Flooding can happen just about anywhere. Some places will naturally be at a higher risk, such as low-lying areas or communities near a large body of water. But even if you think you’re in a low-risk area, being aware of the threats and the best ways to respond will stand you in good stead to keep your property and your possessions safe from a flood.

If you are affected by flooding, and your home has sustained damage, you may need to undergo some redesign work. If this is the case, it’s important to follow the correct procedure to ensure your home remains safe. Here are four steps you can take in the redesign process after a flood. By taking a methodical approach, you can ensure that your home is back in tip-top condition in no time.

Assess and document the damage

Floods can cause a great deal of damage to your home, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to repairs. It is important to first assess the damage and prioritise the repairs in order to ensure that the most important work is done first. This useful guide to flood safety recommends that you take pictures of any damage that’s occurred before attempting any repairs – this will help you with any insurance claims further down the line. It’s also important to get professional advice at this stage, to prevent exacerbating the damage.

Start with the most important repairs

Your next port of call will be to address any water damage to the walls or ceiling, to prevent the structure incurring any further harm. Drying out your home should be top of your repairs priority list. If the floodwater was clean, you may only need to do some minor repairs. However, if the water was contaminated, you’ll need to take more extensive measures to clean and sanitise your home.

Similarly, if there is evidence of mould or mildew, this should also be dealt with promptly. Once the most pressing repairs have been made, you can then focus on smaller tasks, such as cleaning up any mud or debris that has been left behind.

Review your flood defences

Having recently experienced a flood, the last thing you want to think about is it ever happening again. But it’s crucial that you consider your home’s defences against floodwater as part of the redesign process, to help ensure you’re protected if another similar event were to occur.

If possible, try to create a barrier between your living area and any potential floodwaters. This can be anything from installing new windows to raising your foundation. You should also consider waterproofing your walls and floors. And finally, make sure you have a good insurance policy in place so that you’re prepared in case of another flood.

Give your home a fresh look

Having dealt with any damage to your property, you will be ready to revitalise your home’s interior. Provide damaged rooms with a fresh coat of paint, and replace any furniture you had to throw away. Look out in particular for any water stains that have been left on the walls, and use the paint or wallpaper to conceal these and keep your home pristine. Finally, focus on reinstalling any damaged appliances and furniture to turn your house into a home once again.