Fire Damage Restoration services in Dallas

Apartment complexes in areas such as Lake Highlands can see smoke travel between units. Historic districts near Swiss Avenue, Winnetka Heights and Kessler Park can add review for exterior repairs.

Lakewood has 1920s to 1940s Tudor, Spanish Eclectic and Craftsman homes. Oak Cliff has 1910s to 1930s bungalows with plaster and original floors, and Preston Hollow has large homes with multiple HVAC zones, where contents work is often the largest part.

Start with fire damage restoration, smoke damage cleanup or board-up and tarping. Check with the city before exterior work in a landmark district.

Cities and neighborhoods: Lake Highlands, Lakewood, M Streets and Lower Greenville, Oak Cliff, Preston Hollow, Uptown and Downtown.

Once Dallas Fire-Rescue has cleared the scene, you will probably have no electricity, and that slows drying and cleaning alike. The City of Dallas lists fire damage among the emergencies covered by its emergency electrical release policy, which allows power to be restored ahead of a normal inspection in some cases. An electrician deals with that request, so ask the contractor who they work with.

Stay out if you smell gas, and contact Atmos Energy from a safe distance. Once you have permission to go in, take photos, retrieve medication and documents if allowed, and leave everything else in place.

Fire is the focus here, but homeowners should still know how water behaves in this city. On May 26, 1908, the Trinity reached 52.6 feet and spread about a mile and a half wide. Five people died and around 4,000 were left homeless, with boats the only link to Oak Cliff. Levees came in 1932 and were raised to 30 feet by 1960.

Flooded streets today are more often caused by intense rain than by the Trinity itself. If you are dealing with that sort of water rather than fire, start at water damage restoration.

Lakewood and Oak Cliff homes can have original plaster, hardwoods and lots of paint layers. Flooring that burned or warped near the fire can often be matched, sometimes using wood from inside a closet, while the rest may refinish well. Raise the subject of lead before anything is sanded or removed in a pre-1978 house.

In historic districts around Swiss Avenue, Winnetka Heights or Kessler Park, exterior repairs may need review through the city's Historic Preservation staff. City building inspection handles permits. It is sensible to confirm both before ordering windows, doors or siding.

Fire is generally a covered cause on a standard Texas homeowners policy, but limits, deductibles and replacement terms vary, so ask for a full copy of your policy. The Texas Department of Insurance has consumer tips and a help line for anyone with a problem. It also explains how mold and water claims can differ, which is relevant if firefighting water sits too long.

Public adjusters represent policyholders, and they are a separate party from the company adjuster. If you hire one, read the contract first. For the practical side, see the adjuster guide.