Fires cause billions of
dollars in property damage each year. Experiencing the sight of your
commercial property damaged by fire can be profoundly distressing and
overwhelming, not to mention the screeching halt your business will endure as
you try to navigate what happens next. Understanding what to do if you find
yourself in this situation is half the battle.
While there is no real way to
prepare for the devastation caused by a fire, you can minimize any losses by
hiring a restoration team with the expertise to help get you back to business
with as little downtime as possible.
The time it takes to complete
a fire restoration process will depend on the extent of fire damage your
business has experienced, the size of the property, the type of materials involved,
and the specific fire restoration required. If the damage doesn't extend to
your entire business, the whole process could be a week from start to finish. If
the destruction is more extensive, it can take much longer. Ultimately, the
project's scope determines if less or more time is necessary to complete the
restoration.
Here's a broad overview of
the timeline for fire restoration, of course, as mentioned, it can vary
depending on the severity of the fire damage:
1. Assessment and Planning (estimated timeframe: 1-3
days): Your fire damage experts will assess the extent of the damage and prepare a
scope of restoration for the work required. The evaluation will also reveal how
long the process will take and an estimate on the associated costs. Hiring a trusted restoration company will ensure that you receive
a clear overview of what exactly needs fixing. It should include documentation
for insurance purposes. At this stage, you should expect a comprehensive
plan and an outline of the steps and timeline for restoration to your property.
2. Initial
Cleanup (estimate timeframe: 1-7 days): Your team of experts will perform an initial cleanup
to remove debris, ashes, and any remaining water or chemicals used to
extinguish the fire. This step includes the removal of any furniture/items
untouched by the smoke, soot, and fire. By removing these objects, they can
prevent any smoke from lingering and embedding itself into the fibers. The team
will also prevent any more destruction from occurring by plugging up holes or
restoring any weakened structures. Any items deemed salvageable will be identified
and removed for cleaning or restoration.
3. Structural
Repairs (estimated timeframe: TBD): At this time, repairs to the structural elements
of the property, such as walls, ceilings, and floors will begin. As noted, the timeframe is to be determined depending
on the severity of the damage incurred.
4. Smoke and
Soot Removal on Property (estimated timeframe: 1-3 weeks): At this stage,
an extensive
cleaning and deodorization are required to remove smoke and soot residue from
surfaces, furniture, and belongings. Air quality tests are conducted to ensure
that harmful particles have been adequately removed.
5. Odor
Elimination (estimated timeframe: 1-2 weeks):
Your fire restoration expert will utilize specialized equipment at this stage. In
addition, treatments may be used to eliminate lingering odors caused by the smoke
and fire.
6. Content
Restoration (estimated timeframe: 1-4 weeks): Items that were damaged by the fire, smoke, or
water may be cleaned, deodorized, and restored once they are determined
salvageable. This process can vary depending on the number of items and their
condition.
7. Final
Inspection and Testing (estimated timeframe: 1-2 days): Once restoration is complete, a final inspection and additional
testing are conducted to ensure that the property is safe and meets quality
standards.
8. Completion
and Move-In (estimated timeframe: TBD): Much of this timeframe depends on the extent
of the restoration. At this time, occupants
may be able to move back into the property once all repairs, cleaning, and
testing are successfully completed.
While the fire restoration
process may vary in time, there are some solid steps that everyone must go
through to fully restore a building after a fire. Each fire restoration project
is based on the specific circumstances of the fire. Complex or extensive
damage may extend the overall restoration project time.
Finding the Right Fire Damage
Repair Professionals:
While
the urgency to restore your business is understandable, ensuring a proper and
thorough job is equally crucial. As you explore options for fire restoration,
including contractors, architects, and various professionals, invest time in
researching the specialists you plan to hire. Prioritize evaluating your
requirements, preferences, and financial considerations too. Interview
potential candidates to understand their offerings and request references to
make sure they meet your standards.
Avoid
investing resources into the rebuild of your business only to find it falls
short of your expectations. Equally important is establishing a sense of
comfort and trust in the professionals you choose. Working
with experienced and reputable restoration professionals can help ensure a more
efficient and effective restoration process and get you back to your life as
soon possible.
Call National Disaster Solutions today for expert advice.
We are here to help!
