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Published on Dec 30, 2025

 The December 2025 flooding hit Orting harder than anyone expected. Streets turned into rivers, basements filled within hours, and homeowners suddenly found themselves facing one of the most stressful experiences imaginable: a damaged home and no idea where to start. If your property in Orting was impacted by the historic flood, you’re not alone—thousands of families are going through the exact same thing. And while recovering from flood damage can feel overwhelming, taking the right steps in the right order can save you time, money, and months of frustration.

At Next Gen Remodel NW, we specialize in home restoration in Orting, and we work directly with your homeowner’s insurance company to help you navigate the process. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do first so you can begin restoring your home safely and confidently.

1. Make Sure Your Home Is Safe Before Entering

After a flood, your first priority isn’t cleanup—it’s safety. Floodwater can compromise electrical systems, weaken structural components, and bring in contaminants you do NOT want to breathe in or touch.

Before entering your home, check for:

  • Sagging floors or ceilings

  • Cracked walls or foundation shifts

  • Electrical hazards

  • The smell of gas

  • Visible mold growth

  • Standing water with unknown depth

If you're unsure, wait for a professional to inspect it. Your safety always comes first.

2. Document Everything for Your Insurance Claim

This step is crucial—and often the most overlooked when homeowners panic and start cleaning immediately. Your insurance company needs proof of every damaged item and every damaged part of your home.

Take photos and videos of:

  • Walls, floors, and ceilings

  • Furniture

  • Appliances

  • Cabinets and built-ins

  • HVAC equipment

  • Personal belongings

  • Structural components

  • Standing water levels

Don't throw anything away yet. Your adjuster may need to see it in person, even if it’s ruined.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company Right Away

The earlier you notify them, the sooner the claims process starts. With so many Orting homeowners affected this year, insurance companies are overwhelmed—so timing matters.

When you call:

  • Explain the type of damage

  • Ask about coverage limits

  • Request guidance for temporary housing if needed

  • Ask about preferred vendors (you do not have to choose them)

  • Document the claim number

  • Write down every person you speak with

Here’s where we help: Next Gen Remodel NW works directly with insurance providers and helps you navigate the paperwork, estimates, and approval process so you don’t have to do it alone.

4. Start Water Extraction and Drying Immediately

Floodwater is extremely destructive, especially if it sits for more than 24–48 hours. Mold can start growing in less than two days, and structural elements can swell or weaken.

Our restoration process in Orting includes:

  • Pumping out standing water

  • Removing soaked flooring and drywall

  • Setting up industrial fans and dehumidifiers

  • Treating surfaces for mold prevention

  • Checking moisture levels inside walls and subfloors

If your home isn’t dried properly the first time, problems will return later—and often cost far more to repair.

5. Remove Damaged Materials Safely

Unfortunately, floodwater often contains sewage, bacteria, and chemicals. This means many materials in your home need to be professionally removed.

This includes:

  • Drywall

  • Insulation

  • Carpet and pad

  • Baseboards

  • Laminate flooring

  • Damaged cabinets

  • Warped framing

As restoration contractors, we know exactly what can be salvaged and what must go.

6. Get a Professional Assessment for Structural Damage

Orting’s older homes and those near the riverbanks may have sustained foundation or framing damage. Only a trained restoration contractor can evaluate:

  • Floor joists

  • Wall studs

  • Subfloor integrity

  • Support beams

  • Exterior siding

  • Roofing impact

Skipping this step can lead to hidden issues that show up months later—sagging floors, mold, cracked drywall, and more. We thoroughly inspect structural areas before any rebuilding starts.

7. Begin the Restoration and Rebuilding Process

Once your home is dry, cleaned, and approved for repairs, that’s when rebuilding begins. This phase transforms your home from damaged and bare to restored and livable.

A typical home restoration project in Orting includes:

  • Reframing damaged walls

  • Installing new insulation

  • Drywall installation and finishing

  • Replacing flooring

  • Installing new cabinets and countertops

  • Repainting

  • Electrical and plumbing repairs

  • Restoring bathrooms and kitchens

  • Exterior and siding repairs

Flood recovery isn’t just about fixing what broke—it’s also a chance to upgrade what you’ve always wanted to improve.

8. Work With a Contractor Who Knows Insurance

This is huge.

Insurance claims can be complicated. If your contractor doesn’t know how to handle them, YOU end up stuck in paperwork, delays, and back-and-forth arguments with adjusters.

At Next Gen Remodel NW, we:

  • Meet with your adjuster

  • Help get fair coverage for needed repairs

  • Provide detailed estimates

  • Document damage professionally

  • Keep repairs aligned with your policy requirements

This gives homeowners peace of mind while ensuring the insurance company covers what should be covered.

9. Take Steps to Prevent Future Flood Damage

Once your home is restored, it’s smart to make improvements that protect you from the next storm.

Many Orting homeowners are now investing in:

  • Higher-grade flooring

  • Waterproof drywall

  • French drains

  • Improved grading

  • Sump pumps

  • Elevated mechanical systems

  • Water-resistant insulation

These upgrades offer long-term peace of mind and help reduce future damage.

Call Next Gen Remodel NW—Orting’s Trusted Flood Restoration Experts

The 2025 flood was devastating, but you don’t have to go through the recovery alone. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way—from cleanup to reconstruction to insurance coordination.

We proudly serve homeowners in Orting and surrounding communities with:

  • Flood damage restoration

  • Water extraction

  • Structural repairs

  • Full home restoration

  • Kitchen and bathroom rebuilds

  • Flooring replacement

  • Drywall and insulation repair

  • Insurance claim assistance

If your home was affected by the December 2025 flood, call us today at (253) 777-2088.

Let’s get your home—and your peace of mind—fully restored.

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