[StBernard] After gutting, what's the next step? + Appealing the Inspection Report.

[Westley Annis]

My grandmother's house in Old Arabi was gutted to the studs in the main  
living area.  She had 6 feet of water inside of her house.  The house  
itself was raised about two feet off of the ground.  The ceiling was  
untouched and left intact. So was the attic storage area.

She is concerned that she has to raise the house. Am I correct in assuming  
that because her house is in Zone B and therefore is above the BFE that it  
does not need to be raised any higher?

How long should the studs be left exposed to dry?  The studs in the house  
look to be mostly free of mold.  However the studs in the garage are  
covered with a thick green mold.

The house was originally built with a wood facade.  Bricks were added  
later over the wood. How does one treat both the studs and the wood in  
between the studs and the bricks for mold?  Has anyone had this done or  
had this done? Could it be a DIY project or should it be handled  
professionally?  Which companies do this?  Can the house be re-wired for  
electricity while it's drying out?

It seems that some people in St. Bernard are having hard times finding  
local electricians to re-wire houses.  Can an electrician from outside of  
the parish be used?

How do we go about appealing an inspection report?  While the main  
building of my grandmother's house was in the 10%-30% zone, the slab  
garage was listed as a 'dwelling' that is 30%-60% damaged.  In addition  
there was another out-building which is connected neighbor's property as  
shared carport. The back cinderblock wall of the structure was knocked  
down by flood waters, but it was not structurally significant.  This was  
not listed at all.

Thanks!


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James Hodges
jwhodges at cox.net