House fires are more common in the winter due to the increased use of things that keep us warm- space heaters, fires in the fireplace, heating pads, and more. So your local restoration and remodeling team at BMR Homes in Homewood, AL wants you to be prepared should anything happen to your home. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having a house fire, no matter the size, you may not be sure what to do or where to start. Let’s talk a little about what the fire restoration process might look like. Keep in mind that this mainly applies to homes that have suffered fire or smoke damage, but are not a complete loss. There are certain steps that you should take immediately to ensure your home gets back in working and living condition as soon as possible. Continue reading to learn how BMR Homes can help you get back to normal!
Evaluation is the First Step
After the fire has been handled by your local fire department, and you’ve called your loved ones to let them know you’re ok, evaluating the situation is the next first step. Do not reenter your home, until it is deemed safe and you are allowed to. You’ll need to contact your insurance company so that your claims adjuster can come out and perform their evaluation. In the case of fire damage, the fire marshall will likely investigate to determine the cause of the fire in order for the insurance company to factor in any reimbursements. Some insurance companies have certain clauses that would deem them not responsible for coverage of your home’s damage with particular circumstances. It’s very important to understand exactly what your home insurance covers before you need to make a claim- especially one as big as a house fire.
They will also decide if the home is able to be lived in during repairs. If it isn’t the insurance company may have a provision that pays for lodging for a specified amount of time or money. This evaluation step cannot be skipped and many companies will not repair the damage without the payment from the insurance company.
Damage Control and Prevention
After the evaluation is done the next step is to prevent any more damage. This is the point where you would call us, since you’ll need a restoration and remodeling contractor to check out your situation and come up with a plan of action.
Unfortunately, there is likely to be water damage as well (from the water used to put out the fire), so the foundation, walls, and roof will need to be closely inspected to make sure there is no underlying damage. If there is, that will have to be handled first to ensure that your home is structurally ready for the restoration process. Preventing any further damage is crucial to moving onto the next step in the process. The goal being to make sure that your home is safe for you and your family, and for us to start restoring your home.
Cleaning and Removal
Cleaning everything out and removing the damaged furnishings and flooring will be the next step. Smoke damage is a booger… to say the least, so it often leads to loss of belongings and parts of the house that didn’t even physically catch on fire. You will need to file with your insurance company for that loss of property.
Speaking of insurance, you will likely have to complete an itemized list of damaged furnishings and items in order to get your money. Typically, the restoration process is a smooth one. We want to help keep this process from becoming overwhelming for you, and will work alongside your insurance company.
Repairs and Renovation
Once all of the above steps are completed, it will be time for repairs. Your damaged spaces will be renovated, and many times we see homeowners have those spaces completely remodeled. We wish you didn’t have to be in this position in the first place, but this is the time to embrace the new the best you can! Your insurance company should cover most of the remodeling and renovation minus your deductible, but you may pay a little extra out of pocket for anything you want that is above and beyond your coverage- now is the time to make that space exactly what you want them to be!
Emotional Impact of a House Fire
House fires, no matter the size, can devastate your home and your family. Disasters can create a lot of unsettled feelings and leave an emotional toll, and we want you to know that your emotional care and recovery are important too. Please take the necessary steps to take care of yourself and your family- counseling, particularly for children, is a good place to start. Be kind to yourself as you begin to heal emotionally.
We really hope you won’t ever need our fire restoration services, since that would mean you and your family have experienced a house fire. But if you do find yourself in need of help after a fire and are looking for a professional and reputable restoration and remodeling company in Homewood, AL, then contact us as soon as possible.