Post Harvey Rebuild.

Creator: Adrees Latif | Credit: Reuters

Hurricane Harvey, one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history, brought unprecedented destruction to many Houston neighborhoods, particularly those along the I-10 corridor. As contractors, Scott Byer and I found our skills in high demand, not just for our own property flips, but also for numerous other projects. Our expertise in managing the renovation process, budgeting, and material selection proved invaluable during this challenging period.

However, the aftermath of Harvey was a far cry from the usual satisfaction derived from reimagining a space and selecting materials for an upgrade. The storm had wreaked havoc on homes, leaving nothing but devastation in its wake. What had once been a source of joy for these homeowners had quickly turned into a nightmare. Their homes, and all their belongings, were gone -- washed away by the surging waters.

As we stepped back and considered the emotional toll this disaster had taken on these homeowners, it became clear that their hurdles were more than just physical. This wasn't a fun home rebuild for them. They hadn't been dreaming about this, nor had they been saving for years to make it happen. Instead, they were faced with the harsh reality of having to rebuild their homes and their lives from scratch.

In many conversations with the affected homeowners, one sentiment stood out: they wanted their homes restored to their former state. No changes, no upgrades. They even wanted the same materials they had before. This was a stark reminder of the emotional attachment people have to their homes, and the comfort of familiarity in the face of such devastation.

This challenging period wasn't just about the city or the affected families, but it was personal for me as well. My childhood home was destroyed, displacing my parents, and leading to one of them being hospitalized indefinitely.

Despite the challenges, we pushed forward. We leveraged our skills and resources to help homeowners rebuild their lives. It was a tough journey, but it was also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community.