more... > Getting Started > Build, Rebuild or Restore? > What's In My Back Yard? The Road Home's "What's In My Back Yard?" (WIMBY) Tools provide information about facilities and services available in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This information is intended to serve as a resource for homeowners as they decide how to use their Road Home funds. Gutting a House [Image: Termite Damage] It’s been almost two years since Hurricane Katrina hit the southern coast of Louisiana and Mississippi. Some of the flooded homes have been rebuilt, or are in the process of being rebuilt. The important question is “How good are we rebuilding?” Katrina Cottages [Image: Katrina Cottage] A Katrina Cottage is a small, yet permanent house to be built for about the same price as a FEMA trailer. Katrina Cottages may be “stick built” on-site or constructed from panels manufactured elsewhere. They must meet the tough standards of Louisiana’s new residential building code (based on the International Residential Code), including meeting the minimum elevation for flood protection. (Source: Louisiana Speaks) Mobile Homes in Louisiana -- Fact Sheet Mobile homes have been steadily growing in popularity as a temporary and permanent primary residence for many Louisiana residents. Mobile homes can provide years of comfortable and convenient living, while giving you the most for the dollar you spend on electricity. Using the following energy conservation tips will help you to make the least of your electric bill.  more articles... Mobile Homes as an Option Living in a mobile homes is one option you can consider when planning for your future housing needs. In the past, mobile homes typically were considered starter homes. But today, many people are choosing to make mobile homes their permanent dwelling. Different Kinds of Factory-Built Homes [Image: Factory Built Home] "Factory-Built Home” is a generic term that refers to any home that has been predominately designed and constructed in a controlled factory or plant environment. Factory processes are extremely efficient with materials and, thus, are considered more environmentally friendly. In addition, the factory environment can provide a much greater degree of quality control, compared to on-site construction. Manufactured Homes - Mobile Homes, or Trailers Manufactured Homes are the buildings we have, in the past, referred to as mobile homes or trailers. While other factory-built homes are built to the codes of the area where they will be installed, manufactured homes are built to a special HUD-code and installed in accordance with HUD guidelines. Thus they are sometimes referred to as HUD-Code homes. Modular Homes: Faster and More Energy Efficient [Image: Modular home] For those who need fast, affordable and reliable solutions for their housing problems, modular homes might be the best solution. In contrast to what many people think, modular homes are quite different than manufactured or trailer homes. In fact, they are very similar to site-built homes. Careful Cleanout - Gutting a Historic Building Thousands of older and historic homes in New Orleans were affected by Hurricane Katrina and the flooding that followed. But that does not mean that every material with mold on it needs to be discarded Determining Structural Damage When calm returns after the storm, it’s time to assess the damage and begin repairs. A number of factors should be considered, and the following information may be helpful. Wind-Resistant Small Project List This list of home improvements to increase wind resistance is divided into cost categories. You can tackle these projects one at a time, but remember – the more you do, the stronger your home will be against hurricane winds. The material below is from the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Prices are pre-Katrina. Keep or Throw Away? After a storm, many people ask themselves, “What do I keep and what do I throw away?” These are common questions and the answers are not always easy. Caring for Large Electrical Appliances Made Wet During a Disaster Appliances made wet by floodwaters or by rainwater after roofs were damaged will need extreme care before they can be reused. Rebuilding Homes Provides Opportunities for Termite Protection Homeowners in South Louisiana and elsewhere in the Gulf South who are building homes should add termite protection in the process. Combining termite protection with proper strapping for wind resistance and anchoring to prevent floatation present some challenges for maintaining the integrity of the barrier..