re: Post Flood Advice

Oscillating tool would be much safer... the blades are shallow enough that you will cut through the drywall but not through the wires/pipes within. I've heard a number of people say they had lines get cut while demoing last fall.

Speaking of, the biggest advice I could give is to not get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work involved with cleaning up.

Having never gone through it before last year, I kept hearing how important it was to get in there and get the house gutted ASAP! So as soon as I could get to my house, I did just that. I had one good day with several family members and friends to help. The following day everyone went back to work and it was just me left to do everything.

I was completely overwhelmed. Ended up finding a contractor that brought in a crew to finish the demo, saying FEMA would reimburse the cost. That was bullshite. They paid some, but only about half what I was charged, and the team did a shitty job and didn't try to save anything (shower door, mirrors, door hardware)

If I had to do it all over again, I would do it all myself and save that $ that was literally thrown away. Sure, my home was completely gutted within 3 days, but I didn't have to be in such a rush.