How to Repair Fire Damage

Recovering from a fire is a time consuming and draining process. Trying to get your home back in order will be the first priority once the crisis is contained. Once you can access the property you'll want to assess the overall damage to begin the restoration process.

Moving on after a fire is hard. Before you can begin to make any repairs you'll need to make a list of what can and can't be salvaged.

• Prepare yourself to make an assessment. Once you're allowed back in the property you'll want to make a full assessment of the actual damage. The fire department will let you know when it's safe to do this. When you do it's a good idea to wear heavy work books, gloves and a mask. Watch out for exposed wires and other damage that can become dangerous. Turn off the electricity, gas and water lines before you enter the home.


• Take photos of as much damage as you can. Try to take notes for each photo. The insurance adjusters will need this as proof of damage.


• Make a list of any items that aren't part of the structure that incurred damage. Look at your electronics, appliances, jewelry and anything else that has value to you that was damaged during the fire.


• Vacuum as much soot as you can before you do anything else. If there was a small fire you can do this on your own. Larger fires may require a professional with professional grade equipment to remove this dust.


• Open the windows and doors to ventilate the fire damaged area. The smoke odors will linger for a long time unless you hire a professional to help remove it.