Rebuilding your life after a house fire is a task you don’t look forward to but need to do so that you can move forward. This is a monumental burden of putting everything back together. It’s quite challenging to know where to begin with a burned roof, fire-damaged interiors, and water-soaked flooring.
The road to rehabilitation can appear long and rigorous. It’s a big project, but knowing what to expect makes it easier to manage.
Recovery following a house fire takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone. Many of the tasks require the assistance of licensed specialists, so you can count on reliable assistance while you complete the following phases.
Notify Your Insurance Company
The first step in rebuilding a home after a fire is to contact your insurance carrier. It’s critical to begin the claims process as soon as possible. Discuss the timeline of bringing in a professional fire restoration contractor with your agency.
Working with a restoration business with a documented track record and Preferred Vendor accreditation is ideal. For this, allow your real estate agent and restoration contractor to serve as your advisers whether you have to rebuild after a fire or not.
Inspect the Structural Damage in Your House
You have to ensure that your home is safe before beginning fire-damaged house remodeling. For this critical part of the project, your restoration contractor can recommend a structural engineer to inspect your property and assess essential renovations.
The engineer’s assessment uncovers flaws and recommends fixes for rooms, walls, and the foundation. The repair service can also connect you with professional electricians and contractors that specialize in fire-damaged homes.
Secure the Whole Property
Secure all but one entryway and board up damaged windows once you’ve received permission to begin work on the residence. This is something that your repair contractor’s team can assist you with.
Naturally, many insurance companies require that properties that have been vacated after a fire be secured. By sealing it up, you reduce the risk of vandals targeting your home throughout the rebuilding process.
Proceed with Your Structural Repairs
This is another project phase that should be left to the professionals. Heavy repairs must be handled by experienced carpenters to ensure the house’s structural stability.
Their job includes restoring damaged trusses and floor joists and stabilizing the inner framework, among others.
Carefully Examine Your Electrical System before Repairs
Even if the fire did not completely destroy your home, a licensed electrician must check and repair the electrical system. A fire-damaged home may require a new breaker box, as well as the testing and replacement of all wiring, outlets, and fixtures.
Clean Every Room
You must be patient because the usual period to rebuild after a fire can range from several weeks to several months. During the recovery process, your certified repair professionals are your finest allies.
They can replace broken sheetrock, repair fire-damaged flooring, and even assist you in salvaging furniture.
Conclusion
Now, this is an extra precaution: document everything, including repair and replacement costs. Convert photos and documents to digital files so that you have evidence of everything.
You have to know that working with the insurance provider is easier with detailed documents. Once you’re ready to rebuild, it’s time to hire experts to get back on your feet.
If you need a specialist in restoration and remodeling in Homewood, you will find what you need at BMR Homes. We specialize in home remodels, traumatic injury remodels, kitchen and bath remodels, and more. Contact us now to set up an appointment.