Mary Carla Grube:
I guess the question is, “What would we power?” The AC units are not going to work after being submerged in salt water, the electrical panel most likely was submerged in salt water and not going to work (that would depend on how high up your panel is), and I could go on forever.
Listening to the radio yesterday morning whoever was reporting said that power would not even attempted to be restored in the hardest hit areas where no one is living. Umm, Tropicana
I am not being harsh but having worked with victims for 38 years I can tell you every soul who lived,
played and loved is a victim of Hurricane Ian. Victims focus on the victimization and if they stay in that mode the are spinning their wheels.
Survivors of victimization is the ideal of what we want to see. No longer a victim but a survivor. Survivors accept the reality but deals with it in a way that allows them to gently move on.
They no longer spend their time and energy on the wrong things but rather on positive actions
But they never forget.
So my advice is to try to use your time and energy on healing and moving forward.
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DON HIXSON:
IS IT WORTH IT TO SAVE YOUR HOUSE?
I see a lot of posts from folks wondering if their home is salvageable? I understand the want to save your home…I had a home there as well.
I can share with you what you’ll be up against?
Before we even get into what needs to be done let me remind you of the severe labor and material shortage we were experiencing before a storm came into our area effecting several million homes and businesses. I waited for 7 months to get my roof replaced after the twister!
First off we have demolition, everything from where your walls touch the ceiling down to the floors under your feat have to be removed (this will include cabinets, tubs, showers etc) By the time you’re able to secure a contractor to do the demo, mold will have set in creating a biohazard environment that will have to be be removed properly so as not to put that all in the air to affect every person in the parks lungs.
I can tell you one of the hardest jobs in a mobile home is removing the particle board sub floor when it’s dry, it’ll be a nightmare when it’s wet!
You should also be aware that the I’ve been discovering of late that the ceiling trusses in these 1970’s homes are starting to delaminate and have to be replaced or repaired. The steel frames under our homes have already gotten paper thin from 40 plus years of rust and in many instances you can poke a finger right through them….and that was before they were submerged in salt water.
And please consider what life will be like living in a construction zone for 3 or 4 years with constant noise and contaminate filled air.
In my opinion the only solution is to remove them all and start from scratch, but considering we couldn’t get a single new home set in the 7 months sense the twister, will any of us live long enough to enjoy the serenity of a completed community?
I hope you know that I’m not trying to be Mr Negative, I’m just a realest with a life time of experience in this arena.
I encourage all our Tropicana family to move forward with your decision making process equipped with knowledge and not ruled by emotions.
This will be my last post as we’re looking for brighter horizons
We love each and every one of you, be safe and live a good life
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DON: cost estimates:
I’m going to guess at costs here
Demolition $3,000….triple that if mold is discovered
The vapor barrier and floor insulation will have to be removed and replaced $5,000
New subfloor and flooring $10,000 to $14,000
All new electrical $5,000
New insulation and walls $4,000 – $6,000
New showers and fixtures times two , $4,000
New cabinets and vanities $ $8,000-$10,000
New interior doors, baseboards, door and window casings $3,000-$4,000
New exterior door $600
New patio door $1,500
New appliances $2,000-$4,000
Paint and caulk $1,500-$2,500
New TV and furnishings?
New HVAC (air conditioner and ducts) $5,000-$6,000
OUTSIDE case by case depending on damage
New roof $10,000 to $14,000
New carport $14,000 to $18,000
New shed $4,000 to $8,000
New siding $10,000 to $14,000
New windows $500 to $600 each
….and the list goes on
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EDITOR’S NOTE: I assume that the writers of the above would be pleased that we are helping to pass along their learned info. Not everyone can get on that Facebook page, and we had about 2,000 visits (“hits”) yesterday. on Tropicanaforum.com. I would add that we spent $30,000 to restore our home and its belonging after a “mold bloom” a few years ago.
Others have also invested a great deal to fix up their metal can homes. I know one family in Tropicana who just put on new siding and all new appliances. They bet and lost.
ALSO: I have been in touch with Murex regarding the monthly rent. They promised to get back to me since I told them that my blog here received 1,600 visits yesterday. Others have inquired about this issue as well, so an answer should come soon.
Paul Goldfinger, Editor.
Tropicana Forum 