Before Repairs: Navigating the Post-Fire Restoration Process

What to Expect After the Fire, Typical Path:

• Emergency Services
• Cause of Origin
• Insurance Carrier
• Safety
• Mitigation Services
• Mortgage Company
• Construction Company -This is not a traditional remodel. You must hire someone that
• knows how to run these projects.
• Additional Living Expenses – A.L.E.
• Inform the HOA
• Emergency Services

Fire damage to one’s home is a catastrophic event and something that is taken seriously. The fire department contains the fire and confirms no reignite is possible (2-3 days to complete). The fire department is liable for any reignition of the fire within the home. Due to this liability, they will puncture holes in various areas of the home and use a lot of water. In some cases, the water used can cause more damage than the fire.

Cause of Origin (C.O.O.) Inspection
The C.O.O. The inspector will walk the home to determine the cause of the fire. No one must disturb the area where the fire began. After the report is provided to the insurance Adjuster, the Adjuster will then release the home to the Mitigation company to begin their work. (48hrs depending on the initial site visit)

Insurance Carrier
The insurance Adjuster will dictate what will take place at the home. They will inform the Mitigation company to tarp the roof and board up the doors and windows. After review of the COO report, the Adjuster will inspect the home, or the inspection will take place sooner. The Adjuster will work closely with the Mitigation company and the Construction company. An estimate will be created by the Adjuster that will be reviewed by the Mitigation and Construction company. A back-and-forth could take place until final resolution. The estimate is very detailed, and we go line by line to make sure nothing is missed and appropriate labor is provided. We work for you. Depending on the Adjuster’s workload the initial estimate could take weeks to complete.

Safety
The home will need to be safe for all people working within it. Shoring of the home will need to take place by a framing crew or skilled carpenters. In severe situations, an Engineer will need to provide a shore report. This is typically performed by the Mitigation Company

Mitigation Company
Mitigation is not a part of the construction process. The purpose of this work is to prevent further damage to the home and belongings. The Mitigation process will involve Tarping of the roof, board up of windows and doors, the demo of building materials (non-structural), muck out, placement of fans, dehumidifies, air scrubbers, extraction of water, contents disposal and salvage, wiping down of walls, sand, and shellac of studs. This process may last 7-10 days from start to finish. This time can vary depending on the size of the home and the amount of belongings within it. The Mitigation company and the Adjuster will need to come to terms with what to do before work can begin.

Mortgage Company
It is the homeowner’s responsibility to contact the mortgage company and request to speak with the Loss Draft Department. Mortgage companies are typically attached to a check from the carrier when the dollar amount exceeds $10-$20k. Due to the mortgage company having an interest in the home they want to be involved. Once the initial check is provided by the Adjuster, the customer will notify FRCS, and we will overnight it to the mortgage company. From there, the mortgage company will provide draws to the contractor hired. A customer can either choose to communicate with the mortgage company, or the customer can give FRCS the authority to speak with them. The mortgage company will only discuss matters involving the claim; your personal and financial information will be kept confidential.

Construction
Working with trusted trades and vendors, we keep them accountable throughout the entire build. From sequence to production and quality control, we stay focused on the goal! This is not a typical remodel, it is a complex restoration of the home. Hire a company that is experienced.

Additional Living Expenses ( A.L.E.)
ALE is something a customer typically never hears about until they have significant damage to their home. ALE is a pocket of money that will help pay for costs such as hotel stays, rent for temporary housing, storage fees, food bills, etc.. This is a limited amount of money so it is critical to hire the correct contractor that understands this, and will work hard to ensure your home is repaired promptly.

Homeowners Association
Inform the association that construction work will take place due to fire-related damages. Inform them that a large dumpster and temporary toilet will be in the front yard for a few months.