Dealing with water damage in your house can be one of the most stressful things you experience as a homeowner, but it also allows you to start fresh and find new ways to enjoy your property. For example, perhaps you’ve always wanted to pull out the cabinets in your kitchen and put in ones that better reflect how you use your storage space but never got around to it. If you need to replace them due to damage, this is an excellent time to install a new set that allows you to enjoy cooking even more.
Highly reputable Portland water damage restoration companies don’t just sanitize and shore up the structure of your home: they can also help with the remodeling in all areas of your home. Once the space has been made safe, the remodeling process proceeds much the same as it might otherwise, but with some key differences, you must know. Let’s explore some of the most essential elements of remodeling after water damage so that you feel more confident about revamping your space.
Decide on priority areas of the home
Water damage, whether caused by moisture infiltration or firefighting efforts, does not hit every part of the house equally. Some places may be completely untouched, while others will be totally destroyed, so it’s important that you and your restoration experts work together to decide what absolutely needs to be done so you can safely enjoy your home again. You should consider several factors: which rooms are most damaged, how essential they are to everyday function in your home, and how long you can reasonably go without them.
There is also the fact that while restoration companies have an extensive area of practice, they may not be suited for all types of remodeling, such as finishing your basement or building closets into an extra bedroom. The experts will tell you what they can and cannot do, and you can plan accordingly with them; they will also be able to recommend other great contractors in your area.
Make a list of “must replace” and “want to replace”
Budget is always a concern, especially when remodeling after water damage for a key reason: the restoration company is working with your insurance, and your policy might not cover everything you want to fix. As you might expect, insurance companies only want to pay out as much as is absolutely necessary to bring your home back up to an acceptable standard, and you may have to pay out of pocket for other expenses.
Once everything is safe and it’s time to move forward with remodeling, work with the water damage experts to determine what must be replaced; these will be your first priorities when picking out new fixtures or appliances. Next, you’ll make a wish list and determine the budget for this separately so you can make smart decisions about what extra work you would like done.
Don’t go for the cheapest possible model, as it may just cause more headaches in the future
This is where your “must replace” and “want to replace” list really comes into play, as it can help you decide what you can afford and choose high-quality materials for the necessary replacements.
It’s tempting to select budget materials because you’re watching your wallet or want to get it all done as soon as possible, but this can make you miserable in the long run. For example, if you select cabinets that don’t go all the way to the floor because they’re a bit cheaper, you’ll find yourself constantly vacuuming and mopping under them, which can lead to frustration.
Don’t forget that it’s possible to get good cabinetry, doors, and other fixtures from a reputable second-hand supplier; you can simply sand and refinish them so that everything matches but is all made of real, solid wood.
Ask about useful, cost-effective upgrades
When you’re choosing elements of the home to remodel after water damage, it’s a great time to add helpful upgrades that will further improve your home’s utility; everything is being fixed already, so there’s no harm in choosing better materials if you can afford it. For example, if your old outlets were only two-prong, you might have three-prong outlets installed for greater safety and functionality. Discuss options like heated flooring, low-flow toilets, a rainfall shower, or a larger vanity if your bathroom needs remodeling. Kitchens are another place to add more functionality, such as a garbage disposal, recessed lighting, and a farmhouse sink.
Consider future needs
A necessary remodeling is also a good opportunity to think about how you might use your home throughout your lifespan and what you can do to reduce the need for adaptations in the future. Aging in place means preparing for any adjustments in your home as your needs change, such as a walk-in bathtub or moving appliances from the basement to the main level. Principles of universal design can greatly assist here: in short, these modifications make your home more accessible for everyone, from children to the elderly, without sacrificing style and function. Research age-in-place measures and consider whether they might be right for you, then consult with your remodeling team to find out if it’s possible to implement these during your current project.
Good communication with your remodeling contractor can make a world of difference in the end result
Everyone’s needs and priorities differ: maybe you hate cooking but love long bubble baths, or perhaps you like it when everything is just a little mismatched. Whatever your particular interests, communicating them to your water damage restoration team will greatly ease the process and reduce frustration for everyone involved. By sharing your concerns with the team, they can design a remodeling plan that suits you and sticks to your required budget. Choosing an excellent restoration company makes this all the easier because their extensive experience means they have connections and knowledge essential to doing a great job. Soon enough, you’ll be in your freshly revived home that is better than ever.