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The Drying & Clear-Up Can Start…

Welcome to the next stage in your flood recovery. The waters may have gone, but now the hard work begins — getting your home clean, safe, and dry again. This stage can feel overwhelming, but taking control and being proactive will speed up your return home and reduce further damage.

1. Know What the Insurance Company Needs

Before doing anything, contact your insurer to understand:

  • What they will and won’t cover
  • Whether they are sending out their own clean-up crew, surveyor, or loss adjuster
  • What information and evidence they’ll need from you (photos, inventory, quotes, etc.)

TIP:
Ask them directly if you’re allowed to carry out or appoint any works yourself — and always get it in writing before you start.

2. What the Clean-Up Crew Will Do (If Appointed)

If your insurance company arranges a clean-up contractor, they may:

  • Remove water-damaged items and building materials (floors, plasterboard, skirting boards, kitchen units etc.)
  • Apply anti-mould or disinfectant treatments to prevent further contamination
  • Set up industrial dehumidifiers, air movers, or heaters to begin the drying process
  • Assess moisture levels regularly to determine when your property is ready for reinstatement

IMPORTANT:
This can take weeks or months depending on the severity of the flooding. Don’t rush drying — insurance won’t authorise rebuilding until the property is fully dry.

3. What You Can Do to Help Speed Up Drying

Even if a clean-up team is arranged, there’s plenty you can do to make things easier:

  • Ventilate: Open windows when weather allows (but be careful of security risks).
  • Document Everything: Take dated photos of every room, item, and structural issue before removing anything.
  • Clear Safely: If you’re able to remove sodden furniture, carpets, or damaged units safely — with permission — this can reduce further damage and mould growth.
  • Keep Detailed Records: Record all work done, keep receipts, and store everything related to your flood recovery in one place.

4. Appointing Your Own Contractors

You don’t have to rely solely on the insurer’s suppliers — but you must agree it in advance.

For example, we arranged for our own kitchen fitter to remove and dispose of the damaged kitchen. This helped us:

  • Move more quickly (contractors are in high demand after major floods)
  • Control the quality of work
  • Begin drying the kitchen area sooner, reducing damage to the subfloor and walls

✅ Make sure you get written approval from your insurer before appointing anyone or paying deposits.

5. Why Being Proactive Helps You Recover Faster

Insurers often deal with hundreds of properties at once after a major event. The sad truth is:

The quicker you act, the sooner you’ll be home again.

By:

  • Documenting everything
  • Chasing approvals
  • Using your own trusted trades (with permission)
  • Helping remove damaged items early
  • Staying organised

…you’re more likely to avoid delays, disputes, and unnecessary secondary damage like black mould or warped timber.

Final Checklist for the Clear-Up Phase

✅ Get written approval from your insurer before doing or paying for anything
✅ Take full photo/video evidence before starting any removal or clean-up
✅ Keep all receipts and contractor details
✅ Use your own contractors only if approved
✅ Don’t block dehumidifiers or switch them off without approval
✅ Communicate regularly with your loss adjuster or insurance contact

Remember: You’ve Already Made It Through the Worst.

This next part can feel draining, but every cleared bag of debris and every dry day brings you closer to having your home back.

If you need emotional support during this stage, visit our Mental Health & Flooding page.