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Build, Rebuild or Restore?
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Larger jobs require more help from professionals
One of the hardest determinations you'll have to make when you decide to restore a damaged home is how much work needs to be done - and how much help you'll need.

Gutting a House
Termite Damage

It’s been almost two years since Hurricane Katrina hit the southern coast of Louisiana and Mississippi. Some of the flooded homes have been rebuilt, or are in the process of being rebuilt. The important question is “How good are we rebuilding?”
Determining Structural Damage
When calm returns after the storm, it’s time to assess the damage and begin repairs. A number of factors should be considered, and the following information may be helpful.

Wind-Resistant Small Project List
This list of home improvements to increase wind resistance is divided into cost categories. You can tackle these projects one at a time, but remember – the more you do, the stronger your home will be against hurricane winds. The material below is from the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Prices are pre-Katrina.
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Approaching and Entering a Damaged Building
Before you enter a damaged building use extreme caution and wear sturdy work boots and gloves for your protection. Here are some precautions to take.
Rebuilding a Destroyed Home
Portal Page for information that would be helpful to people getting started with a project to build a new home on the same site as their storm-damaged home.
Site-Built or Factory-Built
Site Built vs. Factory Built
Portal page for information about the advantages and disadvantages of site-built vs factory built homes or home components.
Restoring a Damaged Home
If you have decided to restore your storm-damaged home, you’ve already determined that your neighbors are probably coming back, that public utilities will be restored (or you will provide your own), that you will have police, fire and medical services and that there will be jobs and schools. Other things to consider include new building regulations, cost estimates, debris removal, opportunities to upgrade systems and add space.
Avoiding Mold Hazards in Your Flooded Home
moldy wall
A flood-damaged building requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold population explosion.

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