Fire damage can be very destructive for homes and businesses alike. Depending on the severity of the accident, you could be looking at partial or even complete damage to the property.
While such experiences could be overwhelming and traumatic, it is important that one get a professional assessment of the fire damage done at the earliest possible time.
While putting out the fire and salvaging important belongings should be your first steps in case of an accident, it is important to get a professional fire damage assessment before initiating any repair work. Fires can cause internal damage to property, including damage to the plumbing and wiring, and such damages can only be properly identified through a professional assessment.
What would a professional fire damage assessment look for?
A professional assessment would typically look into:
- Internal fire damage in rooms, walls, vents, basement etc.
- External fire damage in the roof, lawn, garage, etc.
- Hidden damages with the plumbing, wiring, heating, etc.
It is important to look for hidden damages during the assessment. Fires can easily damage the electrical wiring in a house, which, if undetected, can result in fatal accidents.
After the structural assessment comes the personal belongings assessment. Here, the assessor would typically look for damage to –
- Electronic appliances like fridges, TVs, etc.
- Furniture such as tables, sofas, chairs, etc.
- Upholstery, including curtains, carpets, etc.
- Personal belongings like clothes, books, jewelry, etc.
Let us now look at some of the reasons why such a complete and thorough assessment is required.
Insurance
A strong initial assessment can make a very good case for subsequent insurance claims. Most insurance companies require a professional assessment, and the damage payout usually depends on the information obtained from the assessment. It is important to get the assessment done as early as possible after the fire to rule out any suspicion of tampering. For claims covering personal possessions, the assessment and cleanup process might have to be documented using videos and pictures too.
Internal Damages
As mentioned previously, undetected internal damages can be the death knell for a property. Undetected plumbing leaks can cause mold or bacteria in the walls; damaged wiring can result in electrocution or appliance damage; and gas leaks can be catastrophic and can lead to loss of life. A proper fire damage assessment would check for all such damages before they could turn fatal or lead to heavy losses.
Prevent Further Damages
A proper assessment can identify parts of the property that might look unaffected but have structural damage. Walls can sometimes be taken down even if they aren’t completely damaged because they might affect the structural integrity of the property. This can help to prevent further damage to the property after the fire has been extinguished.
Cleanup and Restoration
To plan the cleanup and restoration process, it’s important to know what kind of damage the fire did and how bad it was. Restorations can also be tied to insurance payouts, and a proper assessment is integral to any insurance claims. A proper understanding of the damages can help the owner decide which parts of the restoration process to focus on so that money is not wasted unnecessarily.
Conclusion
Fire accidents at home can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience for a person. But after an accident like this, it’s important to do a thorough and professional assessment of the fire damage. Here at ASAP Restoration, Phoenix’s leading restoration agency, we provide assessment and restoration services for all kinds of fire damage. Our professional crew will give you a complete and comprehensive assessment of the damages. The process will be thoroughly documented and recorded for any insurance claims. You can use our website to request a free quote or get in touch with us at (602) 515-7918.
