Many homes in North Carolina’s Bull City end up with water damage from floods by the end of each year, thanks in part to the fact that the city gets an abundant amount of rainfall. Fortunately, water damage doesn’t have to leave an ugly scar on your home after the flood has dried up—you can always choose to invest in certain Durham, NC home renovation projects to put the spark back into your home’s aesthetic appeal.
Inspection and Cleaning
The first thing you should do, even before you start renovating, is to clear out the affected area and remove all the water—this includes your drenched drywall, furniture, and other fixtures. You should hire professionals to inspect and assess the area and remove anything that could possibly contribute to mold growth.
Basement Renovations
An article posted at the Fox Business website recommends that you have the basement checked and restored immediately right after a flood or discovering a moisture issue:
If your basement had moisture issues in the past, now’s a good time to fix that problem if you’re remodeling post-disaster. A basement specialist can suggest the best ways to maintain a moisture-free basement, which might include a combination of sump pumps, perimeter drainage tiles, a French drain and making sure water is pumped away from the home.
Make sure to pay attention to the land surrounding the basement when remodeling as well, especially if areas have been washed away. The outside grading is just as important as the drainage systems inside. “Make sure the grading slopes away from the house. Where the earth slopes toward the house, that causes problems,”
While floodwater damage requires ripping out affected materials, such as drywall, insulation and flooring, it also requires deodorizing and bleaching anything left behind. Water damage from rainfall or a burst pipe is less of an issue.
Restore Your Drywall
Next, look into restoring the soaked areas of your drywall. Start by making sure that the affected wall is still securely attached to the studs, and that there are no sagging pieces. Reattach loose drywall, sand the area, remove any paint, touch it up with a new batch of paint, and fill in any holes using spackle.
If you want to keep the structural integrity of your home, be sure to start your restoration project as soon as possible. Moreover, whether you’re looking to renovate after a flood, or you just want to do Durham, NC kitchen remodeling, or restoration projects in other areas of your home, be sure to hire professional contractors from established companies like Prince & Sons, Inc.
(Source: Seven Tips to Renovating After a Natural Disaster, Fox Business)