OB Advice-My House Flooded

Exactly what he said, keep the faith man, it's a long process, but it'll all work itself out.

Please tell me you have flood insurance. Because regular homeowners won't do jack shite for you

Get ready for the smells.

I recommend putting as much sheetrock and insulation as possible in contractor bags. I wish I would have done this instead of just throwing it in the yard. Also, one of those construction dumpsters would have been nice. My neighbors had one and it made a huge difference. Buy as many fans and dehumidifiers as you can.

Get that house drying as soon as possible. It took mine almost 5 weeks to dry out to start construction back.

I'd contact a contractor asap too unless you're doing it yourself.

That's just a few off the top of my head. And if you had flood insurance call and make a claim right now if you haven't already.

If you have pictures of the house with four feet of water I'd imagine you are pretty damn good by FEMA but definitely take pictures of everything before you start ripping out but rip out imeediately do not hesitate. Insulation and all. Sorry to say but kitchen cabinets are most likely a goner as well. You would also be surprised at the amount of water trapped underneath the tile floors. I'm not telling you to rip them up but I'm saying be prepared.

If you don't have flood insurance take lots of pictures, and then get to tearing it all out ASAP. Take a picture that shows how far up the drywall (cross section) sopped up water with a tape measure pulled - I showed that to my FEMA inspected last fall for proof of how high the water got. With no insurance FEMA is just going to give you money based on economy grade replacements so they don't care if you had italian marble flooring or dirt floors. It all gets paid out the same.

With 4 feet it sounds like you're going to have to rip all the drywall out of it was put up horizontally. Punch a hole near the seam of each board and get to ripping. Wheelbarrow it out to your curb. I initially put everything on my sidewalk in haste to gut the house and then had to spend a day bringing it all up to the curb so they could get it with the grapple truck. Get lots of fans and a moisture meter. Bleach and a mold killing solution on the beams. Let it dry to the optimum moisture content before you get drywall rehung.

I did everything but the drywall and texture in my house, feel free to email me (my username @ outlook) if you need help or advice, or just need to vent. Be there for your wife/kids. I went in auto mode and kind of mentally shut down but some people can't do that and they need reassurance. It was tough for me to try to understand why my wife was so emotional when to me there was no time for emotions. I'm trying to head to Texas this weekend if the water goes down to help people out. I've got no plans as to where I'm going, so if you think your house will be accessible shoot me an email and I'll be there ready to gut. I don't know you but I know how it feels - it's a long road ahead but it gets better.

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do not rip out tile, carpet, cabinets, sheetrock until you get the approval from the adjustor.

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You don't need to wait on insurance adjustor approval or FEMA approval to rip out anything. But, take pictures of every major item in every room before you start demo or moving anything. Had 3ft of water a year ago. And screw bagging Sheetrock, that is the least of your worries right now.

If your air conditioner works, keep it running constantly to dry the house.

Also call your homeowners insurer asap. Even without flood insurance FEMA needs a rejection letter before they provide assistance. They sent out an adjuster and I ended up getting $1,000 from my homeowners for an old leak in a bathroom that stained the ceiling as well.

My biggest tip. Do everything you possibly can to tear out big whole pieces of Sheetrock

Thanks everyone for the responses. I knew I could count on the OB to help a baw in need out.

What about my vehicles? Does car insurance typically replace those?