- Employ a Professional Company. Hire a fire restoration contractor to examine the structural damage. Inspect all exterior sections of the house and make notes about damage.
- Proper Clearing of Damages. Ask the building contractor to clear away one entryway and begin removing charred wood and debris. ...
- Preparation. Inspect the basement foundation and floor joists supporting the home’s weight. Pull away drywall to inspect every load-bearing wall in the house.
- Final Supervision. Go room by room to complete the interior once the exterior needs have been addressed. ...
- Conclusion. Fire damage in a home is usually an overwhelming tragedy. Priceless belongings and valuables can be easily lost to the flames and the resulting smoke and water damage.
Should you repair or replace your home after a house fire?
In some cases, your home needs to be razed and rebuilt after a house fire. There’s too much damage to the home, including structural damage that has permanently compromised the safety of the home. In other cases, your home can be safely salvaged and repaired to pre-loss condition. Insurance companies will push for the cheapest option.
Should I repair or rebuild my fire-damaged home?
In other cases, house fire insurance claims are more complicated, and there’s considerable debate whether to repair or rebuild your home. In most situations, it costs more to rebuild a home after major damage than the market value of that home.
What happens during a fire damage repair?
During fire damage repair, tradespeople will address damage to your home’s physical structure as well as its materials, such as drywall, flooring, roofing, windows and more. What Are the Steps in the Fire Damage Repair Process?
What are the steps in the fire damage repair process?
What Are the Steps in the Fire Damage Repair Process? 1 Step 1: Initial Inspection. After the fire has been extinguished, a qualified inspector will account for the extent of the damage and determine what ... 2 Step 2: Safety and Prevention. 3 Step 3: Soot and Debris Removal. 4 Step 4: Water Removal and Sanitization. 5 Step 5: Repair Damage.
How do you renovate a house after a fire?
8 Steps to Rebuilding a Fire Damaged HouseCall the Insurance Company. ... Assess Your Home's Structural Damage. ... Make Sure the Property Is Secured. ... Address Structural Repairs First. ... Inspect and Repair the Electrical System. ... Address Problems Specific to Fire Damage. ... Clean Up Room by Room. ... Document Everything From Start to Finish.
Is it worth buying a fire damaged house?
If the home is safe, buying a house that's been renovated after a fire can save you a lot of money. You have a higher return-on-investment for fire-damaged homes because they're often undervalued. But if the home has not yet been repaired after a fire, the repairs may be less expensive than estimated.
How do you repair fire damage?
While each fire scenario is different and requires a custom battle plan, some steps in our restoration process remain more or less consistent.Assess the Degree of Damage. ... Isolate Unsafe Areas. ... Remove Water and Dry the Area. ... Remove Soot and Smoke Residue. ... Sanitize and Clean. ... Fire Damage Restoration.
How do you repair fire damaged wood?
You can't repair burned wood. You can only replace it. If you experience a fire and wood burns during the event, you must determine if it needs to be removed or sealed. If the wood is salvageable, a sealer will minimize smoke odors, cover stains, and serve as a primer for surfaces.
What to know about buying a house that had a fire?
10 Things to Look for If You're Buying a House with Previous Fire DamageCracks in Exterior Materials. ... Damp Basement Walls. ... Extensive Structural Damage. ... Warped Frames, Floors and Trim. ... Hidden Plumbing Damage. ... Dangerous Electrical Wiring. ... Contaminated Duct Work. ... Asbestos in Older Homes.More items...•
Can you live in a house that has fire damage?
If you're reading this, you've probably had a fire in your house that was serious enough to make you doubt whether it's safe for you and your family to stay there. At least until the smoke and fire damage has been taken care of. The short answer is NO. It's never worth risking the health and safety of your family.
Can you rebuild a brick house after a fire?
Fire-damaged bricks can be repaired in many instances. Should the bricks be deemed too damaged to warrant repairs, then you can get them replaced individually or in larger swaths.
How do you repair concrete after a fire?
