DALLAS-FORT WORTH, AMARILLO, AND OKLAHOMA CITY FIRE DAMAGE CLEANUP

Short answer: Maybe! You’ll need to check your specific policy for the full scope of coverage, but it is not uncommon for fire damage to be covered by insurance, you’ll just need to be familiar with your policy, and speak with a representative from your carrier to make the final determinations.

Your best bet is to hire a professional restoration company, like Mr. Restore, to help you through the documentation process. We know how to avoid some common missteps when it comes to making sure the entire loss is fully documented so that your carrier has ample information to make coverage determinations. Having ample documentation also helps your carrier and contractor identify often overlooked but necessary repairs, like cleaning HVAC systems of soot and smoke residue, or addressing water damage that may have occurred from extinguishing the flames.

Depending on the extent or location of the fire damage, some homeowners can move back in a few days or longer. The fire department will usually turn off electricity and gas to the property right away, and that won’t be restored until a building inspector says that it’s safe to turn those utilities back on. If you experienced significant smoke damage and the home’s occupants include elderly persons, young children, or those with chronic health conditions, you may be wise to stay until the smoke cleanup is complete. Contracting with a company experienced in fire damage restoration, like Mr. Restore, can often get you back home sooner because they’ll have the resources to hire and manage the many tradespeople who will need to work together to make the home liveable again.

DIY soot removal is not recommended. Commercially available products can actually cause permanent damage to surfaces. Soot itself is primarily oil-based, but that residue also contains toxic, possibly biohazard contaminants.