After a house fire, you should not reenter your home unless the fire crew has told you it’s safe to do so. In the longer term, you should not attempt to make repairs to the house on your own. Professional crews are trained to clean up after a fire (including smoke and soot damage), dry out any water damage from the firefighter crews, and make the necessary structural, plumbing, and electrical repairs—and this is all likely covered by insurance.
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage and restoration, provided the fire was not set intentionally or caused by negligence. Accidental fires, such as those from electrical issues, cooking, or gas, are typically covered. Your policy will usually cover emergency services like roof tarping, the full cost of remediation and rebuilding, and may also cover alternative housing while your home is being restored. You will be responsible for paying your policy's deductible. It is important to check your policy details to see how coverage is calculated—it may be for the full replacement cost of damaged items or the actual cash value, which accounts for depreciation. To expedite your claim, contact your insurance company immediately and have all necessary documentation ready.
Restoration involves assessing damage, cleaning, deodorizing, repairing structures, and replacing damaged items, following a detailed and systematic approach.
Yes, a seller is legally required to disclose any known fire damage when selling a house, including damages that were repaired. That includes damages to structural components and all major systems, as well as water damage, chemical damage, and smoke damage related to the fire. Sellers use a property disclosure statement, which is regulated by each state individually, to disclose fire damage.
Ozone smoke removal uses an ozone generator to eliminate stubborn odors from sources like house fires, wildfires, or cigarette smoke. Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive, unstable gas that neutralizes odors by oxidizing the organic compounds it comes into contact with. During this oxidation process, ozone "donates" its extra oxygen molecule to the smoke particles, effectively eliminating their smell, with oxygen being the primary byproduct. While ozone can be effective for removing smoke smells from building materials and belongings like wood furniture, this treatment is best left to a professional, as improper use of an ozone generator can be dangerous to your health.
The Greenbush, MN homeowners’ guide to chimney sweeping services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Your chimney sweep may not wear a top hat and dance on the ceiling, but they will keep your home safe by providing chimney inspections and cleanings. Follow these steps to learn how to hire a qualified and trusted chimney sweep in your town.
A clean chimney can reduce your risk of poor indoor air quality and house fires. Use this guide on how to clean a chimney to keep you and your family safe.
Knowing what to look for in a professional chimney sweeping service will ensure you hire a legitimate contractor. Learn how to avoid chimney scams and hire someone reputable.
Regular chimney cleaning keeps your fireplace running safety and efficiently. But who cleans chimneys? Our guide explains which pro is best for the job.
