Rebuilding or repairing your property after a flood

After returning home

Property damage from floods, debris and mould can be extensive. It may take weeks to clean up before being able to start repair or rebuilding work.

Before you start any work, read the guidance on what to do if your home is damaged or lost in a flood.

You should also read the clean-up advice to stay safe when you return home.

Do not start surveying the damage or repairs to your home, business or farm until:

• you are aware of any health and safety risks at the property and how to manage them
• the power supply has been checked by a licensed electrician
• all electrical appliances are checked and tagged as safe to use
• exposed wall framing is made safe
• exposed wiring is certified as safe
• gas is checked by a licensed gasfitter
• water supply and sewage is checked, tested and cleared by a licensed plumber.

Asbestos materials can be present in flood-affected areas if the buildings were built before 1990. Asbestos is hazardous but can be managed safely.

If you can't stay at your home because it is unsafe:

• secure it and inform local police that the property will be vacant
• call Service NSW on 13 77 88 about temporary accommodation
• contact your insurance company to see if it can provide any immediate help with money for essentials and accommodation.

Homeowners – read your insurance policy to find out if you are covered for the cost of the repairs.

Tenants – advise your managing agent or landlord of repairs needed.

Read the guidance for or landlords and tenants.

Checks to make before repairing or rebuilding

Before repairing or rebuilding, you should:

• check your insurance policy and contact your insurer
• take photos and document evidence of the damage before you remove or dispose of items
• verify the licence credentials or qualifications of any tradespeople you might employ
• ask your local council if approvals or permits are needed.

Find information on legal and insurance support.

Dealing with trades and builders

Be wary of scammers who may door knock disaster-affected areas and promise the insurer will pay for repairs.

In NSW, residential building work valued at $5000 or more (incl. GST) requires a licence. Specialist work like electrical wiring, air conditioning, plumbing, drainage and gasfitting also require a licence. To check the licence details of a tradesperson, visit the Service NSW website.

After a disaster like a bushfire, there can be a shortage of materials and skilled trades to complete work quickly.

NSW Fair Trading advises to:

• get several quotes
• be wary of people door knocking
• ask for the tradesperson’s full name and licence number
• check with your local council or NSW Department of Planning and Environment if a permit or approval is needed.

Don’t pay any money without a written contract.

To make a complaint, visit the Fair Trading website or call 13 32 20.

Make your property safe

Once mud and debris are cleared from a property, its walls, floors and building linings can be dried with fans to avoid mould.

Mould can cause health problems. Read the NSW Health mould fact sheet.

Read clean-up advice for information on how to stay safe while cleaning up. Visit NSW Health website for information on staying healthy.

Be wary of trades and doorknockers who might promise to fix or repair your home quickly with the promise that your insurer will pay.

Minor repairs

Some property repairs can be done quickly, without approval from your local council.

These minor renovations can be made to replace or renovate:

• doorways, walls, ceilings or floor linings
• deteriorated frames, including stairs and stairwells
• a bathroom or kitchen
• a built-in fixture like a vanity, cupboard or wardrobe
• an existing sanitary fixture, such as a grease trap
• shelving or racking that is not higher than 2.7m
• a work station or counter.

Minor external and non-structural building alterations can also be done without approval from your local council, such as:

• painting, plastering, cement rendering, cladding, attaching fittings or decorative work
• replacing external windows, glazing or a door (other than those on bushfire-prone land)
• repairing or replacing non-structural walls or roof cladding
• installing security screens or grills
• repairing a balustrade
• restumping or repairing structure foundations without increasing the height of the structure.

For more information on what types of work can be done without approval, contact codes@planning.nsw.gov.au

Rebuilding from extensive damage

If you are rebuilding a fully constructed property with an occupation certificate you will require approval.

Before starting work, contact your local council to find out what approvals you will need.

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment is working with local councils to reduce barriers to development approval for people wanting to rebuild after natural disasters.

Read the guidance on understanding the planning process and development applications.

Learn more about planning changes to help people rebuild after a natural disaster.

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has resources and planning initiative to help facilitate rebuilding after natural disasters.

Read about the NSW Government regional housing flying squad program to help councils deliver more housing in regional areas.

Grants and payments are available

Grants, payments and financial assistance are available for people who have lost their home, business or property and live in a disaster-declared area.

Read more on floods grants and other support in NSW.

Find support for people and businesses after a flood.

Help with temporary accommodation

If you urgently need accommodation, call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

If you can't live in your home because of a natural disaster, you can install a 'moveable dwelling', such as a caravan. This can be on your land or on other land with the landowner’s consent.

These moveable dwellings can be in place for up to 2 years without the need for council approval. Councils can also extend the 2-year exemption period, if you still have need of temporary accommodation.

Find more information on:

• installation of emergency accommodation on private land
• temporary installation of a shipping container for storage purposes.