7 Fire Damage Restoration Frequently Asked Questions

After experiencing the devastation of a home fire, property owners are left with some critical questions. To help them get their life and investment back on track, here are the answers to some common questions about fire damage restoration.

1. What is the first thing I should do after a fire? Property owners should call their insurance agent and submit their claim. He or she will provide information on securing the home, hiring a reliable restoration company, and more.
2. How do I secure my property after the fire? Most restoration companies also provide board-up services to prevent possible theft. A proper board-up should include using plywood bolted from inside the dwelling over windows. The front door should have a secure lock.
3. Can I inspect my house after the fire? Legally, only a licensed inspector like a structural engineer or industrial hygienist can determine the safety of a building. Besides, property owners who want to check fire damage themselves put themselves at great risk.
4. Do I really need professional clean-up if the fire was small? In most losses, cleaning the soot and smoke is the toughest part. Moreover, even small fires can cause major damage within minutes and leave lingering odours if not cleaned up properly. If the damage is not handled within a day or two of the fire, soot and smoke can leave permanent damage. Professionals have the tools and know-how to restore a property as fast as possible and mitigate the loss.
5. What should I do with all the water that was used to put out the fire? Water can lead to more damage such as mould growth. Reputable restoration companies also extract the water from the damaged area as part of the fire restoration job.
6. Can I stay in my home during the fire damage restoration process? This depends on the degree of the damage, the home’s layout, and the owner’s comfort level. As an alternate plan, the insurance professional can recommend off-site housing or staying at a hotel – these might be covered in the policy.
7. How long will the restoration process take? The length of time varies on the extent of the damage. Additionally, local authorities and the insurance professional will also want to investigate the damage before the restoration company can start the clean-up.

Handling a fire claim with an insurance agent can also be an obstacle for many property owners. Here are the questions to ask insurance professionals after a home fire. The PuroClean team stands ready to provide professional restoration services to any property affected by fire, water or mould damage.

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