Flood Cleanup & Recovery Services | Nelson & Tasman

When floods and storms hit Nelson-Tasman, the cleanup can't wait. Every hour of delay means more damage, higher costs, and longer recovery times. We respond fast with the right equipment and expertise to get your property back to normal.

Fast response when you need it most

Flood damage gets worse every day it's left untreated. Saturated soil becomes unstable. Debris dams create new flood risks. Standing water breeds health hazards. That's why we prioritise flood recovery work – because we understand that time is money, and delay multiplies damage.

Our fleet of excavators, trucks, and skilled operators means we can tackle large cleanup jobs immediately while smaller contractors are still scheduling assessments.

Comprehensive flood recovery services

Emergency slip cleanup

Slips and landslides block access routes and threaten further damage. We clear debris quickly and safely, restoring access for emergency services and residents. Our approach includes assessing slope stability, removing debris without destabilising remaining slopes, and establishing temporary access where needed. For properties with ongoing instability, we coordinate with geotechnical engineers to ensure safe, permanent solutions.

Flood damage excavation

When floodwater recedes, the real work begins. We excavate mud, silt, and debris from around buildings, clear blocked drainage systems, and remove contaminated material safely. Our compact excavators can work in tight spaces around buildings, while our larger machines handle bulk material removal efficiently. We understand the urgency – every day of delay allows moisture to cause more structural damage.

Retaining wall assessment & repair

Flood-damaged retaining walls are safety hazards that can collapse without warning. We assess wall stability, perform emergency repairs to prevent further collapse, and rebuild damaged sections to current standards. Our experience with retaining wall construction means we can identify the difference between cosmetic damage and structural failure, prioritising repairs that protect people and property.

Tree removal & hazard clearance

Storm-damaged trees pose ongoing risks to buildings, power lines, and people. We safely remove fallen trees and hazardous branches, including trees in difficult positions or against buildings. Our equipment includes grapples and cutting attachments for efficient debris processing. We also assess remaining trees for stability and recommend removal of those compromised by root damage or lean.

Fence repairs & replacement

Flood damage often destroys boundary fencing, creating security and stock containment issues. We repair and replace damaged fencing quickly, including post hole excavation in flood-affected ground, replacement of damaged sections, and coordination with neighbours on boundary repairs. Our fencing expertise means we can restore security and property boundaries efficiently.

Site restoration & erosion control

After cleanup comes restoration. We rebuild damaged landscapes, install temporary and permanent erosion control measures, and prepare sites for replanting. This includes earthworks to restore proper site levels, installation of drainage to prevent future flooding, and coordination with hydroseeding contractors for rapid revegetation of bare soil.

Working with insurance companies

Flood recovery often involves insurance claims. We provide:

• Detailed documentation of damage and cleanup work
• Photographic evidence before, during, and after cleanup
• Itemised quotes and invoices for insurance purposes
• Coordination with loss adjusters and insurance assessors
• Separation of emergency work from restoration work

Our experience with insurance processes helps ensure you receive fair compensation for damage and cleanup costs.

Emergency vs. restoration work

Emergency response (immediate safety)

Emergency work focuses on immediate safety and preventing further damage:

• Clearing blocked access routes
• Removing debris threatening buildings
• Stabilising damaged retaining walls
• Clearing blocked drainage systems
• Removing hazardous trees

Restoration work (long-term repair)

Restoration work rebuilds and improves:

• Rebuilding damaged retaining walls to higher standards
• Upgrading drainage systems to handle future floods
• Improving site levels and slopes
• Replacing damaged landscaping
• Installing erosion control measures

Common flood damage scenarios we handle

• Residential properties: Mud removal, garden restoration, fence repairs, access clearance
• Commercial sites: Parking area cleanup, building access restoration, loading dock clearance
• Rural properties: Stock track clearance, bridge approach repair, paddock restoration
• Lifestyle blocks: Driveway reinstatement, retaining wall repairs, landscaping restoration
• Rental properties: Fast cleanup to minimise rental income loss

Prevention through better drainage

Many flood problems stem from inadequate drainage systems. During restoration, we can:

• Upgrade drainage capacity to handle larger events
• Install French drains to manage groundwater
• Create swales and channels to direct surface water
• Improve property grading to prevent ponding
• Install soakpits to manage stormwater on-site

The goal is not just restoration, but resilience – making your property better able to handle future weather events.

Equipment for efficient recovery

Flood recovery requires the right equipment:

• Excavators with various attachments: Standard buckets, grapples, rock breakers
• Trucks and trailers: Rapid debris removal and material supply
• Compact equipment: Working in tight spaces around buildings
• Pumps and dewatering equipment: Managing standing water
• Compaction equipment: Ensuring stable repairs

Cost considerations

Flood recovery costs vary dramatically based on:

• Extent of damage and debris volume
• Accessibility of affected areas
• Disposal requirements for contaminated material
• Urgency of response required
• Complexity of repairs needed

Emergency response typically costs more than scheduled work, but the cost of delay usually far exceeds the premium for immediate response.

After the cleanup: building back better

Flood recovery is an opportunity to improve resilience:

• Rebuild retaining walls to higher standards
• Upgrade driveways with better drainage
• Improve site preparation for future construction
• Install permanent erosion control measures
• Create better water management systems

24/7 emergency response

Natural disasters don't wait for business hours. When flooding threatens your property, we respond immediately with the equipment and expertise needed to prevent further damage and begin the recovery process.