In this article
January 17, 2025
Fire can be calamitous, leaving homeowners shocked, with nothing around but debris and a ton of work ahead to rebuild. With the confusion of a fire, it's easy to make mistakes that can complicate the restoration process and cause additional damage.
Because of fire, homeowners can be traumatized by loss and confronted with the challenge of rebuilding. The old adage “time is money” gets a new meaning in the restoration process after a fire, as mistakes made in the chaos of the moment can create problems, add time to the process, and make the restoration process that much more difficult.
Here are a few mistakes homeowners often make after a fire in the Chicagoland area and ways you can avoid them.
Mistake 1: Attempting DIY Cleanup
Although you may believe that this is a way to save money, fire damage cleanup actually will not be successful if you try to do it yourself. Soot and smoke can penetrate deeply into materials, and improper cleaning can spread contaminants around and even cause more damage.
Professional restoration companies like ProFix 24/7 will have the right knowledge, equipment, and cleaning agents to eliminate the fire damage from your property and restore it after fire damage.
Mistake 2: Failing to Address Hidden Damage
Fire damage is sometimes simply the damage that is visible and can be easily quantified above the ground. It is possible to capture smoke and soot in walls, and ceilings, and one can even find insulation damaged by it.
Similar to extinguishing fires, hidden sources of moisture should be dealt with right away to prevent mold growth. Professional restoration companies possess specialized equipment to identify and then do the necessary restorations.
Mistake 3: Delaying Restoration
Fire damage restoration is time-sensitive. It has been argued that waiting too long leads to more harm. Smoke and soot can cause permanent damage to your possessions, and moisture can cause structural damage and mold growth.
ProFix 24/7 provides immediate response, damage mitigation, drying, and restoration services.
Mistake 4: Incomplete Insurance Claims
Filing insurance claims after a fire can be confusing. It is important to record all damages with photographs and receipts.
ProFix 24/7 can help you document a detailed inventory of your losses and help you work with your insurance adjuster to ensure a smooth claims process.
Mistake 5: Not Considering Air Quality
Fire damage can compromise indoor air quality due to the presence of smoke, soot, and other contaminants. It's crucial to have your home professionally cleaned and air ducts sanitized to remove these harmful particles.
ProFix 24/7 offers air quality testing and remediation services to ensure a safe and healthy living environment. Don’t let a fire wreck your home and your family; avoid these typical errors that can occur after a fire.
Contact ProFix 24/7 for immediate assistance and expert restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to help you through this challenging time.
