What to Do When There Is a Fire at Home

 Residential fires are more common than you think.

House Fires are Common

A house fire is one of the most devastating types of building damage. From 2012 to 2021, there were an average of 61,289 wildfires annually and an average of 7.4 million acres impacted annually. If you have found yourself in an unfortunate situation with a house fire, you are not alone. One of the first tasks to consider is to assess how much damage your home has suffered and what possessions have been lost in the fire. 

There are three types of fire damage. The first is damage caused by flames, the second is damage caused by smoke, and finally, the damage caused by substance and the act of extinguishing the fire. All three types come with their problems, so it is important to understand what they are and how they affect your home. It is also vital to know that your insurance company will assist in payment, depending on your policy.

Flame Damage

There are multiple types of flame damage depending on the cause of the fire. An electrical fire, for instance, may have a different effect on your home compared to a fire caused by a naked flame (candle, match, etc.).

Due to this, you must choose a restoration company that is an expert in this area and understands the different types of fire damage. This is because a poor rebuild usually results in problems appearing in the future, and can even make the home unsafe. Without proper restoration, your home could suffer from unseen structural damage and hidden electrical issues.

Smoke Damage

Smoke damage is a long-lasting effect of fire damage, and can hang around for weeks or even months after the fire has been put out. To give you an idea of how smoke damage works, you can smell smoke on someone that has just come in from a cigarette break or has been stood by a bonfire, because the smell of smoke tends to stick to objects.

In the same way, it will stick to objects in your home including your walls, ceilings, flooring, and furniture. Smoke can also discolor surfaces in your house and can be very tough to clean. A qualified restoration expert will know exactly how to clean everything properly to get rid of smoke damage fully.

3rd Party Damage

Fire damage is not just limited to the damage caused by flames and smoke. A house fire opens the gates to a whole host of other problems and vulnerabilities. One example is the water used by the fire department to help combat the flames. This can be absorbed into your walls and floorboards causing them to swell and warp, leading to rot or plaster falling off. 

Any chemicals that were present in the fire or used to extinguish it will need to be cleaned by a specialist to remove any future dangers. The heat from a house fire can also cause damage to your walls, leaving cracks and holes. These holes are an easy access point for rain and other weather problems and will need to be dealt with correctly and quickly. Sometimes, however, filling the cracks just is not enough.  

These could be masking much more serious problems which have weakened and compromised the structural integrity of your building. This makes it vitally important that if you see any damage to the structure, no matter how small, you should demand that the building is inspected by a Structural Engineer.

How Much Does Fire Damage Restoration Cost?

Fire damage restoration costs for even a small house fire can be devastating. It could result in extensive fire and smoke damage, as well as water damage from putting the fire out. For this reason, quick and decisive action is necessary to prevent further damage. This is especially true if the home’s structure has been compromised. Primarily, fire damage restoration cost depends mostly on the range of the fire and the location of the damage. For instance, a kitchen fire usually tends to be a more costly restoration than a smaller fire in a bedroom. Moreover, homeowner’s insurance coverage or the lack of it, can have a huge impact on out-of-pocket expenses. Some factors are universal for knowing the average fire damage restoration cost.

Hiring a Fire Damage Restoration Company

Firstly, fire damage restoration costs often depend on the professional hired for the job. Most professionals don’t charge by the hour to repair a fire-damaged house. More likely, a fire restoration contractor will give you a flat rate. A contractor’s rate can range between $6,000 and $20,000 for the total project cost. 

However, for those that do charge by the hour, hourly rates are around $65 to $90 per hour. In all cases, a professional must be secured for safety reasons. Homeowners need to hire a company that knows how to safely enter a building that has been affected by a fire. Most professionals recommend immediate service, usually within 48 hours after the blaze. 

This timeframe permits contractors to salvage as much of the structure as possible. Any soot, water, and chemicals remaining inside can cause further damage if the issues are not addressed promptly.

Simple VS. Complex Fire Damage Restoration Cost

Complex versus simple fires also impacts the fire damage restoration cost. Simple fires burn pure fuels such as dry grass and wood, they usually occur outside of the home. Complex fires are associated with home fires. Low amounts of soot are a simple fire quality. Meanwhile, complex fires produce large amounts of soot and smoke. 

Give Live Green Restoration a Call

If you have suffered fire damage and would like advice on dealing with your insurance company or how the restoration should be carried out, please contact Live Green Restoration. We are fire damage restoration experts, and we work with you to ensure your home is back to normal as soon as possible. You can call our free advice line at 661-390-8255 or fill in the contact form on the right, and we will call you back.