The decision of whether to do the cleanup after a house fire yourself or hire professionals depends on the extent of the damage, your level of expertise, and your personal preferences.

If the fire was small and confined to a small area, you may be able to handle the cleanup yourself.

However, if the fire was large and caused significant damage, it is generally recommended to hire professionals to handle the cleanup and restoration.

Why Hire Professionals?

Professional restoration companies have specialized equipment and expertise to thoroughly clean and restore your home after a fire. They don’t only help in cleaning up but they can also provide a thorough inspection of the entire structure which is essential when selling your fire-damaged house.

They can also help you navigate the insurance claims process and ensure that all safety protocols are followed during the cleanup.

If you do decide to handle the cleanup yourself, make sure to prioritize your safety by wearing protective gear and following proper cleaning techniques.

Additionally, be prepared for the emotional toll that cleaning up after a house fire can take.

Ultimately, the decision to hire professionals or do the cleanup yourself depends on your comfort level and the scope of the damage. It may be helpful to consult with a professional restoration company to get an estimate and determine the best course of action for your situation.

What Can a Professional Restoration Company
Do After a House Fire That I Can’t?

A professional restoration or cleanup company can provide a range of specialized services that you may not be able to do on your own after a house fire.

Here are some examples of what a professional restoration company can do:

Assess the damage:

A professional restoration company can conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to your home and provide a detailed estimate of the cleanup and restoration costs.

Provide specialized equipment:

Restoration companies have access to specialized equipment, such as industrial-strength vacuums, air movers, and dehumidifiers, that can help remove smoke and soot damage. 

Remove smoke and soot damage:

Smoke and soot can be difficult to remove, especially from porous surfaces. A restoration company can use specialized cleaning agents and techniques to remove smoke and soot damage from walls, ceilings, furniture, and other surfaces.

Address water damage:

Water damage from firefighting efforts can cause significant damage to your home, including mold growth and structural damage. A restoration company can address water damage and prevent further damage from occurring.

Handle hazardous materials:

A professional restoration company can safely handle and dispose of hazardous materials, such as chemicals, batteries, and electronics, to prevent contamination and environmental damage.

Provide document restoration:

If your home or business contains important documents or records, a restoration company can provide document restoration services to salvage and restore these items.

Offer support and guidance:

A restoration company can offer emotional support and guidance throughout the restoration process, helping you navigate insurance claims and other challenges that may arise.

Overall, a professional restoration company can provide expertise, specialized equipment, and emotional support to help you restore your home or business after a house fire.

While it may be tempting to handle the cleanup yourself, hiring a restoration or cleanup company can ensure that the job is done thoroughly and safely.

If You Do Decide to Do the Cleanup Yourself,
Here Are Some Tips to Follow:

Wait for the all-clear:

Make sure the fire department has deemed your home safe before entering.

Wear protective gear:

Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect your skin from sharp debris, ash, and soot.

Ventilate the area:

Open windows and doors to let fresh air in and remove any remaining smoke. 

Remove debris:

Once the area is safe, begin removing debris, including charred or burnt items, furniture, and other materials that cannot be salvaged.

Study the damage:

It’s important to know what you are dealing with before you start. Determine what can be salvaged and what needs to be discarded. Items that have been damaged by water or smoke may require special cleaning.

Document the damage:

Take photos and videos of the damage for insurance purposes.

Clean surfaces:

Use a mild soap and water to clean walls, floors, and other surfaces. Avoid using bleach, as it can react with certain chemicals and produce toxic fumes.

Clean upholstery and fabrics:

Vacuum upholstery, drapes, and carpets to remove ash and soot. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for deep cleaning.

Clean appliances:

If your appliances were affected by the fire, make sure to unplug them and clean them thoroughly before use.

Secure the property:

Make sure to secure the property after the fire, especially if it has been severely damaged. This may involve boarding up windows or doors and installing a temporary fence or gate to prevent unauthorized access. Whether you are restoring the property or selling a fire-damaged house, this step is crucial in preventing further damage and potential injuries.

Contact your insurance company:

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the fire and begin the claims process.

Don’t ignore water damage:

Even if your home did not sustain significant fire damage, water damage from firefighting efforts can be just as destructive. Address any water damage immediately to prevent mold growth and further structural damage.

Dispose of hazardous materials safely:

Hazardous materials, such as batteries, chemicals, and electronics, should be disposed of properly to avoid contamination and environmental damage.

Stay organized:

Keep track of all documentation related to the fire, including repair estimates, insurance claims, and receipts for cleaning supplies and services.

Remember to prioritize your safety and take your time during the cleanup process. For example, some cleaning tasks, such as cleaning air ducts or removing mold, may require professional help.

Just keep in mind during the cleanup that it can be a long and emotionally difficult task, but with patience and care, you can restore your home to its former state. There is also help available, so if you feel you need assistance, don’t hesitate to seek it from family, friends, or mental health professionals, as the emotional toll of a house fire can be significant.

Avoid a Stressful Cleanup Process

If you want to avoid the stress and hard work that go into cleaning up after a house fire, you can sell your burned home in as-is condition to We Buy Fire Damaged Houses.

We pay a great price and all in cash so you can get your money fast and move on with your life. Fill out the short from below to learn  more.

Photo by Robert Harkness on Unsplash