Estimating Damage After a Commercial Fire

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

After a fire at your Delray Beach, FL, business, the cost of cleanup and repair can run anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity. The particulars of your insurance policy will also determine the price, depending on your deductible and what out-of-pocket costs you may incur. By working with the insurance adjuster and a professional fire restoration company, you should be able to get a good idea of the cost involved. Below are the main things to consider when creating an estimate.

1. Emergency Cleanup

The emergency cleanup makes sure no further damage is caused to the property through exposure to the elements or vandalism. Any holes in the walls or roof will be boarded up or covered with tarps, and any standing water will be removed from the building. There may be further cost if security fencing is installed.

2. Water Damage

Depending on the severity of the fire, and whether or not sprinklers were installed, the fire company may have used a great deal of water to subdue the blaze. Carpets and upholstery may be soaked, the structure itself may be waterlogged, and there may be mold and bacteria that need to be mitigated. Also, firefighters may have used chemical extinguishers that leave residues and contaminate the air. Special equipment must be employed to dry, dehumidify, clean and sterilize.

3. Smoke Removal

The cost of cleaning up damage and odor from smoke and soot must be figured in to the estimate as well. The methods and equipment used will depend upon the type of combustible substances. Smoke and soot from wood, protein or synthetic material will each create a different kind of cleanup problem.

4. Restoration Costs

After the cleaning and disinfecting are completed, the actual replacements and repairs can take place. Depending on how bad the actual fire damage was, repairs may involve only replacing carpeting and repainting, or it may entail rebuilding entire rooms.

While the cost of repairing damage from a commercial fire can vary greatly. However, it should not be difficult to estimate once all of the factors are taken into consideration, and the damage has been assessed by a qualified professional.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at (561) 272-5180. 

SERVPRO of Delray Beach has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies and is ready to respond immediately.