How Long Is the Fire Restoration Process?
No homeowner ever desires to be in a position where they have to discuss the duration of a fire damage restoration process. This is because home fires are dreaded, and no one ever wishes to experience such accidents in their homes. However, in the unfortunate event that you are a victim of a home fire, you will have no choice but to think about the restoration process so that you can resume the normal use of your home as soon as possible.
The restoration process, when undertaken by qualified professionals, can reverse any extensive damage that might have been caused by the fires, and restore the structural integrity of the building. The length of time that it will take for the restoration process to be completed, however, is not fixed.
This is because there are several variables involved. To try and help you understand just how long it may take for the restoration to be completed, here are some vital factors worth keeping in mind:
The extent of the fire damage
One of the leading factors in determining the duration of a fire restoration process is the extent or the severity of the fire damage. If the fire caused more damage to the house, then it may take relatively longer to restore the property.
The time needed can’t be compared to small fires that were quickly discovered and extinguished before spreading to the rest of the property. It is also worth remembering that in a typical fire incident, the damage will not be caused by flames alone.
Other components of the fires such as the soot, smoke, odor, and even the water used in putting out the fire can also cause damages which will have to be remediated once the fire is controlled. All these layers of fire damage introduce potential restoration targets – all of which will affect the total amount of time needed to fully restore the property after a fire incident.
Your budget for the fire restoration
If you have enough money, then you can greatly reduce the amount of time that you will need to fully restore your home. This is because you will have the ability to quickly hire professional fire restoration experts to work on the necessary repairs. Also, you will have the money to purchase all the materials that the restoration experts may need.
If you are on a tight budget, however, you may not have the convenience to move at the speed that you may desire. With a tight budget, you may not be able to afford top-notch professionals offering comprehensive restoration packages. Instead, you may consider the urgent restoration works and focus all your budget there. Then, as more funds become available, you will be able to take on the other aspects of renovations that your current budget cannot accommodate.
Ideally, you should have your home insured to its reconstruction value. In case of a fire accident, be sure to get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible. They will advise you on the restoration costs that they are willing to cover and also let you know of the costs that you may have to pay out of pocket.
How the fire was extinguished
There are various technologies that can be used to extinguish house fires. It is worth noting that the method used in extinguishing the fire may also have an impact on how long the after-fire cleaning process may take. It is normal for most fire restoration efforts to take up to three weeks, however, this time could be shorter if your home has modern fire extinguisher technology. Some of the modern fire extinguishing technologies available include:
The acoustic extinguisher – this type of fire extinguishing technology uses sound waves to separate between flammable substances and oxygen, hence preventing the further spread of the fire. These sound waves get emitted from a device and they are also very effective in extinguishing small flames faster. This is normally seen as an optimal way of putting out fires since it does not require the use of any water or chemicals.
Mist fire fighting system – this is a modern fire fighting system that is designed to spray millions of water droplets to rapidly put out fires in buildings. It is an effective system that can be deployed on a large scale to rapidly bring raging fires under control.
Your choice of a fire restoration contractor
Your choice of fire restoration contractor will also have a huge impact on the duration of the restoration. Experienced contractors will have a pool of technicians with varied skills and expertise that will quickly and efficiently carry out all the necessary renovation works. You will not only get people to help with the after-fire cleaning, but also other experts, including plumbers, roofers, masons, and electricians who will ensure that normalcy resumes as soon as possible.
This, however, may not be the case when you hire a small-time contractor with a small team of technicians. They may get the job done to your satisfaction, but since they are limited in terms of skills and manpower, they may take a little longer to complete the renovations.
It is worth noting that not all after-fire accidents may result in restorations. Some fires may be so strong and may go on for so long that the entire building is condemned once the fire is put out. In such a case, there will be no need for restoration but rather a new construction project.
This, however, will be determined after careful evaluation by the experts. If the professional opinion is that the structure is beyond repair, then there will be a need to come up with a new structure, and this may take a longer time.
Call KBS Maintenance for fire restoration services
Are you in need of after-fire cleaning experts in Montreal? Do you desire to work with a reputable after-fire Restoration Company following a fire incident on your premises? Call us now at KBS Maintenance for safe, reliable, and affordable fire restoration services.