When it comes to house fires, the first few hours after the disaster are known as the “golden hours.” These are crucial because byproducts from the fire continue to damage the building. Professionals follow established remediation methods to remove these byproducts from the structure, reducing the cost of the overall project. During this time, byproducts can cause corrosive chemical reactions that destroy building materials. Moisture buildup can also weaken the structure. Knowing all these is key to knowing how to sell a fire-damaged home.
Cleaning Up Soot After Fire
In addition to water damage from the house fire, the soot left behind can also cause major problems. Soot cleanup costs anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000, and can result in mold, mildew, and rot if not dealt with quickly. Soot damage can also cause expensive repair costs, especially when carpeting and upholstered furnishings are affected. Soot cleanup services include blowing, vacuuming, and applying a strong cleaning solution.
The cleanup process for soot after a house fire depends on the type of soot and the type of fuel used. Natural soot comes from wood, paper, or plastic, while synthetic soot is made from vinyl or plastic. Synthetic soot can cause irreparable damage to many surfaces, including carpets. Experts recommend hiring a professional to clean up the soot and smoke damage.
After a fire, you should contact your insurance company to report the damage and begin the cleaning process. You will need to send your insurance company photos and documentation of the fire. If the damage is extensive, a professional cleaning service can help you restore the home to pristine condition. A fire marshal will approve your claim. A professional cleaner will also help you determine the cost of repairs and cleaning.
The next step in cleaning up after a fire is to remove all water. You can use a dehumidifier to remove any water damage from the carpeting and upholstered furniture. Fans can help to dry out wet textiles. Air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators can also help to reduce the smell of smoke particles. The professional will be able to recommend the best cleaning options for your home.
Soot and smoke damage restoration services are expensive. While a professional will use specialized film to remove soot, this process can cost anywhere from $400 to $700. Professional services can also perform air duct cleaning and deodorizing services. The entire process can take weeks to complete. If you aren’t willing to pay for the cleaning and restoration process, you should hire a company that handles soot damage cleanup. If you don’t hire a professional, you’ll be stuck with a bill of $1,800 to $6,400.
Once the soot is removed, the next step is cleaning up the damaged areas. The damage caused by a fire in the kitchen is usually more expensive because it is oily. Oily soot is more difficult to remove than dry soot. Fire restoration in the attic can be even more expensive because of the space’s location at the top of the home. As a result, fire damage can spread down from top to bottom and damage wiring and vents.
Costs of Replacing Damaged Materials
The total cost of restoring a home after a fire depends on the size of the structure, the extent of damage, and how the fire was put out. Fires can also cost a lot of money because many structural elements can be destroyed. Professionals will assess each room for its structural damage, electrical systems, HVAC systems, and cosmetics. If any of these parts are damaged, homeowners may have to replace them. Professionals will also work to salvage as much of the structure as possible. If the fire is a total loss, insurance companies may write off the damage and replace everything in the house, but this can be a hefty cost.
The cost of restoring a home after a fire depends on the extent of damage and the materials damaged. Damages can range from minor to significant, including repairing damaged walls and flooring. The cost to replace damaged materials in a kitchen can be anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. More extensive damage can reach upwards of $80,000 for an upscale kitchen or significant reconstruction. The costs associated with such a fire can add up quickly, especially if you don’t plan to use the ruined material for a future renovation.
The cost of cleaning a house after a fire depends on the type of damage and accessibility. If the fire damage is severe, accessing the house is extremely difficult and even dangerous. Additionally, damaged materials are sorted into usable and junk materials. This will increase the total cost of the restoration project. You can also expect to be asked to take a few photographs of the charred materials that are left behind.
If you have a small house fire, you may only have a few thousand dollars of repair expenses. If you have insurance coverage, you can ask for a higher price when you sell the home. However, if the fire damage is extensive, you may have to sell it as-is and not risk putting your house up for sale. In such a case, it is important to know the costs of replacing damaged materials.
A small fire in the kitchen will likely be more expensive than a major kitchen fire. Damage to the kitchen may be much more difficult to restore than damage to the attic, which is at the top of the home. A kitchen fire, for example, will create more sediment than a candle fire in the drapes. This means the cost of cleaning and repair will be higher than for repairing an attic fire.
While a house fire cleanup will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $26,000, it can also result in the need for extensive reconstruction. Experts can assess the damage and let homeowners know what repair is necessary. However, these projects are expensive and may not be within the budget of the average homeowner. Fortunately, there are services available that can help rebuild the house so that it looks as good as new. So, restoring damaged areas is much cheaper than replacing entire sections of the house.
Cost of Repairing Soot Damage
In addition to the structural components of your home, the soot residue from a house fire can ruin upholstered furniture, draperies, carpets, and walls. The damage varies, but the average cost is $2,000 to $6,000. Soot is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of organic materials. It can easily penetrate upholstered furniture, carpets, and walls and tarnish them.
Soot damage requires prompt cleanup. The longer it is left to accumulate, the greater the cost of repairing soot. A professional smoke and soot cleanup service can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $6,400. Because smoke and soot are very porous, the longer the soot and smoke damage is ignored, the greater the bill will be. In addition, the longer the cleanup process takes, the more damage is done.
Soot damage costs are largely determined by the square footage of the area damaged. The more affected square footage a fire causes, the higher the cost of cleaning equipment and labor. Also, fires damage metals and plastics, and they tend to spread smoke and soot throughout the house. Water damage also intensifies soot and smoke damage. Soot and smoke damage in the attic can be costly to repair.
The cost of repairing soot damage after the fire varies, depending on the severity of the soot. A basic soot cleanup will cost $400-700, while oily soot cleanup may cost upwards of $1,700. Further, soot removal may require air duct cleaning and cosmetic repairs. Overall, the cost of repairing soot damage after a house fire varies from fire to disaster, so it is important to know what you are paying for.
The cost of fire restoration will vary greatly, but the average homeowner will spend anywhere from $3,200 to $25,000 on this process by 2020. Fire restoration companies will ask for the square footage of your home before estimating costs. If your home is 2,000 square feet, this can be as high as $4.75 per square foot. If your home is more than 2,700 square feet, the cost of removing burnt material could run you anywhere from $2,500 to $6,500.
While fire cleanup and repair are crucial, the cost of repairing soot damage after resolving the fire is separate and expensive. Professional cleaning and deodorization can cost between $200 and $1,200. Smoke-damaged furniture, floors, and walls may need a professional to remove the odor. In addition to cleaning and refinishing the floors, you may need to replace scorched drywall and cabinetry.
