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During the recent California wildfires, residents experienced an immeasurable amount of loss. The devastation of these fires spans beyond the immediate loss of property. Well after the fires have been put out, lingering soot and smoke damage can wreak havoc on homes and health. For these reasons, it’s critical to address these areas of concern sooner rather than later. 

You may be wondering what the post-fire restoration process looks like. When it comes to restoration timelines, there are a few factors that must be taken into consideration, such as the severity of the damage and available resources. In this article, we’ll break down what can influence repair times, what to expect during restoration, and helpful tips to facilitate the process.

Need emergency fire restoration services? Our Los Angeles restoration team is ready to clean and repair your home—call us today.

Factors Influencing Fire Damage Repair Timelines

A home fire repair timeline will vary depending on the extent of the damage if structural or cosmetic repairs are required, local regulations, and the availability of materials and contractors. 

Extent of Damage

Fire damage restoration in Los Angeles can range from minor to moderate and major.  

• Minor damage is when smoke and soot can be found in specific locations. The restoration process for minor damage includes thorough cleaning and deodorizing of the interior and any items. 
• Moderate damage can be categorized as damage to any structural elements. The restoration process can include cleaning, deodorizing, and replacing damaged areas. 
• Major fire damage will require more extensive restoration efforts as it typically means there has been severe damage to a property’s structure and its contents. In these cases, the restoration process can take several months. 

Structural Vs. Cosmetic Repairs

Rebuilding a home after a fire in Los Angeles will vary based on the type of repair required. A structural repair, which consists of a repair or potential replacement of a property’s load-bearing elements, will take longer to repair than a cosmetic repair, which refers to fixing the appearance or aesthetic component of a property. While cosmetic repairs could take days to complete, a structural repair could take weeks. 

Permitting and Inspections

When rebuilding a home after a fire in Los Angeles, obtaining permits, conducting necessary inspections, and adhering to local regulations must be considered. 

In general, the zone you reside in will require different permits. For example, those living in a coastal area will likely be required to obtain a Coastal Development Permit.

Furthermore, obtaining a permit will depend on the complexity of the project. Typically, if you are restoring to its pre-loss condition, i.e., you are not making design changes, the permit process will be faster. If you are planning to make changes to the property’s original structure, the permit process will take longer. In Los Angeles, reconstruction efforts must start within two years of the fire and finish within two years after obtaining the required permit. 

Availability of Materials and Contractors

When a disaster strikes a large area, demand for materials, such as drywall and lumber, as well as the demand for LA fire repair contractors and labor,  will surge as homeowners and businesses all attempt to procure resources. With increased demand for resources, experts expect delays in Los Angeles fire repair services.

Typical Restoration Phases

The standard fire damage restoration process can be broken down into three main phases: assessment, cleaning, and reconstruction. 

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Initial Assessment and Safety Measures

Timeframe: ~a week

To conduct a proper fire damage assessment, it’s important to contact professionals who can evaluate the damage and determine how to safely and efficiently guide the restoration process. 

Timeline-wise, fire damage assessment in LA can take up to a week. This process involves a thorough and professional inspection to determine the extent of the damage, securing the property, and mitigating hazards, such as electrical risks and gas leaks. From there, experts will develop a restoration plan based on their findings. 

Debris Removal and Cleaning

Timeframe: 1 - 2 weeks

The debris removal and cleaning process after fire damage will vary depending on severity. Smoke damage cleanup in Los Angeles will involve cleaning debris, soot, and smoke residue, along with removing any potential standing water. 

Repairs and Reconstruction

Timeframe: several weeks to months

The bulk of the restoration process will be the actual repairs and reconstruction itself. Again, depending on the severity of the damage, this can take multiple weeks or even months to complete, especially given the surge in demand for resources. 

During this phase of the restoration cycle, structural repairs will be completed, electrical and plumbing work will be installed, and interior repairs will be made. 

Case Studies: Fire Damage Repair Timelines in Los Angeles

Fire damage can range from minor to major. The more extensive the damage, the longer the restoration process will take. Let’s take a look at some common fire damage case studies and discuss their associated standard procedures and estimated timelines.

Minor Kitchen Fire in a Single-Family Home

Whether caused by a cooking accident or an unattended appliance, kitchen fires are common household incidents. In most cases, these are considered minor and will take approximately 1 to 2 weeks to repair. Procedures will include smoke damage cleanup and cosmetic repairs. 

Extensive Fire in a Multi-Story Residence

In cases of major fire damage, such as a multi-story residence, the restoration process can take several months to over a year to complete. Compared to a minor incident, the scope of the project is much larger, including thorough cleaning, decontamination, smoke and soot cleanup, major structural repairs, and interior restoration. Not to mention, in cases like this, building codes must also be factored in to remain compliant. 

Tips to Quicken the Restoration Process

While the fire restoration process can feel daunting, there are steps you can take to ensure a more seamless and timely process. 

Immediate Actions Post-Fire

After ensuring you and anyone else on the premises are safe and the fire department has been contacted, you will want to take the following steps:

1. Contact your insurance provider
2. Contact LA fire damage restoration professionals
3. Document all damage with photos and detailed lists
4. For insurance purposes, keep detailed records of all communications and expenses.

Choosing the Right Restoration Company

Hiring an experienced company is key to a smooth fire damage restoration process. 

When it comes to selecting the right restoration company, you will want to look for certified and experienced professionals who are familiar with Los Angeles regulations. In addition, it helps to work with a company that has existing connections with common insurance companies to help facilitate the process. 

COIT works directly with some of the most well-known insurance agencies to expedite the restoration process. Simply contact your insurance company and ask if they work with COIT Cleaning and Restoration.

Don’t wait to start fire damage repairs. Contact us for fast, professional cleanup and restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does fire damage take to fix?

Answer: Timelines vary based on damage extent; minor repairs may take weeks, while major restorations can extend over several months.

How long will it take LA to recover from fires?

Answer: Community-wide recovery can span years, depending on the disaster scale and resources.

How long does it take for an area to recover from fire?

Answer: Environmental and infrastructural recovery can take several months to years.

How to clean a house after LA fires?

Answer: Engage professionals for thorough cleaning to address soot, smoke, and potential structural issues.

How long does smoke linger after a fire?

Answer: Without proper ventilation and cleaning, smoke odors can persist indefinitely.

Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!