The Great Waterlogged Adventure: From Disaster to Dream Home

As a local Realtor with my seller client based in California, I knew this journey was going to be challenging and demanding of my time and resources. But just how challenging, I had NO idea.  

Allow me, Lyn Landrian, successful Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens RE Alliance, to take you through the wild ride of turning an updated house into a waterlogged house into a dream home. 

First, I was referred to my out of state seller by my trusty remodeling vendor, Dynamic Housing Solutions. After being hired, I put all the utilities in my name, slapped on a lockbox, and thought let the adventure begin. Then the fun started. NOT! 

A few days later, the city sent out a repair person to fix the mushroom at the water meter. Unfortunately, this well-meaning individual turned on the water, forgetting one minor detail—there were no toilets in the house. BAM! We had an indoor swimming pool. A typical swimming pool holds about 22,000 gallons of water, but we managed to top that with a whopping 80,000 gallons! 

Now, mind you, I had no idea the city had turned on the water. So, a couple of weeks later, when our owner sent some money to get started on the remodel, is when we discovered our watery catastrophe. Thankfully, the sump pump worked overtime, so no water reached the main floor. However, the humidity in the house was off the charts, meaning everything had to go—sheetrock, ceilings, insulation—right down to the studs. Dynamic Housing Solutions saved the day by minimizing water damage and preventing mold issue. 

Realizing the extent of the damage, I headed to the city to find out if I’d be responsible for the water bill. Initially, I suspected sabotage by the recently fired remodeling company and let me tell you I was gearing up for a legal battle. The clerk informed me whatever water went through the meter; I’d be billed. YIKES! OKAY, Now, I’m getting my ducks in a row and asked about the date and amount of water that went through the meter.  I was preparing to file a police report! But then, a plot twist: the city admitted they were the culprits and directed me to their insurance adjuster. 

That’s when the nightmare began. After I made several attempts and Dynamic Solutions made several attempts to contact the adjuster, we got no response for over a week. Panicking about potential mold, Tim, with Dynamic Housing Solutions mitigated damage and I escalated the issue to the adjuster’s supervisor and finally got a response. (Imagine that!)  The adjuster called that day and promised a local inspector would call and schedule an appointment within 48 hours. After waiting the 48 hours, I went to the local office and found it empty, non existent, as it turned out his definition of “local” was Texas! 

Despite the distance, after hearing my horror story, the adjuster showed up on Saturday with an injured back, inspected the damage with Dynamic Solutions, went straight to the hospital and wrote up the quote from his hospital bed. Tim worked closely with him to ensure a fair evaluation of the extensive work needed. 

Fast forward to December, and while things were looking up, we still faced delays waiting for the insurance money. After more complaints to the city and a threat of legal action, we finally received the funds in January. Meanwhile, utility bills piled up, and mortgage payments resumed.  BTW, the only intervention my out of state owner had to do was allow me to consult an attorney on his behalf and threaten a lawsuit.  I think I need a raise, lol.

Dynamic Housing Solutions crew got to work. This family-owned, reputable company took the disaster in stride, marking a standard of excellence in their remodels. Tim and I had a rocky start, not understanding the assets we are to each other, but we soon worked together like a well-oiled machine.  

In just six months—a feat considering the scale of the remodel—Dynamic Housing Solutions transformed this waterlogged house into a gem. We even added a 4th bedroom and 3rd bathroom in the finished basement, installed a new driveway, and did some landscaping. Lovelee Homes stepped in for staging, making this home inviting, beautiful, and guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies. 

Come August 1st, this dream home will be available for viewing. Despite the tumultuous journey, we turned a disaster into a stunning home, ready for its new owner. And trust me, you won’t want to miss it! 

I am here to make your home buying or selling experience smooth and stress-free going above and beyond, treating you with the same respect, work ethics and expertise, contact me today. 

Call: 316.250.1306
Email: lyn.landrian@betterks.com
Visit: www.lynrealtor.com 

There’s a heart for every home! 

P.S. Stay tuned for before and after pics.