Drying, strip-out and when decoration can start.

A dry-looking surface is only part of the picture

After a leak or flood, moisture can remain beneath flooring, behind fitted units or within walls and ceilings. Painting over a stain does not resolve a continuing leak or prove that the underlying material is ready.

The ABI’s flood recovery guidance places cleaning, strip-out and drying before repair and rebuilding. These stages help establish the condition of the property before new finishes are installed.

Agree what needs to be retained or removed

The damaged materials, source of the water and access requirements affect the scope. Some materials may be retained; others may need removal or replacement. Contamination or mould can require specialist assessment before the repair sequence is agreed.

Do not remove materials just to reveal more detail for an enquiry. Where opening-up or strip-out is needed, agree the boundaries of that work, access, evidence to record and who can authorise changes.

Before new finishes are installed

• Confirm what caused the water damage and what has been done to address it.
• Identify who is responsible for any drying, cleaning or specialist assessment.
• Share available findings and any confirmation that the area is ready for the proposed materials.
• Agree the reinstatement scope, including the surfaces and finishes to be completed.
• Clarify access, remaining dependencies and the authorised contact for changes.

How to prepare a repair enquiry

Tell Premier which rooms are affected, whether materials have already been removed and whether another company is handling drying. Send relevant photographs and reports using the agreed enquiry or document-sharing route. We clarify specialist requirements rather than claim an unverified drying capability.

Reinstatement may involve plasterboard, plaster, joinery, flooring, kitchen or bathroom fittings and decoration within the agreed scope. See water damage repairs and flood damage repairs.