Three Common Mistakes Made When Dealing With Fire Damage

The damage following a fire in your home is daunting. Many homeowners feel the urge to clean up the damage right away and attempt to get their lives back to normal, but most do not know how or where to start. There are certain things that should, and should not, be done, and steps that must be followed in order to ensure safe, adequate, and thorough fire damage restoration. Here are three common mistakes that homeowners make following a house fire that could lead to even more damage and problems. 

Fire Damage Restoration In Winston-Salem

1. They attempt to clean up the damage before notifying their insurance company.

Your home insurer will need to come inspect your property before any repairs or cleanup begins. If you attempt to start working on the affected area before then, the insurer may not pay for all of the damages. They need proof of damage and loss. Tampering with anything before it has been documented, could reduce the chances of coverage. Do not even begin to throw things away until you have been authorized to do so by your insurance adjuster. You should inspect your entire property, and make a detailed written list of any and all damage you find. You should also take plenty of photos to show proof of damage. Most policies require damaged property to be available for inspection, so until a detailed inventory has been taken, just hold tight. 

2. They fail to properly secure their home to prevent additional damage.

After a fire, it is important to take every precaution possible to mitigate further damage to your property. Temporary repairs and securities need to be put in place. If your roof has been damaged, you should tarp it or find another means of covering it so that further damage cannot get into your home. Damaged or broken windows, doors, and any other opening to your home need to be boarded up and secured. These temporary repairs are necessary in protecting your home from any other damage – whether it is damage from weather (rain, wind, etc.) or damage from intruders (animals or humans). Failing to secure your home after it has become susceptible to other forms of damage will just end up costing you more in the long run. 

3. They do not hire a professional to handle the cleanup, repair, and restoration.

Whether the damage is small or catastrophic, fire damage cleanup requires special training and equipment to adequately remove smoke, soot, ash, and the odors they all leave behind. Professional fire damage cleanup and remediation includes many steps to restore your home the right way. Certified professional technicians at Restoration 1 of Winston-Salem respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when your home is in need of fire damage restoration. Fire and smoke damage cleanup involves many components that, if not handled correctly, can be detrimental to the health and wellness of all occupants. The best thing you can do for your home, and yourself, following fire damage in Winston-Salem is call Restoration 1.