only heard of problems with hostgator

For WordPress on HostGator files need to have 644 and directories 755

the ownership of the WP-Files are only necessary if you had a VPS or a root.
you can set the ownership e.g. to your root-user.
that means, that (depending on der chmod) you're able to read the files, but now able to write s.th. in it or overwrite files.

but if i remember right you're able to install a new wordpress within your contro.-panel. Just use this, reupload your theme and reimport your database.

also see the hostgator-FAQ:
http://support.hostgator.com/article...o-another-host