4 Steps After Suffering Fire Damage To Your Home

A house fire is devastating, to say the very least. Having to experience the loss of your home and so many sentimental items is hard enough and, unfortunately, there are many technicalities to work through during this time. These technicalities could include insurance claims, restoration, demolition, hotel expenses, and even medical bills if any member of your family was injured during the fire or inhaled too much smoke. To make this process as stress-free as possible, we have listed 4 general and simple steps to take after your home undergoes damage by fire.

1. Call your insurance company.

Before you begin any type of restoration or demolition, it is crucial to contact your insurance agent to inform them about the fire damage. The simple truth is that the quicker you file a claim, the quicker you’ll get the funds to begin either the restoration or demolition process. Be sure to either sit down with your insurance provider and go over your particular policy or read through the policy yourself. Familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of it all, so that you know what to expect in the following steps. Tip: as soon as you move into a new home, it’s a great idea to report the value of everything inside (i.e. furniture, jewelry, electronics, etc.). This is very useful information for your insurance provider and could help you receive the compensation you need to replace those items.

2. Have your home inspected by a professional.

After you have filed a claim with your insurance provider, it is time for inspection. Insurance adjusters are typically not as qualified as a licensed professional from a company that specializes in contracting or architectural engineering to inspect the extent of the damage. A thorough inspection of the plumbing, the home’s structure, roof, exterior, heating and air system, walls, and framing should all be completed by this professional.

3. Restore or demolish?

Now that you have all of the information on what compensation you will receive from your insurance company, it is time to weigh your options and decide whether demolishing what is left of your home or restoring what is left of your home would be a better decision. Consider more than just the financial aspects of the process. How important is the sentimental value of the remnants of your home to you? Which process would be less of a headache? Factors these into your decision when you are weighing the costs.

4. Hiring the right person for the job.

Whether you choose demolition or restoration, choosing the right company for the job is the final and most important decision you will make. Contact Rocky Top Restoration to set up a time to begin the restoration of your fire-damaged home. We pride ourselves on our team’s punctuality and high-quality work at every home.