Recovering from a house fire takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone. Because many of the required tasks must be performed by licensed professionals, you can rely on dependable assistance to complete these eight steps.
How to Repair a House After a Fire
Contact the Insurance Company
The initial step in repairing your home after a fire is to contact your insurance company. The claims procedure must be started as soon as possible. If you live in Florida, talk to your insurance agent about hiring experienced restoration companies in Lakeland, like PuroClean.
It is best to work with professional restoration companies that have a proven track record and keeps Preferred Vendor status. If you are still determining whether or not to renovate after a fire, consult with your insurance agent and restoration contractor.
Assess the Structural Damage
Ensure the safety of a fire-damaged home before beginning renovations. Your restoration specialist may recommend a structural engineer for this critical aspect of the project. The engineer’s inspection focuses on the
- Basement, second floor, and attic floor joists
- Identifying and outlining necessary repairs.
- Walls that bear internal loads.
- Walls of the basement foundation.
The restoration specialist can also put you in touch with qualified electricians and carpenters who have worked on fire-damaged homes before.
Ensure the Property’s Security
Before beginning work on the house, lock all doors except one and board up any broken windows. You can do this with the assistance of your restoration contractor’s crew. Securing your home during the reconstruction process reduces the likelihood of vandalism. Following a fire, many insurance companies require that properties be secured.
Make Structural Repairs a Top Priority
This is yet another project phase that experts should handle. Skilled carpenters must perform heavy repairs to maintain the home’s structural integrity. They rebuild the attic, replace rusted floor joists and roof trusses, and reinforce the interior framework.
Examine and Maintain the Electrical System
Even if the fire did not destroy your home’s electrical system, you must have it inspected and repaired by a licensed electrician. A fire-damaged home frequently necessitates the installation of a new breaker box, as well as the inspection and replacement of all wiring, outlets, and fixtures.
Deal with Fire Damage Issues
Every fire-damaged home renovation includes specialized cleanup to address the numerous fire- and smoke-related damages. Your restoration specialist will take care of the following:
- Mold development on wet sheetrock
- Traces of soot and smoke stains
- Contaminated air ducts
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Clean Every Single Room
On average, rebuilding after a fire can take several weeks to several months. During a disaster, certified restoration technicians are your most valuable allies. They will repair damaged sheetrock and burnt floors and assist you in salvaging furniture. Take care of the final phase one room at a time.
Document Everything From Start to Finish
Keep track of all repair and replacement costs, as rebuilding after a fire can be prohibitively expensive. Digitize your photographs and documents to demonstrate the extent of your loss and the recovery cost. Working with the insurance provider is easier with complete records, and your restoration specialist can assist you throughout the claims process.
