Experiencing a house fire is overwhelming, whether it’s a small kitchen blaze or a large structural fire. Once the flames are out, home and property owners often face a flood of decisions, and it’s easy to make costly mistakes in the chaos.
At Newman Restoration and Cleaning, we’ve seen firsthand how missteps during the recovery process can lead to extended damage, insurance complications, and serious health risks.
Here are the top 5 mistakes people make after a house fire and how you can avoid them.
1. Delaying Professional Cleanup
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The Mistake: Waiting days or even weeks to start cleanup and restoration.
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The Consequences: Soot and smoke residues are acidic and will continue damaging surfaces and materials the longer they sit. Odors worsen, and mold can develop in areas affected by water from fire suppression.
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The Solution: Contact a fire damage restoration specialist in Billings, MT like Newman Restoration and Cleaning within 24-48 hours. We offer emergency response to minimize damage and begin recovery immediately.
2. Attempting DIY Smoke and Soot Cleanup
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The Mistake: Using household cleaners or vacuums to remove soot or smoke residue.
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The Consequences: Improper cleaning methods can smear or embed soot deeper into walls, fabrics, and HVAC systems, making restoration more difficult and expensive.
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The Solution: Trust certified fire damage professionals who use specialized equipment like HEPA vacuums, ozone treatments, and thermal fogging to safely and thoroughly clean smoke damage.
3. Failing to Document the Damage
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The Mistake: Starting cleanup before taking photos or notifying your insurance company.
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The Consequences: Without detailed documentation, insurance claims can be delayed or underpaid. You may lose the ability to get full compensation for losses.
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The Solution: Before touching anything, photograph all damage thoroughly, make an inventory of affected items, and contact your insurance provider. Newman Restoration can help coordinate the claims process and work directly with insurers.
4. Ignoring Hidden Damage
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The Mistake: Only addressing visible fire and smoke damage.
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The Consequences: Smoke and soot can travel behind walls, into air ducts, and into insulation, creating lingering odors and health hazards. Water damage from firefighting efforts may also go unnoticed until mold forms.
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The Solution: Schedule a comprehensive inspection from a professional restoration company. At Newman, we use advanced detection tools to uncover hidden damage and ensure complete cleanup and restoration.
5. Choosing the Cheapest Option Over the Right One
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The Mistake: Hiring the lowest bidder or an unlicensed contractor.
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The Consequences: Poor workmanship can lead to incomplete restoration, unsafe living conditions, and even voided insurance coverage.
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The Solution: Choose a trusted, licensed and insured fire restoration company in Billings, MT. Newman Restoration and Cleaning is IICRC-certified, locally trusted, and backed by years of experience helping Montana families recover.
Restore Your Home and Your Peace of Mind
Recovering after a fire is stressful, but the decisions you make immediately afterward can make a big difference. Avoiding these common mistakes will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress and partnering with the right professionals ensures you don’t have to go through it alone.
If your home or property in Billings, Montana has been affected by fire or smoke damage, contact Newman Restoration and Cleaning today at 406-672-5154 or request a quote online. We’re here 24/7 to help you move forward safely and confidently.
