Sorry to read about your flooding - what a shame.  I'm glad to see that things are getting sorted.  I hope your mum hasn't been to distraught with all the stress, it must have been frightening for her.   Good luck with everything                                                                                                                                                                              

Insurance loss adjusters have been now so at least that will get the ball rolling, just got to find out how much work needs to be done                                                                                                                                                                              

My folks' bungalow was flooded in 2007, the water only went an inch or so above the skirtings, but the insurance company insisted all "contaminated" items (read "everything") had to be skipped.  Kitchen units, bathroom suite, wardrobes, all furniture and obviously the floor coverings had to go. All of the bottom 3 feet of plaster right through the house had to be removed, only then were driers used. Sorry mate, and i hope this doesn't happen to you, but they lived in a caravan on the front garden for 8 months, 'cos my dad wouldn't leave the property,(ins. bought the caravan, but it was only a tourer)   It's amazing how local tradespeople's hourly rates instantly treble and house rentals go sky high when insurance companies are paying the bills after flooding.                                                                                                                                                                               

hmmmmm....I was working in Carlisle at the time of the floods in 2005. I was just trying to remember how long the skips were evident outside houses, and how long before they all disappeared...it was years rather than months   I know there were lots of problems with cowboy builders...the area became a sort of klondike with reputable local builders all snapped up quick, leaving every one else at the mercy of scum who couldn't give a damn and moved in to take advantage of insurance money pickings   Good luck , take care and keep your wits about you                                                                                                                                                                             

Yes 2 very good points, i will watch out for them, best to be fore warned and prepared.