Most homeowners have no idea what fire damage restoration actually involves until they need it. As restoration specialists serving Salt Lake County we want to pull back the curtain and show you exactly what happens from the moment you call us to the day you move back into your restored home.
The Call — Hour 0
The phone rings. A homeowner in Sandy just had a kitchen fire that spread to the living room. The fire department has left and they’re standing in front of a home with broken windows boarded by firefighters, smoke visible through the front door, and no idea what to do next.
We answer immediately. Within minutes we’re gathering information:
• What type of fire and what caused it?
• How much of the home is affected?
• Has the insurance company been notified?
• Is the home structurally safe to enter?
Our technicians are dispatched immediately. We’re on-site within 60 minutes.
Arrival and Assessment — Hour 1
When we arrive the first thing we do is a complete assessment of the damage. This isn’t a quick walkthrough — it’s a thorough inspection that documents everything:
Structural assessment
We check for structural integrity before entering. Is the roof stable? Are load bearing walls compromised? Are there any collapse risks?
Scope of fire damage
We photograph and document every area affected by flames including materials that appear undamaged but may be structurally weakened by heat.
Smoke and soot mapping
Smoke travels fast and far. We trace smoke migration through the entire home — often finding smoke damage in rooms nowhere near the fire itself.
Water damage assessment
Firefighting water has often saturated floors, walls, and contents. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to find water in hidden areas.
Air quality testing
We assess air quality for smoke particles, carbon monoxide, and other hazardous compounds.
Everything is photographed, documented, and entered into our system for the insurance claim.
Emergency Stabilization — Hours 1-4
Before any cleanup begins we stabilize the property to prevent further damage:
Board up and tarping
Broken windows and doors are boarded. Damaged roof areas are tarped. This prevents:
• Rain and weather from entering
• Additional soot infiltration from outside air movement
• Unauthorized access to the property
Utility management
We coordinate with utility companies to safely manage gas, electric, and water connections.
Content protection
Salvageable contents are identified and protected. Items that can be cleaned and restored are separated from those that must be replaced.
Water Extraction and Drying — Days 1-5
This surprises most homeowners — water damage from firefighting is often as extensive as the fire damage itself.
We deploy our full arsenal of drying equipment:
• Industrial water extractors remove standing water
• Commercial air movers create airflow across wet surfaces
• Industrial dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air
• Desiccant dehumidifiers for deep structural drying
Our technicians check moisture readings daily — every wall, floor, and ceiling in the affected area. We don’t move to the next phase until moisture levels reach acceptable standards.
Why this matters: Skipping or rushing the drying phase leads to mold growth hidden inside walls — often not discovered until months later when it becomes a much more expensive problem.
Smoke and Soot Removal — Days 3-10
This is the most labor intensive phase of fire damage restoration and the one that requires the most expertise.
Surface cleaning
Different surfaces require completely different cleaning approaches:
• Painted walls — dry chemical sponges followed by wet cleaning
• Wood surfaces — specialized cleaning agents to prevent further staining
• Metal surfaces — immediate treatment to prevent corrosion
• Porous surfaces — often require replacement rather than cleaning
HVAC cleaning
Smoke penetrates ductwork and will continue circulating through your home until the system is professionally cleaned. We clean every duct, vent, and HVAC component.
Content cleaning
Salvageable furniture, clothing, and belongings are cleaned using professional ultrasonic cleaning, ozone treatment, and specialized restoration techniques.
Odor Elimination — Days 5-14
Smoke odor is notoriously difficult to eliminate. It embeds itself into every porous surface — walls, ceilings, floors, insulation, and contents. Standard cleaning alone won’t remove it.
We use a three-pronged approach:
Thermal fogging
A heated deodorizing solution creates a fog that penetrates the same surfaces smoke penetrated — neutralizing odor molecules chemically rather than masking them.
Ozone treatment
Industrial ozone generators produce ozone that chemically destroys odor molecules. Rooms are sealed and treated for several hours. This is one of the most effective odor elimination methods available.
HEPA air scrubbing
High efficiency air scrubbers run continuously to capture airborne smoke particles and improve air quality throughout the restoration process.
Structural Repair and Reconstruction — Weeks 2-12
As a licensed B100 General Contractor Best Option Restoration handles complete reconstruction — this is what sets us apart from restoration companies that only handle mitigation.
Structural repairs:
• Replace fire damaged framing and structural members
• Repair or replace roof decking and roofing
• Replace subfloor where damaged
Interior reconstruction:
• Install new drywall throughout affected areas
• Texture and paint to match existing finishes
• Replace flooring — hardwood, carpet, tile, or LVP
• Replace trim, doors, and cabinetry
Systems:
• Coordinate electrical repairs with licensed electricians
• Coordinate plumbing repairs with licensed plumbers
• HVAC system restoration and testing
Final Walkthrough and Clearance
Before we hand your home back to you we conduct a complete final walkthrough:
• Every surface checked for smoke residue
• Air quality tested to confirm it’s safe
• All reconstruction inspected for quality
• Documentation package prepared for insurance
We don’t consider the job done until you’re completely satisfied and your home smells and feels like home again.
Working with Insurance Throughout
From the first hour to the final walkthrough we work directly with your insurance adjuster:
• Initial damage documentation submitted immediately
• Detailed scope of work provided in insurance required format
• Supplement claims filed when initial estimates are insufficient
• Final documentation package submitted for claim closure
Our experience with insurance claims means you get the full payout you deserve — not just what the adjuster initially offers.
How Long Does It All Take?
Every fire is different but here are typical timelines:
• Minor kitchen fire — 2 to 4 weeks
• Single room fire with smoke damage — 4 to 8 weeks
• Significant structural damage — 3 to 6 months
• Major fire with extensive reconstruction — 6 to 12 months
We provide a detailed timeline after our initial assessment so you know exactly what to expect.
Call Best Option Restoration After a Fire
📞 Call or Text: 385-376-8300
Available 24/7 | Free Estimates | Insurance Approved | Licensed B100 Contractor
Serving South Jordan, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Bluffdale, Murray, Taylorsville, West Valley City and all of Salt Lake County.