Getting Your House Back in Action After a Flood

In this guide, we’ll discuss what steps you can take to get your home back to functionality after flooding. Let’s begin! 

Before Fixing Your Home 

Prior to dealing with repairing your home, it’s important that you take a number of additional steps first. 

Get in Touch with Insurance 

Firstly, you’ll want to contact your insurance company if your home has been flooded. They will provide you with the necessary advice as to how you can proceed. For households without insurance, contact the National Flood Forum on 01 299 403 055. 

Where to Go and What to Do 

In the case of a serious flood, the council may have selected a nearby location (e.g., town hall) for you and others to attend to prepare for recovery. This will be considered a flood hub.  

A flood action group or flood warden may also be available to provide important information. For more details (e.g., to find out who if any is applicable as a local flood warden or flood action group), phone the National Flood Forum on 01 299 403 055. 

Returning Home Safely 

Prior to returning home, it’s essential that you verify whether or not it’s safe. You can do so by checking with the emergency services to seek guidance about returning home and when you can. 

In addition, safety inspections by utility companies may be required in relation to water, gas, and electricity before using these utilities again. A range of work may be needed depending on the extent of the damage done and pricing can vary greatly (again this may be covered by insurance). For instance, the cost of a full rewire tends to land between £2,000 and £10,000 in total.  

Fixing Your Home After a Flood 

Note: Flood water can be harmful (e.g., it may contain chemicals or sewage), so if you end up touching flood water, be sure to wash your hands with soap. 

Hiring Professionals 

If repair work is needed, it must be dealt with by professionals and specifically those appointed by your insurance company. This way, you can avoid a highly expensive bill.  

If you do not have insurance or your insurer allows you to choose the company, it’s ideal to obtain quotes from three or more professionals before making a decision. However, it’s essential that (if given the power to choose by your insurer) you hire a competent professional.  

Along with comparing the pricing given by different insurers, be sure to look into their levels of experience and any online reviews/ratings they have. 

What Might Be DIY-Friendly? 

We also advise taking images of your home upon arriving (if you are given approval that it is safe to return) so you can document its state post-flooding.  

For any work you do yourself, it’s important to wear a face mask and gloves. Don’t forget to wear suitable footwear too! 

If you intend to throw certain features and fittings out (e.g., old carpets and mattresses), be sure to talk with your insurer first as these decisions and details will be relevant to making the insurance process as smooth as possible. 

You might want to use dehumidifiers to dry out your home well. In this case, you must have good ventilation (i.e., open lots of windows). If you have specific questions related to flood recovery, you can always ask your local council for further advice. 

Also, whatever the case, be sure that all the essentials are considered before returning to your property and getting your house back in action after a flood. For instance, you’ll want certainty that it is safe to return to your home and that your utility companies can evaluate your property if required to check if any work is needed).