HARVEY FLOOD CLEAN UP COSTS

[Thomas Weidner]

As everyone is aware Houston is going through something epic as well as much of the coast of Texas. My thoughts go out to everyone along the coast that has been affected. There have been millions of people affected by Hurricane Harvey. I believe the best way to protect yourself from the up coming shady contractors and construction scams is to educate yourself. Which leads me up to my question. How do insurance companies or contractors come up with there prices to gut a home or remove the water damaged items? Is there some formula they use for the square foot that has been damaged? Again just trying to educate to share the info with friends and family in the area.

[Marian Smith]

I cannot get to my files at this time, but my flood policy sent out adjusters. They did break everything down by sq ft. We got about $800 for a dumpster even though the city provided 1-2 per block. I do not recall what we got for tear out, but we, ourselves with 2 sons, removed the wet drywall and used the provided dumpster. It wasn't that hard ( but wet drywall is heavy) and it needs to be done sooner rather than later in hot, humid climates. We cut at 4' high.@
I sincerely wish I could give you the 2010 prices we were given by the claims guy. There are definitely even locals who will take advantage of a tragedy. We had a "industy pro" friend of a neighbor mold-scare us into renting more dehumidifyers than the insurance ended up allowing for the sq ft. Costing at least an extra 1k. Shyster.
In any case, 2-3 able bodied men should be able to remove baseboards, casing and cut & remove most of the drywall in 2000sq ft house in 8-10 hours....so $ ? for low skill labor in high demand? Then there is cabinet removal (insurance will make you reuse granite) in kitchens and baths and tub surround demo/removal tubs. My husband is 58 and can demo a tub surround in about an hour or two and carry debris to our truck. A 4 hours for a mudbed shower. (Both we just did). With a good wheelbarrow and a dumpster, not a huge job. Then flooring. Carpet is pretty fast but heavy, removing tack boards is not. Glued down wood can be a problem. Our insurance did not replace tile. Demo should be cheap (vs rebuild) because anyone can do it....and I imagine there are people who cannot go back to school/work who need money. I guess it is about what to pay per hour in your situation, but for sure get a bid by the job. So at $25 per hour/worker maybe $1k- 1200 for wall demo when you provide dumpster. Flooring varies. And more if all the furnishings have to be hauled out first. Just my best guess, worth price paid.