Short answer: In the first 48 hours after a house fire, a restoration crew secures the home with board-up and roof tarps, removes water left from firefighting, starts drying, and documents the damage for your insurance claim. Soot and smoke cleanup begin once the home is stable. Fast action limits staining, odor, and mold from firefighting water.
Step 1: Wait for the All-Clear
Do not go back inside until the fire department says it is safe. Ask them whether utilities should stay off.
Step 2: Secure the Property
Broken windows, doors, and roof openings let in weather and intruders. Board-up and tarping protect what is left and are usually expected by insurance companies to prevent further damage.
Step 3: Remove Water and Start Drying
Firefighting leaves a lot of water behind. Left alone, it soaks into drywall, flooring, and framing and can lead to mold. Crews extract the water and set air movers and dehumidifiers.
Step 4: Document Everything
Photos, moisture readings, and a room-by-room estimate give your adjuster what they need to approve the work.
Step 5: Soot and Smoke Cleanup
Soot is oily and spreads easily. It can stain and damage surfaces if it sits. Smoke damage cleanup uses methods matched to each surface, followed by odor removal.
Step 6: Contents and Rebuild
Belongings that can be cleaned are packed out and restored. Then the structure is rebuilt: framing, drywall, paint, cabinets, flooring, and trim.
What Not To Do After a Fire
- Do not run the furnace or AC until the system is checked. It can spread soot through the house.
- Do not wipe soot with a wet rag. It smears and sets the stain.
- Do not throw out damaged items before your adjuster sees them or they are photographed.
How Aaron Builders Helps
Aaron Builders handles fire damage restoration from emergency board-up to the final coat of paint. Our emergency line is answered 24/7/365, and our crews are on site within one hour. We remove water, clean soot and smoke, restore contents, and rebuild, all with one team.
Since 1979 we have worked with Southeast Michigan homeowners and their insurance companies, including State Farm, Allstate, AAA, Travelers, and Liberty Mutual. Our Xactimate-certified estimators communicate directly with your adjuster, and our repairs carry a 5-year workmanship warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in my home after a small kitchen fire?
It depends on the smoke spread and whether utilities are safe. Ask the fire department, and have the home checked before you stay.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
Securing and drying start right away. Cleaning and rebuilding can take weeks depending on the size of the loss and insurance approvals.
Do you handle the insurance paperwork?
We provide the estimates, photos, and documentation, and we talk directly with your adjuster.
Fire or smoke damage? Call (248) 957-9660 any time, day or night.