My last blog post documented the destruction of my studio after a massive sewage backup.

This one is a record of the fight to get back in business, The initial process is to completely gut and sanitize the space. The next step is an assessment of what is needed to get back in business.

The list is extensive and many times surprising. Drywall replacement? Yes.. knew that. Painting? That, too. Floor covering? A two hour there and back trip to a carpet wholesaler for commercial grade carpet tile.. solved.

The things that were a surprise.. many of the doors and jams needed to be replaced because the originals had deformed due to being partially submerged. Drains that were thought to be good.. weren’t… requiring further excavation and the installation of back flow valves,

After a bit over $30,000 in cash outlay depleting my business account the photos here are a record of the 95% recovery with a few things yet to be done.

FEMA and the SBA have both been here in the neighborhood and the confusion is rampant as the help we hoped for seems to be mired in conflicting programs.. Loans many of us can’t use and grants held up or unavailable because of the loan process.. all still to be resolved.

The good thing is to know the extent of mutual support in our neighborhood for one another.. heartening!

Clicking on the composites below will open them full size.