Fire Damaged Concrete Can't be Repaired and Must be Removed and Replaced – As stated above, a thorough Condition Assessment is necessary to understand the physical and chemical characteristics of reinforced concrete structures subjected to fire.
How long does it take to rebuild after a fire?
Finding help can be the longest step, but repairs can likely be done in 1-to 2 days. However, if a large fire has occurred, then rebuilding a home can be a lengthy process. In some cases, reconstruction can be completed in a couple of weeks. In more severe instances, rebuilding a home will take months.
Can you paint over burnt wood?
The most important step in painting over burnt timber is to prime your piece. I used two coats of Zinsser BIN Shellac but any oil based stain blocking primer will do. Follow the drying times on the primer tin. It will most probably be around 2 hours between each coat.
How is smoke damage treated?
You can use commercial soot / smoke remover (follow the manufacturer's directions), rubbing alcohol, white vinegar or paint thinner. Soak the rag in your preferred cleaner, and wipe the walls throughout the damaged room.
How do you remove deep burn marks from wood?
Another method of removing deeper burn or scorch marks is using linseed oil mixed with a soft wood polishing compound. Mix the compound and oil in a small mixing bowl in two equal parts and once a paste is formed apply to the burn area using an old cloth.
How do you get rid of the smell after a house fire?
Baking soda is an inexpensive and natural odor-absorber. Peek suggests leaving a few bowls of baking soda around the house for several days to help absorb the odors. “Activated charcoal also is an option to help absorb odors. Use it like you would baking soda and place it in bowls around the house for several days.
What can I buy after fire?
Here are eight of the top items someone whose house burned down might need.New socks and underwear. ... Clothing. ... Toiletries. ... Seasonal necessities. ... Healthy food. ... Toys for the kids. ... Pots and pans. ... Furniture.
How do you find out if there was a fire in a house?
A request for a specific fire at a specific address must be made to obtain any record of a house burning down. The fire department does not entertain requests for multiple fire records. Requests must be made individually. Submit a Fire Incident Record Request Form to obtain this information.
How can I damage my house without getting caught?
50 Ways You're Ruining Your Home Without Realizing ItKeeping your blinds open all day. ... Letting rooms with hardwood floors stay humid. ... Sweeping instead of vacuuming. ... Using too much water to clean your floors. ... Forgetting to use furniture pads on hardwood floors. ... Nailing into the wall without finding a stud.More items...
What is the smell of smoke and ash?
Soot and ash can coat walls, floors, and furniture. The chemicals they contain make this coating difficult to remove. Then there’s the smoke damage. Even in parts of the home untouched by fire, the smell of smoke and chemicals permeates everything — even items in storage or tucked away in drawers or cupboards.
How long does it take for a fire to spread?
1 to 2 minutes: Heat from the fire reaches cookbooks and countertops, while smoke and toxic air fill the room and spread to other parts of the home. 2 to 3 minutes: Flames reach cabinets, appliances, and dry goods, and a dense smoke now reaches from the ceiling almost to the floor.
How much does it cost to clean a house after a fire?
Chemical cleanup usually costs between $1,000 and $2,500. Fire extinguishers leave a toxic residue that’s great for putting out flames, but not great for humans and pets that must live in the house after a fire. The chemical cleanup process involves removing toxic residue.
How long does it take for a fire to reach the second floor?
4 to 5 minutes: Flames reach the second floor and are now visible from outside. the fire has reached 1000 degrees, hot enough to cause steel plates to buckle, and for synthetics used in plumbing and insulation to ignite. Roof and floor collapse follow shortly.
How much does it cost to rebuild a kitchen after a fire?
For instance, a kitchen damaged by fire can cost up to $50,000 to rebuild.
What to do if water pipes are damaged?
If you think the water pipes have been damaged, turn off the water main. Don’t use toilets, sinks, or showers until you can call a plumber. After you experience a fire, you’re probably feeling a lot of emotions, from stress and anxiety to worry and even anger.
How fast does a fire spread?
