and beginning to give off an unpleasant odor? If so, call in a professional cleaning crew to tear out and repair the affected areas. This won't happen overnight; it's a process that takes time and requires patience. For your awareness, here are the three stages of recovery.

1. Assess the Situation

First, don't touch anything. Instead, locate a reputable company in Oak Grove, KY, to handle the project. Have the experts come out and inspect the water damage as soon as possible. While there, they should complete the following tasks:

• Determine which items can be saved
  
• Handle electronic testing, repairs and removal
  
• Relocate items or empty impacted rooms
  
• Create a property loss list for insurance
  
• Photograph ruined items
  
  

2. Discard Materials

Over time, dampness can lead to mold, so the professionals should remove the excess water to prevent its growth. Depending on the fluid buildup, workmen may also need to tear out baseboards, flooring and parts of the walls. Dehumidifiers and space heaters can add heat and pull any liquid lurking in the ground and walls. The company should also inspect moisture levels. Once the room is deemed dry, the reconstruction can begin.

3. Rebuild the Room

At this point, workmen should replace anything taken out and complete any additional cleaning. If you're changing flooring, cabinets or larger fixtures, set aside time to shop and pick out what you'd like. Meanwhile, the crew might apply antimicrobial spray or deodorizers to eliminate any bacterial growth or lingering smells. Ultimately, the storm restoration company should fix your home so it looks “Like it never even happened.”

Hurricane restoration doesn't need to feel overwhelming. Companies are available to help. Understand the procedures and prepare yourself for the various steps. While it might be hard to see the professionals tear out your walls, remember the long-term goal is to see your home return to normal.