Fire Damage: How Not To Be Burned Twice

Fire damage can be summed up as the headache after a fire. A fire in your home is a terrible thing to deal with, but it can be made far worse by predatory contractors and insurance agents that do not want to really deal with their client's claims. After the chaos of the fire and the fire trucks is all over with, you simply want your life to get back to normal as fast as possible, but how quickly can that really happen if there is nothing but bad news, bad news and more bad news every single second of your day?

Fires and fire damage take more than a physical and financial toll on a person, they can hurt you spiritually and emotionally as well.

Your first step after the fire is out will be to deal with your insurance agent. He can help you with some of the problems related to fire damage. Some agents actually do want to be called and will deal with the claims adjusters and other paper work for you themselves, others would prefer that you call the claims line directly and might never actually know what happened to you. How much personal involvement you want from your agent is an individual, subject thing, so consider that when shopping for a new insurance agent.

Regardless of agent involvement, you will want to speak to the claims adjuster fairly quickly to set up the time for a review. The faster the adjuster can assess the extent of your fire damage, the faster you will receive your check. Make sure that you have a list prepared before hand, and keep onlookers back so that they do not impede the process.

After the appraiser is done then you can begin assessing what parts of your fire damage can be dealt with by you, yourself and what must be taking care of professionally. The contractors and other professionals will all start showing up after a fire; it's just a simple fact of life. Although you want your home to be restored and livable as quickly as possible, you do not want to pay more than a service is actually worth. Get estimates, and be sure that you know who you are dealing with before signing a contract.

Check business practices and reviews with the Better Business Bureau. For example, is this company bonded? Is it a legitimate business or just a man with a hammer and a truck who does odd jobs on the side? Are you going to be required to pay a huge portion of the fee upfront? Make sure you know who you are dealing with and make sure that all scenarios are put down in writing- how close to the actual price will the estimate be for instance? What about unforeseen issues that arise midway through the job?

Get the estimates first, and do not be satisfied with only one or two- get at least four written estimates. Gauge how quickly the workers arrived at your home. Which companies provided the fastest and most courteous phone service? Were messages answered promptly or did you have to wait a day or two before phone calls were returned? Consider these things as well as price before hiring a contractor. A low bid may not be the best if you cannot get hold of anyone if a problem or question comes up.

Once your home has been restored and all traces of the fire damage has been eradicated, then you can start working on the pretty aspects which is the fun part. Do not overlook safety features and upgrades, and enjoy your new home.

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