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After a devastating event like a fire, your mind is likely flooded with questions. “How do I rebuild from the rubble? What’s next for me and my family? Will I ever be able to live in this home again?”

These are all valid questions—and if you live in a fire-prone state like Texas, they’re good to start thinking about in case the unthinkable does occur. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, understanding the fire damage restoration process can help you navigate this difficult time and get your property back to its original state as quickly and safely as possible.

How you move forward after a fire depends on a variety of factors, including your insurance policy and the extent of the damage. This article will guide you through the various options available to homeowners after a fire, including reconstructing, rebuilding, and selling the property.

The Fire Damage Restoration Process: Start By Assessing The Damage

Once the flames are extinguished and the fire trucks pull away, you’ll need to call in a professional fire restoration company like Cavalry to assess the extent of the damage. This will help you determine your next steps. You can either sell the property, or work with your insurance company to rebuild and restore it.

Rebuilding A House After A Fire: What To Know

If losses due to fire are covered in your insurance policy—and if the damage is mild to moderately severe—you may choose to restore your property with help from your insurance company.

Part of the Fire Damage Restoration Process

Working With An Insurance Company

Whether your home insurance will cover fire damage restoration depends on the specifics of your policy. Most homeowners insurance policies cover damage from fire, including the cost of restoration and repairs. However, the extent of the coverage will depend on the terms of your policy.

Before filing a claim, review your insurance policy and check for coverage related to fire damage restoration. It’s crucial to understand exactly what’s covered, the extent of the coverage, and any deductibles that may apply. Keep in mind that some insurance policies may have exclusions or limitations on coverage for fire damage restoration.

If your home is damaged by a covered peril such as a fire, you may need to find temporary housing while repairs are made. Loss of use coverage can help cover the costs of temporary housing, such as a hotel or rental apartment, as well as other additional living expenses such as meals and laundry.

The amount of coverage provided by loss of use coverage will depend on the specific terms of your insurance policy. Some policies provide a set amount of coverage, while others cover up to a certain percentage of the total coverage limit of the policy.

When filing a claim, you’ll need to provide documentation of the damage, including photos and a list of damaged items. Your insurance company may also require an assessment of the damage by a professional restoration company.

How Long Does Fire Restoration Take?

Of course, it’s normal to want your property restored as quickly as possible after a fire.

The length of time for fire restoration can vary depending on the extent of the damage, the size of the property, and the specific restoration needs. The restoration process typically involves several stages, including assessment, cleanup, structural repairs, smoke and odor removal, and restoration and reconstruction. Each of these stages can take varying amounts of time.

For example, the initial assessment of the damage can take a few hours to several days, depending on the size and complexity of the property. The cleanup process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, also depending on the extent of the damage and the volume of debris and ash that needs to be removed.

Structural repairs can take several weeks to several months. Electrical and plumbing repairs can also add time to the restoration process.

Smoke and odor removal can take several days to several weeks. Finally, restoration and reconstruction can take several weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the damage and the amount of work that needs to be done.

Learn more about what’s involved in each of the fire damage restoration steps.

Selling A House After A Fire

You can sell a fire-damaged house, but it could make it difficult to find a buyer. You may need to disclose the damage to potential buyers. The extent of the damage will also affect the market value of the property.

If the damage is extensive, it may be difficult to sell the property in its current condition. In this case, you may need to make repairs before selling the property. You can work with a restoration company to repair the damage and restore the property to its pre-fire condition. This will increase the market value of the property and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Alternatively, you can sell the property in its current condition to a real estate investor who specializes in buying and renovating damaged properties. These investors are often willing to buy properties in any condition and may offer a cash payment for the property.

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Call Cavalry For Fire Restoration Needs In Texas

Cavalry has been helping communities rebuild after fires in the Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin areas since 1989. Our expert fire restoration services empower our clients to rebuild their homes and lives without worry.

No matter the time of day, we respond with the urgency and dedication each specific case deserves. We work hand and hand with the insurance company to make this process as easy as possible for you. If you have questions about fire damage restoration, working with insurance, or any other disaster mitigation services, give us a call at 888-601-3473. Our team is here for you 24/7.