A house fire is every homeowner’s worst nightmare, leaving behind damage that can feel too much to handle. Once the flames are out, the real work begins—restoring your home to its original condition. This process can feel overwhelming at first. However, knowing each step ahead of time and working with a fire restoration contractor can help you feel more confident and in control. Here are seven essential steps to get your home back on track.

Fire restoration contractor inspecting damage

Emergency Fire Damage Restoration Services

The first thing to do is to reach out to a reliable fire damage restoration company right away after the fire is out. Time is of the essence, as lingering soot, smoke, and water damage can worsen over time. Most companies for fire damage restoration provide 24/7 emergency services, allowing them to assess the damage as soon as it is safe to enter your home.

During the initial inspection, restoration contractors will assess the level of damage, taking into account smoke, soot, structural integrity, and any water damage from firefighting efforts. This detailed evaluation allows the contractor to create a clear and tailored restoration plan.

Restoration Specialists Securing the Property

After the initial inspection, securing your home is the first critical step to preventing more damage. Fire restoration contractors will board up any broken windows and doors, as well as cover holes or gaps in the roof with tarps to shield the property from rain and wind. This prevents further harm from weather conditions and deters vandals or animals from entering the property. By acting quickly, contractors help stabilize your home and limit the amount of additional damage it could face.

Boarding windows
Using dehumidifier as a part of fire damage restoration process

Water Removal and Drying

If the fire department needed to use water to extinguish the flames, it’s very likely that your home has sustained water damage. Standing water and excess moisture, if not dealt with quickly, can lead to mold growth and structural issues. Fire restoration contractors utilize high-capacity pumps to extract water and then employ dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the affected areas. Thoroughly drying the property is essential to avoid mold, mildew, and further damage down the line. Additionally, plumbing repair may be necessary if water lines were compromised during the fire. A professional plumber can quickly identify and fix any leaks to prevent additional water damage.

Soot and Smoke Removal

Smoke and soot can stick to every surface in your home, leaving behind dark stains and a strong, unpleasant odor. Fire restoration teams use special cleaning agents and techniques to scrub surfaces like walls, ceilings, and floors to remove the soot. Smoke particles can also linger in the air, potentially causing health problems if not addressed. 

Smoke and soot removal contractors use air purification equipment such as air scrubbers and ozone machines to eliminate smoke odor and clear the air. This step, which is part of the smoke damage restoration process, makes sure your home is free of harmful particles and smells fresh again.

A fire damage restoration company using an ozone machine
Furniture restoration

Cleaning and Sanitizing Items

Not everything in your home is necessarily lost after a fire. The next fire damage restoration process involves the experts salvaging your personal belongings through specialized cleaning techniques and restoring furniture, electronics, and even clothing. Items are cleaned using methods like dry cleaning or ultrasonic cleaning, depending on the material and damage. 

Additionally, contractors will sanitize your home to remove any harmful chemicals or toxins left behind by the fire. This thorough cleaning process ensures that your home is safe for your family to return to.

Fire Damage Repairs and Reconstruction

Once the water, soot, and smoke are dealt with, the next step is repairing or rebuilding parts of your home. This phase can involve smaller tasks like repainting walls or replacing damaged flooring or larger projects like repairing structural damage or reconstructing rooms. A skilled team of contractors will focus on restoring your home to its original state, carefully considering every detail.

Some homeowners may even choose to make improvements during this phase, upgrading certain areas of the home. The goal is to make your home feel as good as, or even better than, it was before the fire.

Floor repairs
A fire damage restoration company doing final inspection

Final Inspection and Walkthrough

Before the restoration process is officially complete, the contractors will conduct a final inspection to make sure all work meets high standards. They will guide you through the repaired and restored areas, detailing the work completed and addressing any concerns you might have.

This gives you the chance to review everything before moving back into your home. The contractors will also ensure that your home is fully safe and ready for you and your family. Once this step is complete, you can begin moving back in and returning to your normal routine.

Restoring Your Home With the Help of Fire Restoration Contractors

Facing the aftermath of a fire can be stressful, but understanding what to expect from the fire damage restoration process can really help. From the initial emergency contact and cleanup to the final inspection, each step plays a vital role in ensuring your home is restored to a safe and livable condition. If you’re dealing with fire damage and need help, don’t wait. Reach out to us today for a free quote and take the first step toward reclaiming your home.

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Disaster Recovery Restoration is your #1 water damage restoration company in Phoenix Metroplex. Our team is ready 24/7/365 to provide water damage restoration solutions to both residential and commercial customers alike.

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Disaster Recovery Restoration

927 W 23rd St, Tempe, AZ 85282, United States

1901 E University Dr, Suite 333, Mesa, AZ 85203