How to Hire a Fire Damage Restoration Company

A house fire is one of the most devastating things that can happen to your home, and you’ll want to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. Knowing how to hire a fire damage restoration company to meet your needs can make a difficult and time-consuming process easier. This fire damage restoration hiring guide will help you find the right pros to get your home back to its pre-fire condition.

What Services Does a Fire Damage Restoration Company Offer?

If your home experiences fire damage, you may need to coordinate with various kinds of pros to make your home safe and whole again. A fire damage restoration company is a licensed company that handles the bulk of clean-up and restoration from fire damage and can coordinate with other pros, like electricians, plumbers, and painters, for any additional work that needs to be done.

Fire damage restoration companies offer services including:

• Damage assessment

• Securing the property

• Cleaning up debris

• Water damage remediation

• Smoke and soot extraction

• Structural repairs and restoration

• Item salvage

Can I DIY Fire Damage Restoration?

For some minor types of fire damage, you may be able to DIY some repairs after your home has been inspected and assessed for safety. If there’s only superficial damage that can be fixed by replacing drywall, repairing flooring, or repainting, you can likely tackle those projects on your own.

You may also be able to assist in fire damage cleanup if your home is structurally safe to enter, but in most cases, severe fire damage restoration should be left to the pros to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Fire Damage Restoration Company?

Fire damage restoration costs will depend on the severity of the damage and the type of restoration needed. The average cost of fire damage restoration is around $27,000, but costs can range anywhere from $800 to $180,000, depending on the specifics of the restoration. Expect to pay more for fire damage than for smoke damage restoration since fire damage will require more structural repairs and restoration. 

Tips for Hiring a Fire Damage Restoration Company

When recovering from a house fire, it’s important to hire the right restoration company. Your insurance company may have specific companies to choose from, or you may need to find a restoration company on your own. However you hire a fire damage restoration company, these tips will help you pick the right one.

1. Determine the Extent of Restoration Needed

Depending on the extent and cause of fire damage, some companies may be better suited for restoring your home than others. If the damage is extensive, you’ll want to look for a company that offers all the services you need to get your home back to its pre-fire state. Some fire damage restoration companies have on-staff contractors like plumbers and electricians, so one company may be able to handle everything you need without subcontracting. 

2. Interview Pros and Get Multiple Quotes

Don’t just go with the first company that meets your needs. Get quotes from at least three companies, and confirm what each quote includes. Companies have different ways of charging for projects, so when comparing quotes, make sure the quotes cover the same scope of work.

3. Check Qualifications and References

Once you’ve narrowed down your options and are ready to select a fire damage restoration company, verify their licensing, insurance coverage, and experience. Ask them to see examples of their work and ask if they can provide references from customers who’ve had similar work done. Check online reviews, too, before making your final decision.

4. Get a Contract and Arrange Payment

When you’re ready to sign on the dotted line, carefully review your contract so you know exactly what’s included, how the project will proceed, and how and when payment will be handled. Ensure all of your questions are answered before signing a contract.

Questions to Ask a Fire Damage Restoration Company

Fire damage restoration is a complex and often time-consuming process, so gather as much information as possible before getting started so you know what to expect. Some questions to ask a fire damage restoration company include:

• How long will fire damage restoration take?

• How many homes with similar damage has the company restored?

• Do they coordinate with and manage subcontractors?

• Will they work with your insurance company directly?

• How will they secure your property while working on it?

• Are there additional expenses you might encounter?

Choosing the Right Fire Damage Restoration Company

Having your home damaged by fire can be devastating, both financially and emotionally, so it’s crucial to choose the right local fire damage restoration company. The right pros will make the complicated process of restoring your home to its pre-fire condition straightforward and efficient, getting you back to normal as quickly as possible. 

After Your Fire Damage Restoration Company Has Finished

Once your home has been restored to its original condition, ensure your final payment has been made according to the terms of your contract. If you’re satisfied with the work, leave an online review or offer to provide a reference to help other homeowners choose the right fire damage restoration company.