Here’s a rough timeline of how fast a fire spreads: A fire ignites on the stovetop (where about half of all house fires start) 0 to 30 seconds: flames spread across the range, igniting any cooking oils or grease and causing nearby combustibles (such as paper towels or dish rags) to smolder.
How to Repair a Fire Damaged House Step 1
The first step to repairing fire damage – no matter how big or how small – is to assess the damage.
How to Repair a Fire Damaged House Step 2
The next step, after having the inspector look at and assess the damage to your burned house, is to isolate unsafe areas in the home.
How to Repair a Fire Damaged House Step 3
The third step when repairing a fire damaged house is to remove water from the home and dry the affected areas.
How to Repair a Fire Damaged House Step 4
The next step to repairing a fire damaged house is to remove smoke and soot.
How to Repair a Fire Damaged House Step 5
Following smoke and soot removal it is now time to sanitize and clean up the property. Determine what items are salvageable and which ones to get rid of. If you are not sure about certain parts of the house you can consult with the inspector who assessed your home.
How to Repair a Fire Damaged House Step 6
It is now time to proceed with the actual repairs. Most often this will involve hiring a professional contractor. You should interview several candidates and select the one with the best reputation and who seems like a good fit for you and for the job.
The Bottom Line of Repairing a Fire Damaged House
Repairing a fire damaged house can be a very stressful process. It can be expensive and it can take a long time.
What do repair technicians do?
Repair technicians create a full list of what needs to be repaired, which might include: 1 Removing and replacing drywall 2 Replacing windows and doors 3 Installing new flooring 4 Repairing or replacing the roof 5 Fixing damaged plumbing parts
What happens after a fire?
After a fire, your home will be covered in soot and will be overwhelmed by smoke smell. Fire repair technicians quickly work to remove soot and smoke, as well as other debris.
What do fire damage repair tradespeople do?
During fire damage repair, tradespeople will address damage to your home’s physical structure as well as its materials, such as drywall, flooring, roofing, windows and more.
How long does it take to repair drywall?
For minor repairs to drywall, paint and flooring, the process can take a few days. For extensive damage to a large property with multiple floors, the process may take several weeks to a few months. Keep in mind that the repair process can’t begin until the site has been thoroughly inspected by the fire department, ...
What to do after fire extinguisher?
After the fire has been extinguished, a qualified inspector will account for the extent of the damage and determine what repairs need to be done, including structural damage repairs. Depending on the type of damage done to your home, you may need to hire multiple different professionals, such as roofers, carpenters, carpet installers, plumbers and more. In this case, hiring a general contractor to oversee the fire repair process may be necessary.
What to do after fire damage?
Almost immediately after your property has been damaged by fire, repair technicians take over, alleviating you of the responsibility of fixing your home post-fire. Many technicians provide emergency response services and will arrive quickly after you call. Once they arrive, they’ll begin the repair process, which includes using techniques approved ...
What do I need to do to get my home back to its original condition?
To get your home back to its original condition, you need the help of a fire repair and restoration company.
Can you bulldoze a fire damage garage?
Your building contractor might need to bulldoze part of the house away or tear off the garage addition that has been burned. Repairing fire damage is not a job for the average homeowners, but you can get involved in some of the cosmetic cleanup and repairs, such as painting or installing new cabinets to save money.
Is fire damage a tragedy?
Conclusion. Fire damage in a home is usually an overwhelming tragedy. Priceless belongings and valuables can be easily lost to the flames and the resulting smoke and water damage. Professional fire damage restoration experts have had experience with many home fires.
Why is life not going to stop?
The brutal reality is that your life isn’t going to stop because of a tragedy. You’ll need clothing to continue functioning in your day-to-day activities. The problem is that the smoke and soot from a fire leaves clothing unwearable.
What happens when a fire is happening?
Depending on the weather, rain and snow getting inside the house when a fire is happening, or after a fire has caused its devastation. Fire damage mitigation crews bring in specialized equipment to help dry out water residue and humidity to prevent further damage to your home or business.
What happens if a fire destroys your home?
