Having a fire in your home can be quite traumatic. When the fire department arrives and successfully puts out the fire, you can breathe a sigh of relief. However, it is also important to understand that the work is not over at this stage. After the fire is put out, you will still need to have your home restored to its former glory. That means removing all of the water and water-damaged materials and also addressing any smoke and fire damage. Usually, this work is done by a residential restoration company. Here are some questions you are likely to have about that process.
How soon should you call a restoration service?
You should call as soon as you are able. As soon as the fire is put out, look for restoration companies in your area, and call one who you feel comfortable hiring. It is important to start work on the home promptly since mold will soon start to grow if the water is left to sit and soak into the materials for more than a few days.
Will insurance cover the cost of the restoration?
In most cases, your homeowner's insurance policy will cover any restoration costs. So, be sure to contact them and file a claim ASAP. They will send out an adjuster, who should give you an estimate of how much the damage should cost to repair. If your actual costs end up being higher, though, you can usually appeal the claim and ask for more coverage.
Will the restoration company rebuild your home?
Usually, the answer is yes. A restoration company typically removes all of the damaged materials and then rebuilds the home to the condition it was in prior to the fire. They may, however, have to construct the home a little differently as they rebuild. Most municipalities require that homes are brought up to code when they are restored after a fire. So, if your home was built in accordance with old codes that have since changed, it may need to be built a little differently this time around. For instance, you may need to have additional outlets added or move some stairs.
Hopefully, you now have a clearer idea of what to expect when having your home restored after a fire. If you have any more specific concerns, reach out to your restoration company and ask. They will generally be happy to share more about their process in order to help put your mind at ease. For more information on residential restoration, contact a professional near you.
When you have a fire in your home, or when flood waters seep in and saturate your building materials, you of course feel overwhelmed and saddened. It's terrible to see the home you love — a home that was once comforting and caring — be destroyed by natural or unnatural disaster. But rest assured; the home can be restored. Repair and restoration professionals are capable of making some pretty substantial changes and bringing your home back to its former glory. We've seen it ourselves, and it was a very good feeling! We hope this blog raises your awareness of the work these teams can really do.