A Step-by-Step Guide to Rebuilding a Fire Damaged Home

House fires are more common than you think. Home fires are the single most common disaster in the U.S. In 2019, a home structure fire was reported every 93 seconds.

A house fire can cause extensive damage. In a little more than three minutes, the heat from a house fire can reach 1,100 degrees F. The high temperature can cause your paint to blister, melt plastic, and damage glass windows. In most cases, the water used to extinguish the fire can also result in damage to make matters worse.

It’s perfectly normal to be overwhelmed by feelings of uncertainty after a house fire. If you have just lost your home in a house fire and do not know what to do next, you have come to the right place.

Follow these steps to rebuild your home after a fire.

Call Your Insurance Company

The sooner you call your insurance company after a home fire, the better. File your claim immediately. Enquire whether your carrier provides financial assistance for daily living expenses after a fire. Your insurance agent will help you minimize water damage and get the restoration process started.

Once you file an insurance claim with your company, an insurance adjuster will visit your home and take photos of the damage caused. Once your insurer gives you the green light, you can hire a design firm and set the remodeling and rebuilding process in motion.

Clear Debris From Your Property

You are responsible for removing debris from your property after a fire. You can either take help from the State’s Debris Task Force and Debris Management teams for debris removal or hire a private contractor for the job.

Assess and Address Structural Damage

Fire damage can compromise the structural integrity of the wood and concrete structures. Hire a structural engineer to identify damage and outline necessary repairs for interior load bearing walls, the attic, basement, and second floor joists and foundation walls.

Concrete will maintain its strength to about 575 °F, the concrete will undergoes normal thermal expansion at this temperature. Above this temperature, shrinkage occurs due to water evaporation. The aggregate will continue to enlarging due to the heat, which causes internal stresses and chemical bonds to fail. Beyond 900 °F, carbonatation and coarsening of pores significantly reduces the structural strength of the foundation and it should be pulled out and replaced.

Repair the Electrical System

Even if your electrical system wasn’t damaged in the fire, have it inspected by an experienced and licensed electrician. A fire damaged house usually needs a new breaker box. Ask the professional to check outlets, fixtures, and all wiring and replace if damaged.

Address Problems Specific to Fire Damage

Your general contractor will take care of specialized cleanup work that involves addressing problems such as:

• Mold growth
• Contaminated air ducts
• Smoke and soot stains and residue

Holly & Associates is a top-rated Santa Rosa fire rebuild company.  Losing one’s home in a fire can cause significant emotional distress. We are committed to helping homeowners who lost their home in a fire rebuild from scratch. We go above and beyond if required to deliver projects on-time and on-budget. To inquire about our services, call 707-541-0700.