HAUSE FIELD GUIDE · REVIEWED 25 OCTOBER 2026
Wait for the access decision
Flooded or water-damaged buildings can present hazards beyond the visible water. Follow local emergency and utility directions before entering. Describe the incident from a safe location and retain existing information about the source and duration.
Ask which source was addressed
Removing water is different from repairing the cause. Ask who is responsible for the plumbing, drainage, envelope or other source investigation. Record which cause is confirmed and which remains a working hypothesis so rebuilding does not conceal an open problem.
Make the material record useful
A room list, contents inventory and material description can help compare proposals. Ask how absorbent materials and concealed spaces will be assessed. Where measurements are supplied, retain the location, material, method and date with the result rather than a number alone.
Agree the rebuild handoff
The cleanup and drying handback should identify remaining repairs, excluded areas and any required further assessment. Reinstatement, finishing and insurer approvals may be separate. Keep the final work record with the original incident timeline so the next owner, manager or trade can understand what was done.
The project questions are HAUSE planning prompts. Refer to the responsible authority and qualified provider for requirements that apply to your situation.