Navigating a Basement Flood: Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Last Thursday afternoon around 4pm, my basement unexpectedly flooded, and its causing significant life disruption. The immediate aftermath through the weekend involved a hectic effort to minimize damage and salvage belongings. This past week has been consumed by dealing with the flood, which has delayed my regular newsletters. I apologize for this and appreciate your understanding as I focus on addressing this issue.

When faced with a flood, quick action is essential. Here are some steps I took immediately after discovering the flood, which can serve as a reminder for others:

1. Ensure Safety First: While it’s important to stay safe, turning off the electricity entirely wasn't an option for me because the sump pump needed to stay operational. Instead, I unplugged all the electronics I could to prevent damage. I still lost some fairly significant pieces of electronics that got water in them before I got to them.
2. Stop the Water Source: If the flooding is due to a burst pipe or similar issue, shut off the main water supply, in this case with it coming out my sump pump pit that wasn't an option.
3. Remove Standing Water: Use pumps, buckets, and mops to get rid of as much water as possible. The faster you remove the water, the less damage will occur. I have drywall so once drywall is wet you have to make the assumption that mold is growing behind the walls.
4. Move Belongings to Dry Areas: Quickly move anything you can to dry areas to prevent further damage.

The Importance of Vigilance with Contractors

Securing a reputable contractor has been a priority, but it has highlighted the need for careful consideration when dealing with such services. I immediately called the main contractor my insurance company recommends, expecting them to be ready to go immediately. They did show up the next morning around 9am for 10 minutes to take pictures and finally delivered a quote at 6pm on Friday. (For this they added a $200 charge to their quote) Despite awaiting insurance coverage confirmation and not yet engaging a contractor, the quotes I've received for this national company have raised several concerns. The contractor I'm considering is the professional service recommended by my insurance carrier. While they are a professional company, it's important to remain vigilant as they may add services to increase their bottom line.

One part of the quote includes $2000 for five de-humidifiers, even though I already own three that have reduced the basement humidity to 45% within the past week, when I pointed that out to them today they said we'd need to remove ours so they could put theirs in place. Additionally, the quote called for 18 blower fans and proposed using a truck bed to transport trash to the dump instead of a more efficient 10-yard bin. (FYI, I've yet to have a contractor not find additional things that need to be thrown away and you always just want to suck it up and have a bin rather than allow truck loads which can quickly escalate, plus their two truck loads were $100 over a single bin)

A particularly troubling oversight was the contractor's assessment that the basement bathroom did not require work, despite evident water damage. I documented this with photos of the water and the high water mark on the drywall. My previous experience with a basement flood had my wife and I running into every location trying to take photos for just this eventuality.

Tips for Hiring Contractors Post-Flood

1. Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote. Getting multiple estimates will help you understand the reasonable cost for the services you need.
2. Be Clear About Your Needs: Make sure the contractor understands the full scope of the damage and what needs to be repaired or replaced. We had installed mold resistant drywall, had two coats of paint, and R-19 insulation in the walls, and want level 5 drywall put back in place. The last time we didn't specify the level of drywall and that resulted in level 3 and the general contractor blamed us for not telling them we wanted a good finish that wasn't wavy.
3. Question Excessive Fees: If a quote seems high, ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs. Challenge fees that appear unnecessary or inflated. Your insurance company can help with this. I expect my insurance company will probably write up what they will cover and the contractor will conform to their write up.
4. Document Everything: Take photos and notes of the damage and the contractor’s work. This documentation can be crucial for insurance claims and resolving disputes.

The Long Road to Recovery

Restoring our basement is not a quick fix and will take several months. Currently, two 10x20 storage containers have been delivered but are not yet filled, as we are still negotiating with the service company. The process involves extensive cleaning, and repairs.

Here’s a more detailed look at the steps involved in the recovery process:

1. Drying and Dehumidifying: This is a critical step to prevent mold growth. Using dehumidifiers and industrial fans, we’ve managed to reduce the basement humidity to 45%. It’s important to keep these running until everything is completely dry.
2. Removing Damaged Materials: This includes wet drywall, insulation, and flooring. Anything that has absorbed water and cannot be dried needs to be removed to prevent mold.
3. Cleaning and Disinfecting: After removing damaged materials, thoroughly clean and disinfect the area to eliminate bacteria and mold spores.
4. Restoration and Repairs: This involves replacing drywall, flooring, and any structural elements damaged by the flood. It’s also an opportunity to make improvements, as we plan to do.

Silver Linings and Future Improvements

Despite the challenges, the flood has provided an opportunity to address long-overdue improvements. While we already have a sump pump, we're considering adding a second backup to increase our ability to push water out of the house and reduce the risk of future flooding. Additionally, we are considering converting a 1980s basement window into a proper egress window, which would improve safety and functionality. This situation also allows us to tackle minor issues that have been postponed due to limited access.

Proactive Measures for the Future

1. Regular Maintenance: Ensure your sump pump is regularly maintained and in good working order. Consider installing a battery backup in case of power outages.
2. Improve Drainage: Ensure your property has adequate drainage to direct water away from the house. This might involve landscaping changes or installing French drains.
3. Seal Cracks and Openings: Inspect the basement for cracks and seal them to prevent water ingress (We'd done this in 2019 when it was down to the bare walls, no evidence we have issues thank goodness).
4. Install Water Alarms: These devices alert you to the presence of water in areas that should be dry, giving you a head start on preventing extensive damage.

The basement flood has been a challenging ordeal, but it has also emphasized the need for proactive and thorough approaches when dealing with contractors. While the recovery process is lengthy, the potential for significant home improvements offers a positive outlook.

Thank you for your patience, I'm looking for consulting opportunities so if you know anyone who has a project please share my name with them. They'll find a willing worker who loves to excel. I will resume our regular newsletters next week

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