Flooded and Gutted: Rebuild Smarter, Not Faster

The numbers are staggering. Ottawa citizens were devastated July 1st, 2026 when their celebrations were cut short with 118.4 mm (4.7 inches) of rain resulting in an abundance of leaks from windows,sewer backups, window wells, foundations and downspouts. The record breaking rain left over 100 people needing refuge and over 6000 recorded floods. Then came the loss of family photos, basement bedrooms, nanny suites, offices and personal keepsakes. 

From there, homeowners documented their losses, photographed damaged and contaminated items, filed insurance claims, and managed tear-out and demolition by restoration crews endlessly working to help people salvage their homes. 

And now what? 

Communities are left waiting to hear from their insurance companies while simultaneously rushing for reputable contractors to put their spaces back together. It is hard to take a breath and reason during these traumatic moments. Rushing is never the smart move. Take a moment and visualise what will come next. Don't skip steps to get ahead of the neighbour. Keep these in mind:

• Document all the affected items (furniture, finishings, flooring etc.) for your insurance company with a detailed list and pictures.

• Identify the weak points in your home before you cover everything back up. Where did your leak stem from? Were there multiple points of entry?

• Now is a great time to invest in moisture detectors for mould.

• Check if it is worth investing in or upgrading your space before putting it back together. Your insurance will likely cover what was there, but nothing prevents you from paying the difference to get the space you desire. Review your eligibility for tax breaks like the multi-generational home tax credit, accessibility tax credits, HST substantial renovation rebates or energy efficiency programs. Be sure to check with governing agencies or tax experts before relying on this information and confirm your eligibility.

  
  

Your next move is finding a reputable contractor with a timeline you can work with. Don't pick just any contractor, do your due diligence (for tips on selecting the right contractor, read the Singhko Blog for "Don't Date a Scope Creep" and "Most Renovations Aren't Bad Luck, They are Bad Process").

Once you have selected the right contractor for you, make sure to follow these steps:

• Identify where your leak came from (sewer back-up, sump pump failure, window or door, downspout failure, foundation joint or crack, etc) and how you will combat this.

• Address any future leak risks, such as foundation cracks, waterproofing, backflow valve installations, sump installations, new windows, exterior grading, downspout reroutin new (or cleaned out) drainage lines etc.

• Double check exposed plumbing and/or electrical deficiencies.

• Ensure the difference between insurance claim and personal upgrades

• Itemize all the steps necessary to complete your quote adequately

  
  

Remember, good things come to those who wait. Make sure your renovation is completed with intention. Rebuild with a safe, functional space in mind... You only want to experience rebuilding once!