4 Fire Damage Restoration Mistakes to Avoid

7/31/2021 (Permalink)

4 Fire Damage Restoration Mistakes Property Owners Can Avoid

Mistake #1: Making repairs and cleaning the property before notifying the insurance company.

The insurance company will need to see the full extent of the damage before fire damage restoration can begin. Don’t remove anything from the property or make any repairs before an insurance adjuster can perform a proper inspection.

Leave things exactly as they are so that everything damaged can be properly accounted for and the insurance company can make an accurate loss assessment.

Mistake #2: Failing to secure the property to prevent additional damage.

Properties are often compromised after fire damage, leaving them exposed and vulnerable to further damage. Avoid this mistake by contacting a fire damage restoration company immediately to secure the property and prevent unnecessary damage in the long run. 

Damaged roofs need to be tarped, while broken windows and doors need to be boarded and secured to protect the property from the elements. Securing the property also protects against unauthorized entry, including thieves or looters.

Mistake #3: Spending too much time on the property before essential repairs and cleaning can be completed.

Active flames are not the only risks of fire damage. There are other dangers a fire can leave behind, such as unseen structural damage and significant health effects.

Roofs and walls can collapse at any time from unseen or worsening damage. These risks not only increase the chance of further damage and expense, but they can pose a threat to anyone who enters the property.

There are also health effects and concerns due to smoke inhalation, soot residue, and other harmful particles that a fire can leave behind. 

The safest thing to do is avoid the property as much as possible until professional fire damage restoration is underway. In addition to major repairs, these companies offer water cleanup, mold removal, soot and smoke damage cleanup, and other services to help return the property to a safe condition.

Mistake #4: Not hiring a professional fire damage restoration company right away.

Proper fire damage restoration requires specialized equipment and training. Immediately hiring a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO can help homeowners avoid all the mistakes discussed here and more. 

The right fire damage restoration team will work with homeowners from start to finish and help them recover from fire damage as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Point Loma is committed to serving the property owners and residents of San Diego, CA and providing them with the highest quality fire damage restoration services possible.