CHICAGO — A typical residential fire restoration project takes 3 to 12 months from the date of the fire to move-in, depending on the extent of damage, the complexity of the reconstruction, and the efficiency of the insurance claims process. Here is a week-by-week guide to what homeowners should expect.
In the first 24 to 72 hours after a fire, the priority is emergency stabilization — boarding up openings, tarping the roof, and securing the structure against weather and unauthorized entry. A restoration contractor should be on site within hours of the fire being extinguished to begin the emergency stabilization process.
In the first week, the restoration contractor will conduct a detailed damage assessment, develop a scope of work, and submit an initial estimate to the insurance carrier. The homeowner should document all damaged contents and begin the process of filing a contents claim. Temporary housing arrangements should be made if the home is uninhabitable.
In weeks two through four, demolition of fire-damaged materials begins, followed by structural drying, smoke and soot cleaning, and deodorization. The insurance carrier will typically assign an adjuster to review the scope of work and negotiate the claim settlement during this period.
Reconstruction typically begins in month two or three, after the insurance claim has been settled and building permits have been obtained. The reconstruction phase can take one to six months depending on the extent of the damage and the availability of materials and subcontractors. Move-in occurs after final inspections and a thorough cleaning of the restored structure.
