Flood Leaves Milwaukee Woman with $60,000 Repair Bill

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Delorse Harrington, 67, of Menomonee River Hills, faces a daunting $60,000 bill after her home sustained severe flooding in August. The flood, which occurred after a heavy rainstorm, flooded her basement with nearly 4 feet of water, damaging part of the foundation and creating a significant hole in her property.

This was Harrington’s second experience with flooding since she moved into her home 34 years ago. The first incident in the early 2010s led her to invest in a new sump pump system. Unfortunately, after the recent storm, her sump pump malfunctioned and failed to remove the rising water as it surged through a wall and window.

Compounding her difficulties, Harrington learned that her homeowners’ insurance and the sump pump policy she purchased did not cover the flooding damage. “I never knew the sump pump coverage only applied to issues like a power outage or pipe burst,” she said. Experts indicate that this misunderstanding is common among homeowners who choose to forgo specific flood insurance due to perceived low risk.

“Flood damages are not going to be covered by homeowners’ insurance,” said Daniel Wright, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison specializing in flood hazards. Wright emphasized that many homeowners mistakenly believe their policies cover flood situations.

In Milwaukee, following the August storm, a staggering 90% of properties that experienced flood damage were in low-risk areas. Residents frequently opt for lower-cost options instead of robust flood insurance, leaving them vulnerable. Shane Hubbard, another UW-Madison expert, explained that more severe storms are occurring in regions where flooding was once rare, increasing the risk of unpreparedness.

After Harrington’s home was inspected by city officials, she received a notice giving her six months to either repair the damage or demolish the property. The cost of obtaining a permit for this work, based on 1% of the renovation expense, would be approximately $600. If she began renovations without a permit, she would face quadruple fees.

“I can’t afford it and I can’t get a permit because I can’t find a contractor,” Harrington explained. The demand for repair workers has surged, complicating her efforts. She spends several days a week calling various contractors and even sought assistance from a Habitat for Humanity site.

Jeremy McGovern, a spokesperson for Milwaukee’s Department of Neighborhood Services, noted that it’s common for homeowners to appeal such orders and receive extensions. “Flood victims will find the inspector to be helpful in providing extensions without reinspection fees,” he advised.

Despite McGovern’s guidance, Harrington felt she was not adequately informed about these options. Experts caution that on average, homeowners may need about a year to complete repairs following significant flooding. Harrington secured a $20,000 FEMA grant to assist with repairs but still lacks funds for the remaining $40,000.

“I’m a veteran,” she remarked. “I live on my pension and Social Security, and I was okay with that. But now, I think I’m going to have to get another job.”