Are you dealing with smoke damage in your home? Smoke damage can leave behind a horrible black soot on walls and furnishings. However, it is often the smell that bothers homeowners the most.
In this article, we answer a few typical questions related to smoke damage in the home and claiming on homeowner’s insurance.
This article is part of a series, where we discuss in more detail how you can clean smoke damage out of;
- Walls and ceilings
- Popcorn ceilings
- Carpet
- Flooring
- Upholstery
- Links at bottom of post
Smoke Damage in Your Home
What is the difference between fire and smoke damage?
Fire typically causes structural damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, a building contractor may need to remove and rebuild interior structures, such as walls.
Smoke damage does not damage a structure; however, it can be very expensive and disrupting. Because a film of soot over walls and furnishings can make a home unlivable and detrimental to your health.
Smoke damage does not always mean fire damage. For instance, a closed chimney damper can quickly fill a house with smoke.
Because kitchen smoke damage caused by a grease fire from the stove. Is different again because now you have grease on the surfaces. This will not clean well with the smoke sponge, read my post other post for the method to use.
You must clean smoke damage appropriately. Water can often make smoke damage worse. Plus, strong odors can continue to persist if not cleaned well. Though, sometimes, depending on the surface and severity of the damage, cleaning may not be enough. As a result sealers may have to be used to cover stains and eliminate odors. Also, repainting may be required.
In this series, we discuss the various techniques for cleaning smoke damage. Because depending on the type of surface you are working with and the cause of the smoke damage you will need to use the correct method. Failure to use the correct method can create even more damage.
Will homeowner’s insurance cover smoke damage?
In most cases, yes. Smoke damage should be part of your homeowner’s insurance policy, unless there are specific exceptions noted. Some policies may exclude natural disasters, like wildfires.
Typically, your insurance will cover damage to the house and its contents.
Unless you have additional policy riders, your policy is likely to limit coverage of electronics, jewelry, art, and other high value items.
What should I expect when I file a smoke damage claim on my homeowner’s insurance?
You need to call your insurance company as soon as possible and speak with a claims adjuster.
The adjuster will ask you questions to assess the situation. They will want to know how the damage happened and the extent of the damage. Plus, they should advise you on the terms of your policy, such as your coverage limits and your deductible.
Next, they will either meet you in person or arrange for a restoration company to come out.
You have a choice on which restoration company you use. Your insurance company will likely only guarantee the work if you use a company they recommend. If you are not comfortable with the first company they suggest, you can ask if there is another company they can recommend.
No matter who calls the restoration company, you or your insurance, the restoration company works for you. They may bill the insurance company directly for convenience, but if insurance won’t pay the bill or only pays a portion, the restoration company will look to you to pay.
You are also the one that needs to be satisfied with the work performed. Typically, you must sign a release that the work is complete and satisfactory for the restoration company to get paid.
Additional advice when filing a smoke damage insurance claim
Remember, insurance companies want to pay you the least amount possible. While an experienced adjuster knows what to look for and usually will be fair. Then you may have an adjuster right out of college who is smart. However, because they lack experience things could be missed. Another reason to understand what is going on is a new adjust may want to impress the company by keeping the cost down.
A few things we recommend.
- Document, document, document. Take pictures and keep a detailed list of damages. Document conversations you have; include names, dates, and times. Get everything you can in writing. This is why, because this is your proof of damages and conversations.
- Always, check online reviews from Google, the Better Business Bureau, and Angie’s List on all contractor service recommendations by your insurance agency.
- If your insurance insists on cleaning badly damaged items instead of replacing, such as carpet, ensure they guarantee in writing that they will fix any recurring problems related to the claim. Reason, because improper cleaning of carpet can force soot deep into the carpet. In time this soot will resurface. Do not sign off on such work without an extension of time.
- If you struggle to get a fair judgement from the insurance company, especially if your claim is over $10,000, seek out a qualified public adjuster for help.
What does a restoration company do?
Essentially, a restoration company does cleanup after a major event, such as a fire or flood. Their goal is to stop any further damage and put your home back the way it was.
A true professional restoration specialist should put your mind at ease by explaining what is going to take place. Often, they will provide the insurance company with a detailed assessment of the damage as they evaluate the situation. Then, they will determine the appropriate methods for cleaning your unique situation. This typically involves using special vacuums and cleaning products.
Depending on your state’s regulations, they may or may not be licensed to perform repairs.
Typically, in an insurance claim, the adjuster or the restoration company will handle any coordination of other subcontractors needed. For example, they will coordinate any flooring replacement needed.
Can you clean smoke damage yourself?
Yes, depending on the extent of the damages, especially if you read all my post on the subject. Often homeowner’s insurance will cover smoke damage. However, if the damage is small and less than your deductible, you may consider cleaning the area yourself. There are other reasons you may not want anyone in your home and that is your choice. However, keep in mind the insurance company in most cases will not pay for you doing the work. They will pay for work that is reasonable, because of the claim.
Because smoke soot and residue can be toxic. If you attempt to clean smoke damage, it is important to take all the necessary precautions to protect your health. Certainly wear a mask and googles when needed.
You also must know what you are doing, it is very easy to do additional damage. That’s why it is important to read all my post on the subject. Insurance companies may reduce the coverage of your claim if you caused further damage. Only attempt cleaning the area if you do not plan to file an insurance claim.
We recommend reading our other guides on cleaning smoke damaged;
In closing
If you have further questions about smoke damage in your home, you can leave them in the comments so I can try and answer them for you.
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