A fire can turn your world upside down in seconds. Once the flames are out and the smoke clears, you’re left staring at the damage, overwhelmed by what to do next. The good news is: you’re not alone. At Aaron Builders, we’ve been helping Michigan families and business owners recover from fire damage since 1979. This blog walks you through the first, crucial steps to take after a fire—because every minute matters when it comes to restoring your property and peace of mind.
Table of Contents
1. Ensure Safety and Call for Emergency Help
Before anything else, make sure everyone is safe and the fire is completely extinguished. If you haven’t already:
- Call 911 to report the fire.
- Do not re-enter the property until authorities declare it safe.
- Shut off utilities like gas and electricity if you suspect damage.
Once safe, your next call should be to a fire damage restoration company like Aaron Builders. Our 24/7 emergency team arrives on-site within one hour to begin securing the scene—because even after the flames are out, your property is still vulnerable.
2. Secure the Property to Prevent Further Damage
After a fire, your property is exposed to the elements, theft, and more. At Aaron Builders, our team provides:
- Emergency board-up and roof tarping to prevent weather exposure
- Temporary fencing or barriers for safety and security
- Debris removal and hazard assessment
These steps are critical in preventing secondary damage, which may not be covered by insurance if left unaddressed.
3. Document the Damage for Your Insurance Claim
Proper documentation is key to a smooth insurance claim. Here’s what you need to do:
- Take photos and videos of all affected areas before cleanup begins
- List all damaged personal property (include makes, models, serial numbers)
- Save receipts and reports from fire services or police
Aaron Builders works directly with your insurance adjuster to provide detailed estimates, moisture and smoke readings, and photo documentation that supports your claim every step of the way.
4. Begin Smoke and Water Mitigation Immediately
It’s not just fire that causes damage—smoke, soot, and water from firefighting efforts can leave lasting effects. Our restoration process includes:
- Water extraction and structural drying to prevent mold
- Smoke and soot removal from walls, ceilings, and HVAC systems
- Odor removal using ozone treatments and thermal fogging
- Content cleaning, packing, and storage
These services prevent long-term damage and get your home ready for rebuilding. Even items you think are lost can sometimes be salvaged by our cleaning specialists.
5. Plan and Begin the Rebuilding Process
Once the site is safe and clean, it’s time to restore what was lost. Aaron Builders specializes in full reconstruction, including:
- Structural repairs, roofing, siding, drywall, and insulation
- Interior restoration: cabinetry, painting, flooring, windows, and doors
- Custom finishes to match your original design—or help you update it
- All work backed by our 5-year workmanship warranty
We also coordinate directly with your insurance adjuster to ensure your rebuild stays within scope and budget. You’ll have a dedicated Project Manager guiding you through every phase, from permits to final walkthroughs.
Start Your Fire Damage Recovery with Aaron Builders
Recovering from a fire is never easy—but having the right restoration partner makes all the difference. At Aaron Builders, we’ve helped thousands of Farmington Hills, Michigan homeowners rebuild after fire, smoke, and water damage. Our quick response, deep experience, and compassionate service are why we’re the trusted choice across Oakland, Wayne, Washtenaw, Macomb, and beyond.
Call us 24/7 at 248-957-9660
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Let us help you turn the page. Rebuilding starts with one call.