Clean up and Repair or Demolition?

Watching a fire rip through a home can be one of the most devastating moments of anyone’s life. Coming home to see the destruction following a fire can leave families in a state of shock and disbelief. Often, when there is a fire in a home, this can destroy the house as well as the content inside. Normally, there is not enough time to be able to salvage anything and even getting out alive is a miracle.

When the shock is wearing off and the adrenaline begins to slow down, there are some things that have to be done. Figuring out what to do can be confusing, but a fire damage company can help you plan the next steps.

Clean up and repair or demolition?

Fire does damage in many ways that people may not consider. First, there is the damage from the fire itself. Fire can burn through the wood of the home and the insulation, leaving belongings in a pile of ashes. When fire burns through the wood, this can cause structural damage, making the home unsafe or inhabitable.

The second is the heat. This is not as noticeable as the charred remains from the fire itself. The heat can begin to melt things in the home, including wiring, it can damage behind the walls, and it can also damage the structure and foundation of the home. The results of heat can be seen in the walls where melting has occurred, and it is also evidenced by soft areas of walls or beams that are left in the home after a fire.

Water is another element that can destroy a home. Firemen will pump water onto the fire in order to bring it under control and then to put it out. This is effective in putting out the fire, but it can also do a lot of damage. Flooding, water soaking into the cracks and crevices, mold growing behind walls and beneath the underlaying of the floor: these are all damages that can take place as a result of a fire. Water also can damage a lot of personal property.

With all the different types of damage to consider, it is important to work with a fire damage company to see what the damage actually is with all of these factors. It is not possible to complete this with an untrained eye. Hiring a professional fire damage company can give you all of your options, from a complete demolition and rebuild of the home to repairing the home, and all options will provide you with a home that it is structurally safe to live in.

What to look for when hiring a fire damage company?

Choosing a company can be a difficult decision. The first thing to notice is how they treat people in a time of emergency. When a company is pushing contracts and not explaining the process, it can be an indicator that other companies may need to be considered. Understanding that not every company can complete every job, you need to ensure you are fully aware of what services the fire damage company can offer, and what their contractors are qualified to complete.

Anyone looking to hire a professional company should feel at ease to ask many questions to ensure that there is a good working relationship between the contractors and the family or owner of the home. Research what others say about the company. This could be a google review or yelp review, but a reputable fire damage company will hand out reference or reviews as well.