Hiring a fire restoration contractor is essential after a fire in your home. Fire damage can spread quickly and affect many parts of your property, including those behind walls, attics and basements. In addition, fires affect plumbing, electrical and heating systems.
In addition, the smoke and heat can travel far from the area of origin, causing extensive damage to many building materials. Moreover, smoky water can leave a foul odor for years.
Cost of fire damage restoration
The cost of fire damage restoration can be staggering. Whether your home is damaged by a kitchen fire or a more destructive fire caused by a stove or oil tank, it can cost tens of thousands of dollars to restore your home.
Fire damage can be especially difficult to repair if the soot is oily and hard to clean. Even attic fires can leave extensive smoke and soot damage, and can lead to structural collapse if they’re not extinguished quickly.
Fortunately, the cost of fire damage restoration doesn’t have to be so high. The Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association categorizes fires into five different categories. The type of fire will determine the amount of work required to restore the home.
Once you’ve determined the type of fire that occurred, you can start evaluating the cost of the fire damage restoration process. Here are some tips to help you calculate your estimated costs:
Types of fire damage
There are several types of fire damage that a fire restoration contractor can restore. These include small kitchen fires, electric fires, and other types of flammable liquids. However, cooking oil and grease are not considered Class B or Class C fires.
Fire restoration contractors can also restore structural damage caused by electrical fires. Depending on the fire type, soot removal may also require a professional water damage restoration company.
The cost of fire damage restoration varies greatly depending on the area and the severity of the damage. If the fire was small and only damaged the walls, it will cost less than $300 to hire a fire restoration contractor.
Larger fires, meanwhile, can cost $50,000 or more. The average cost of fire damage restoration is $3,500 for a 1,500-square-foot house, but quoted prices can range from $7,166 to more than $46,000.
Requirements for hiring a fire restoration contractor
Fire damage restoration involves bringing a property back to its pre-fire condition, and the cleanup process can take days, weeks, or even months. Fire restoration begins with water mitigation, the removal of water, and drying the affected property.
In extreme cases, fire restoration may include board-up, reconstruction, or removal of hazardous materials. Fire restoration and water damage restoration often go hand in hand. Listed below are some tips for hiring a fire restoration contractor.
Choose a company with a solid reputation for repairing and replacing property. While 65% of restoration companies are not franchises, about one-third operate multiple locations. Even those with only one location may travel beyond the immediate area to provide service.
In any case, make sure to ask potential firms about their locations and capabilities, including whether they send technicians outside of the area to assist with restoration. Make sure the restoration company has the experience to deal with insurance claims and understand the process.
Choosing a fire restoration contractor
When choosing a fire restoration contractor, there are several factors to consider. Most of these are based on experience and cost, but there are also several things to consider that might not be directly related to cost. These factors include communication skills, quality of work, and experience.
You should also consider your comfort level with the contractor. Choosing the right contractor can eliminate unnecessary stress and allow you to return to business quickly. The following are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing a fire restoration contractor.
Firstly, choose a company with experience in restoring buildings and contents. While you may be tempted to save money, it is crucial to choose a professional to do the job.
Many homeowners choose to do the cleanup themselves, but this often ends up being more expensive and complicated than you expected. In addition, it is important to choose a contractor who is friendly and respectful.
It is also important to choose someone who is willing to collaborate with you and answer questions. You also want a contractor who is willing to explain his or her work process to you, so be sure to ask as many questions as possible before making a decision.