Fire Damage Repair FAQs

Fire Damage March 2025
Fire Damage Repair FAQs

Before dealing with any fire damage repair, every homeowner should take two important actions after a fire:

  1. Keep everyone in your family safe and secure, away from the damaged home.
  2. Remember you are safe, those are things, and these FAQs should help you get through the aftermath.

A fire is a very serious matter. Aside from being destructive, it can be deadly. Fire damage happens incredibly fast and among the chaos that can take place in the aftermath of the fire, it is important to keep a cool head and follow some simple guidelines to help the repair process go smoothly.

My home has just suffered from a damaging fire. What do I do first?

Get everyone to safety and stay put. In the aftermath of a fire, you want to make one important phone call, which is to an experienced and trusted fire repair company, like True Builders.

How long will the repair take?

This is a very difficult question to answer. So many factors go into determining how long a repair process will take on a home. For example:

  • Was the fire contained to a single room, floor, or was it a complete loss?
  • How demanding are the building codes and how difficult is it to obtain permits?
  • How readily available are building materials?
  • How cooperative is your insurance company?

Amazingly, each little detail of your home, and of the fire itself, plays a role in determining the length of the repair.

Will I have to move out during the repair?

Not necessarily. This is another tough question. Again, if your house has only minor damage, and the utilities are working fine, your family could stay in the home. If there is severe smoke damage or extensive burn damage of the home’s structure, your family is most likely safer off the premises.

The final answer comes down to the extent of the damage and the decision of you and your unique situation.

What items should I keep with me if I have to leave after a fire?

Any item that is of value to you should be kept in your possession. Items that are difficult to replace, such as photographs, keepsakes, and collectibles should also be kept on you.

Never leave personal information, checkbooks, cash, medications, or important documents at the site of the fire. If your home is accessible to others, you risk these items being stolen or damaged.

Have more questions?

True Builders has all the tools and scientific processes needed to safely clean and clear your home of damage. If you live in the Plant City, Lakeland, or Winter Haven community, call (863) 647-1800 for further questions, and to find out how we can bring your home from out of the ashes.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers Central Florida homeowners ask us most often.

Do you respond to fire and storm emergencies 24/7?
Yes. When disaster strikes we respond 24/7 for emergency board-up, tarping, and water removal, then handle the full cleanup and reconstruction with the same team. Call (863) 647-1800 any time.
What happens when I call?
A real Central Florida team member takes your call, gathers the details, and gets an estimator or emergency crew moving. For remodels we schedule a consultation and walk-through; for damage we dispatch mitigation first and plan the rebuild with you from there.
How does pricing work?
You get an up-front quote before work starts, and you approve it first. No surprise line items: changes are priced and approved before we proceed.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Lakeland, Plant City, Tampa, Brandon, Valrico, Winter Haven, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Davenport, and the surrounding communities across Polk, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties in Central Florida.
Do you work with insurance on fire and storm claims?
Yes. We document the damage thoroughly, provide the estimates and reports your adjuster needs, and coordinate with your insurance company throughout the repair and rebuild.
Can I finance my remodel or repairs?
Yes. You can apply for project financing through our third-party lending partner, subject to credit approval. Terms vary by lender, by the amount requested, and by your creditworthiness. We walk you through the process before anything is submitted, and for smaller jobs we also accept all major credit cards.
Does True Builders handle both remodeling and repairs?
Yes. True Builders is a full-service general contractor that handles remodeling (kitchens, bathrooms, additions) and reconstruction after fire, smoke, and storm damage, all with one accountable team.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. True Builders is a licensed Florida general contractor (#CBC1258346) and fully insured, serving Central Florida since 2009.

Find Us in Central Florida

Three offices across Central Florida: Lakeland, our Plant City headquarters, and Auburndale. We remodel and restore homes throughout Polk, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.

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