Do you know what to do — and what mistakes to avoid — during a fire damage inspection?
It’s easy to overlook hidden property damage or fail to collect key documentation when you’re trying to rebuild your life.
However, seemingly small errors could cost you thousands in repairs or delay your insurance payment, so approaching the process with caution is essential.
Taking careful steps from the start can make a big difference in how smoothly your insurance claim moves forward.
Top Mistakes to Avoid During Fire Damage Inspections
It’s natural to want to move quickly after a fire.
You want to get back into your home as soon as possible. But rushing through the inspection process could unintentionally jeopardize your fire damage claim.
Here are some common errors that fire victims make during the stress of the recovery process.
Homeowner Safety Mistakes
Many homeowners re-enter their homes too soon after a fire.
Underestimating Risks
They often underestimate lingering risks like overall structural damage, weakened floors, hidden hot spots, or poor air quality. Always wait for firefighters to declare your property safe before going inside.
Skipping Protective Gear
Another common mistake is skipping protective gear. Smoke and soot damage can penetrate the entire home and can contain harmful chemicals. Wear gloves, masks, and sturdy shoes before stepping inside.
Finally, never turn on the power or gas lines yourself. Let professionals confirm that systems are safe first.
Fire Damage Documentation Errors
Incomplete or poor documentation is one of the biggest reasons fire insurance claims get delayed or denied.
Not Taking Detailed Photos
Many homeowners forget to take detailed photos of every room, angle, and item affected by the fire. Others throw away damaged items before documenting them for insurance purposes. These mistakes can prevent an adjuster from determining the full extent of the damage and the necessary repairs to restore your home and prevent further damage.
Keep everything until an adjuster can review it. Record serial numbers, brand names, and estimated values for major items. Written notes also matter. Jot down the purchase date, location, and condition of everything you document to create a clear record that supports your fire claim.
Inspection Process Mistakes
Some homeowners rely solely on surface-level inspections and don’t account for structural fire damage when preparing their claims.
Skipping a Professional Fire Damage Assessment
Soot and smoke residue can penetrate walls, insulation, and air ducts. If you skip a professional fire damage assessment or try to handle everything alone, you might overlook damage and incur costly repairs later.
Lack of Open Communication
Another possible mistake involves failing to communicate openly with your insurance adjuster and contractors. Be sure to share your findings, ask questions, and confirm next steps in writing to avoid confusion.
Finally, don’t rush the inspection. Take the time to document, verify, and double-check each area to ensure you haven’t missed anything before cleanup or restoration begins.
When to Call a Fire Damage Lawyer in New Orleans
You aren’t required to hire a house fire lawyer if you’re preparing for an inspection of fire-damaged property in New Orleans.
However, seeking legal guidance can be helpful, especially if you anticipate an insurance dispute and want to submit the most comprehensive claim possible.
A New Orleans fire damage lawyer from Insurance Claim HQ can help you strategize before dealing directly with inspectors, adjusters, and repair estimates.
You’ve been through a lot. Having a clear plan can help protect your claim from the start by outlining the documentation you need and how to respond to the insurance company’s questions.
Our lawyers represent property owners at every stage of the claims process, from reviewing their insurance policies and collecting strong evidence to preparing the necessary paperwork, submitting the claim, and following up to confirm it is being handled appropriately.
Depending on the terms of your residential policy, your insurance could cover fire damage like:
- Structural damage
- Personal items
- Additional living expenses (ALE)
- Damage caused by firefighting efforts
- Water damage
- Smoke damage
Contact a Fire Damage Lawyer in New Orleans Today
You deserve fair compensation from your insurer after a house fire.
If the company refuses to pay or unreasonably delays your fire claim, our legal team can evaluate whether the insurer acted in bad faith and take appropriate legal action. For help with your fire damage insurance claim in New Orleans, contact ICHQ today for a free case evaluation.
