Coming back to a home that has been flooded can be trying and even dangerous. The idea of demolishing your house might be tempting, but renovation often makes more sense.
Old houses were built with materials that are more expensive and more resilient than what's used today. Not only is it often cheaper to renovate than to demolish and rebuild, a historic house retains value in the long run, protecting your investment in your home.
If your house was flooded, it probably has mold growing in it, and shouldn't be occupied until it has been treated. Living in a space with high levels of mold spores in the air can cause allergy-like symptoms, an asthma attack, or even a lung infection. Always wear protective gear when clearing out mold. Be sure to check out our handout about this process.
When gutting your house, think twice about what you want to remove. Most wooden elements like door frames, windows, and floors can often be saved and will probably cost much more to replace. Even plaster can often be cleaned, sanitized, and retained. Check out our handout on cleaning out your home.