What happens after a fire in your home is devastating. You may be left reeling, unsure of how to proceed and what to do with your belongings. Fortunately, you’re not alone. According to the National Fire Protection Association, around 375,000 homes catch fire each year, resulting in the loss of over 2,600 lives. Fire damage costs the economy over $8 billion each year. Even though you can’t control fires, you can make a recovery easier with help from a professional company that specializes in fire damage restoration.
If you can, get a fire damage restoration company to come in and assess your home. The first 48 hours are critical. Soot and water from the fire can cause significant damage to your home. Even if there are no visible signs of smoke, soot and water will continue to eat away at surfaces over time. Fire damage restoration companies will provide emergency response services and can meet with you at any time to assess the extent of the damage. To schedule an appointment, call Fire Damage Restoration Los Angeles. Ask if an initial assessment is free.
Fire damage contractors are required to secure the property for safety. They must secure the property by fencing it off and removing debris from the property’s perimeter. Once inside, they must assess the extent of damage and determine the amount of clean-up needed. This assessment will help you prepare for the restoration process and begin mitigation efforts. Water damage will result in mold growth and deterioration of various items. Early removal of certain items will help them recover.
You should also choose a company that has been IICRC-certified. The IICRC recommends that you choose a company that has a team of technicians that have undergone rigorous training. A company that uses environmentally friendly cleaning products is more likely to meet all standards, reducing the overall environmental impact. It’s also important to consider whether or not your insurance company will cover your fire damage restoration. If you choose to do it yourself, you’ll likely need a higher deductible than a company that uses a certified fire restoration service.
Insurance companies require policyholders to report the damage as soon as possible. If possible, call your insurance company or the agent that issued your policy to file a claim. Secure your property if you can use it so that the loss doesn’t void your policy. Prepare your receipts so that you can provide proof of the actual costs of replacement. Insurers will often require them to verify your losses and expenses. You’ll want to keep all of them, and this will make the process smoother.
Fire Damage Restoration can be a challenging endeavor, but a well-trained company will guide you through the entire process, from the initial assessment to the final cleanup. By utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, these specialists will mitigate the fire’s detrimental effects and salvage the property as much as possible. Moreover, their professional team will clean smoke residue and restore surfaces that have been damaged by prolonged exposure to smoke. They also handle water-related problems, such as water extraction.
If you have to hire fire damage restoration services, be prepared to wait for several weeks or even months. The entire process will take several weeks or even months, depending on the damage caused by the fire. The scope of the fire will determine the length of the restoration process. A small kitchen fire, for example, may only require a few hours of work, while a large warehouse fire may take weeks. Your insurance company can help you determine whether your insurance company will pay for the work.
The cost of fire damage restoration depends on the extent of damage and the size of the area affected. Damage to expensive items can increase the costs. The average cost for fire damage restoration for a one-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot home is approximately $16,000. It may take a team of up to four days to restore a house that’s only one-half the size. It is essential to have a comprehensive estimate and know the costs before hiring a restoration company.