The structure of your home or business isn’t the only thing that gets destroyed by a fire. Any belongings in your house can and will be damaged as well. Unfortunately, sometimes this means losing things with rich histories or great sentimental value. Items like these are simply irreplaceable, and it’s one of the struggles you’ll need to overcome if you’re in this terrible situation.
What to do if your home is on fire?
If one day you find yourself in a situation where your home or business is on fire, the most important thing to do is get your family or colleagues to safety. The next step is to call 9-1-1 to have the fire department put out the fire as soon as possible.
Why does fire cause water damage?
However, fire can lead to serious water damage for numerous reasons, including: Water getting into a home or business when firefighters are putting out the fire. Fire damaging your pipes and other plumbing components. Depending on the weather, rain ...
What is the best way to protect your home from fire?
1) Board-Up. Fire can destroy windows, doors, or openings in your house or business. When this happens, it’s important to board-up any holes left in the building. This keeps your home or office safe from the elements, but it also ensures protection against potential looters and even critters.
What happens when you put out a fire?
When you think of fire, your first thought probably isn’t, “Water damage.” However, fire can lead to serious water damage for numerous reasons, including: 1 Water getting into a home or business when firefighters are putting out the fire. 2 Fire damaging your pipes and other plumbing components. 3 Depending on the weather, rain and snow getting inside the house when a fire is happening, or after a fire has caused its devastation.
How to rebuild a house after a fire?
1. Call the Insurance Company. Rebuilding a house after a fire begins with the first call to your insurance company. It’s important to set the claims process in motion as soon as possible. Talk with your agent about bringing in a professional fire restoration contractor. You want to work with a restoration company that has a proven track record ...
What is the number to call for fire restoration in Chicago?
We know rebuilding a fire-damaged home can be difficult, but you don’t have to face it alone. Just give us a call: 773-647-1985.
How long does it take to rebuild after a fire?
The average time to rebuild after a fire can range from several weeks to several months, so you have to be patient. Your certified restoration technicians are your best partners during recovery.
Why do you transfer photos to digital files?
Transfer photographs and paperwork to digital files so that you can prove the extent of your loss and the cost of recovery. Detailed records make it easier to work with the insurance company, and your restoration contractor can help with the claim process too.
What do you need to know before you start a fire damage restoration?
Before you can get started on a fire-damaged house renovation, you have to make sure your home is safe. Your restoration contractor can recommend a structural engineer for this important phase of the job. The engineer’s inspection identifies damages and outlines necessary repairs for: Basement, second floor and attic floor joists.
How to recover from a fire?
1. Call the Insurance Company.
What to do if a fire doesn't destroy your home?
Inspect and Repair the Electrical System. Even if the fire didn’t destroy your entire home, its electrical system must be inspected and repaired by a licensed electrician. A fire-damaged house often needs a new breaker box, and all wiring, outlets and fixtures have to be tested for safety and replaced if damaged. 6.
How State Laws Protect You During Insurance Claims
Many states have passed laws protecting policyholders from greedy insurance companies. 20 states, for example, have passed valued policy laws. These laws allow policyholders to obtain fair compensation for their damaged home without jumping through hoops.
Replacement Cost Value Versus Actual Cash Value
To understand the cost of repairing or replacing your home, it helps to understand the difference between replacement cost value and actual cash value.
Other Types of Homeowners Insurance Coverage
Some homeowners insurance policies have other coverage options beyond RCV and ACV. Some homeowners insurance policies have building code coverage or extended replacement cost coverage, for example.
Can you cover up fire damage?
Of course, you never want to try to cover up fire damage, no matter how long ago it occurred. Before putting a fire-damaged home on the market, make copies of all documents pertaining to the fire, including insurance claims, police reports, and any repairs you have made. You want your agent to be able to tell prospective buyers about all ...
Can you sell your home after a fire?
If you’re looking to sell your home after a fire, you basically have two options: You can sell it as is, or you can repair the home. Selling as is, of course, is the easier solution in many cases. You don’t have to deal with hiring contractors, managing the process, and, if it’s your primary residence, living through the process.
