Yes, in most cases, fire-damaged homes can be fully restored. Disaster recovery companies use specialized equipment and carefully coordinated procedures to produce impressive results. Usually, the damage can be reversed with intensive cleaning, deodorizing, and home renovations. However, if there is catastrophic structural damage, the building may need to be demolished and rebuilt.

The average cost of repairing structural damage depends on whether the fire was simple or complex. Homeowners typically pay between $3,500 and $5,000 to repair damage that's confined to a limited area. If major structural systems were damaged, restoration costs may exceed $50,000, and if the entire home was damaged by fire, the cost may exceed $100,000. Usually, insurance companies will pay for the damage, and homeowners are only responsible for the deductible.

Homeowners’ insurance covers most types of home fire damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average insurance payment for fire or lightning damage exceeds $79,000. Policies typically cover the dwelling, detached structures, and personal property up to a percentage of the policy's value. Payments may vary substantially depending on whether the homeowner has an actual cash value policy that bases payments on the items' depreciated value or coverage that reimburses them for the full cost of a replacement.

Insurance companies require policyholders to report damage as soon as possible. First, call your insurance company or notify the agent who issued the policy. Next, secure the property to prevent subsequent damage. Policyholders should be prepared to submit a copy of the fire report as well as documents that support all losses and expenses, including receipts for hotels or emergency accommodations.

Liability issues related to structural fires are most common in residential and commercial rental properties. If a negligent tenant starts a fire by lighting a candle or leaving an appliance plugged in, for example, the landlord has a right to recover damages. That's why most renter's insurance policies include property damage coverage as well as a liability component that can be used to resolve third-party claims.

Furniture that has been damaged by smoke or fire but hasn't been significantly burned can be successfully restored in most cases. The first step is inspecting the item to determine the extent of the damage. Restoring damaged furniture typically requires a combination of heat, chemicals, and abrasives to remove soot and smoke that has coated the surface or become trapped in the pores of the wood. Leather or upholstered furniture that has sustained smoke damage can also be cleaned and deodorized. Fire damage specialists may use HEPA vacuums and ozone generators to complete the process.

Smoke causes visible and invisible damage, including soot and odors. While homeowners can remove light smoke damage, fire damage restoration companies have advanced equipment that can make the job easier and deliver superior results. The first step is to increase ventilation in the area. Vacuums are helpful for removing loose particles before chemical solvents are applied. Dry-cleaning sponges, rubbing alcohol, paint thinner, vinegar, trisodium phosphate, and specially formulated soot removers are all helpful for releasing embedded particles. Since these products can release toxic fumes, it's important to have adequate protective gear when using them. Additional steps, such as steam cleaning and ozone treatments, may be needed to remove residual odors.

Wood building materials are found in nearly all homes. Floors, doors, cabinets, trim, and furnishings are all susceptible to fire damage. The heat from the blaze opens the pores and allows soot, smoke, and odors to penetrate deep into the surface of wood. The good news is that solid wood is durable, and fire damage restoration companies have a variety of tools and techniques for cleaning, resurfacing, and repairing wood items. However, if the material has been charred, replacement is typically the most effective option.

Ann Arbor, MI

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