Thrilled to be a Big Issue Changemaker, 2025
I am delighted and quite frankly shocked that I’ve been included in the Big Issue’s Changemakers 2025 list
Flooding doesn’t just damage property, it disrupts lives. Families are left navigating the overwhelming process of repairs and insurance claims and trying to rebuild a sense of normality. But homes in flood-prone areas don’t have to be stuck in this cycle.
A flood-recoverable kitchen is one way to break free, offering practical solutions to reduce damage and make recovery quicker and less costly.
What is a Flood-Recoverable kitchen?
After a flood, traditional chipboard cabinets often swell, rot and need replacing, which can be costly, time-consuming and stressful. A flood-recoverable kitchen is built with recovery in mind and can be easily cleaned, dried, and reused.
The aim isn’t to stop water from entering – in many cases that’s not always possible – but to use material and designs that minimise damage, speed up drying, and make it easier to get your kitchen back to normal.
Waterproof cabinets and fittings can be cleaned, dried, and reused, saving both time and money in the aftermath of a flood. It’s a practical, resilient approach that helps you recover more quickly and with less hassle.
Support through the ‘Build Back Better’ grant
It has been thought that upgrading to a flood-resilient kitchen is a luxury, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Many homeowners save money when switching from a traditional kitchen.
In addition, eligible homeowners can apply for the Build Back Better grant (BBB) offered by many insurers via Flood Re. This grant provides up to £10,000 for flood-resilient improvements, including flood-recoverable kitchens, and should you flood again, you can access the grant more than once to better protect your home against flooding. If you get a quote for the normal replacement of your kitchen and a quote for a flood recoverable kitchen. BBB will pay the difference.
Finding local help
For those unsure where to start, a new initiative called Floodcabs.co.uk is a trusted resource. It connects homeowners with local experts who can design, supply, and install flood-resilient kitchens across the UK.
From bespoke designs to practical off-shelf solutions, it is making it easier for families to better protect their homes without sacrificing style.
A path to faster recovery
Flood-recoverable kitchens can give you peace of mind, Knowing that you can get back to ‘normal’ more quickly Combining waterproof cabinetry with raised plug sockets, plinth-mounted appliances, and flood-resistant flooring means families can recover faster and face less upheaval when flooding strikes.
The time to act is now!
Sadly, many people have recently been flooded, and therefore if a new kitchen is required, now is the best time to think about a flood resilient model.
I recently visited Sealwise, sealwise.co.uk, the creators of Floodcab.co.uk and was struck with a serious case of kitchen envy! They make beautiful sustainable kitchens, which are not only practical but beautifully designed too.
By investing in a flood-recoverable kitchen, you’ll avoid the need for costly replacements if flooding happens in the future. Combine this with thoughtful design choices, such as making sure your appliances are installed higher up, and you’ll be better equipped to handle flood recovery in the future.
As flooding becomes more frequent and severe, it’s essential to consider recoverable improvements that enable homes to recover more quickly should flooding occur again.
With over 6.3 million homes now deemed at risk of flooding, many people now live with the threat of regular floods. By installing more flood-recoverable features in our homes, it can enable people to return home sooner with less stress. Now is the time to prepare and stay one step ahead.
Copyright: Mary Long-Dhonau January 2025
An example of a Sealwise kitchen cupboard was kindly donated free for exhibition in the Floodpod.
