Get matched with top chimney sweeps in Colfax County, NM

Hard materials like glass, metal, and hardwood floors, washable fabrics, and undamaged electrical appliances can often be salvaged after a fire, although it depends on the extent of the damage. For washable fabrics, make sure to use a phosphate mix during the washing process to extract the smoke smell. There are a few things you should throw away after a fire, like canned foods and cosmetics, even if they don’t look like they’re damaged.

The timeline for fire damage restoration varies significantly, from a day or two to over a year, depending on the extent of the damage. For minor incidents like a small cooking fire, cleaning up soot and removing smoke odors may only take a day or two. Repairing minor damage might take about one to two weeks. However, a major fire requiring structural repairs, full property renovation, and replacement of materials can take anywhere from six to 12 months to over a year. This longer timeline often includes waiting for insurance approvals and contractor scheduling. It's best to consult with your insurance provider and restoration team to get an accurate timeline for your specific situation.

It depends. For new ovens, it’s best to run a few empty cycles to prepare the oven for use and to keep any manufacturing byproducts from entering your food. But if your oven is smoking due to a few burnt pieces of old food, then it probably won’t hurt to eat it. If there’s a lot of smoke, then your food probably won’t taste good, even if it might not be harmful to consume.

Repairing a fire-damaged home could cost anywhere from $2,000 to $200,000 or more—it all depends on the extent of the damage and the quality of the materials you use. In most cases, your homeowner’s insurance company will cover the majority of the repairs. If you’re buying a home with fire damage, though, it’s best to get an estimate from a fire damage restoration company to estimate the repairs before closing.