Fire & Water Damage Rebuilds – Commercial & Residential

Recovering from a fire requires a structured and thorough approach that addresses both visible destruction and hidden damage. Every step in the process is designed to restore safety, rebuild structure, and bring a property back to working order. American Restoration Builders follows a proven sequence that combines industry expertise, advanced equipment, and direct client support. Below is a detailed overview of the process used to manage fire damage repair from start to finish.

1. ContactThe process begins when the property owner reaches out for emergency service. A team is dispatched quickly to assess immediate risks and begin planning the restoration. This stage ensures a prompt response to prevent further damage. The client receives initial guidance on what to expect. All communication is documented to keep the process transparent.
2. Inspection & AssessmentCertified technicians inspect the property to evaluate the scope of fire, smoke, and water damage. Structural integrity, affected materials, and safety concerns are carefully reviewed. A detailed report is generated to outline the next steps. This evaluation is crucial for developing a tailored restoration plan. Insurance documentation often begins at this point.
3. Emergency Tarping & Board Up Openings such as broken windows, damaged roofs, and compromised walls are secured. Tarping and boarding prevent weather intrusion and unauthorized entry. This immediate action stabilizes the property before deeper work begins. Materials are selected for durability during the repair timeline. Temporary supports may be installed if structural risks are identified.
4. Options “Salvage or Replace” Technicians determine which items can be restored and which must be removed. Contents such as furniture, electronics, or fixtures are carefully evaluated. Salvageable items may be cleaned and stored off-site. Items beyond repair are documented for insurance claims. The client is guided through decisions to balance restoration efficiency and cost.
5. Soot and Smoke Removal Specialized equipment removes soot deposits from surfaces, HVAC systems, and hidden cavities. Smoke odor is treated using advanced deodorization techniques. This step prevents long-term corrosion and health concerns. Walls, ceilings, and flooring are cleaned with industry-approved methods. Attention is given to air quality to restore a healthy environment.
6. Structural Drying If water was used during firefighting, drying is essential to prevent mold growth. Industrial dehumidifiers and air movers are deployed to extract moisture. Hidden areas such as subfloors and wall cavities are tested with moisture meters. Continuous monitoring ensures complete drying. This step prepares the property for rebuilding.
7. Cleaning and Sanitizing All affected areas are deep-cleaned to remove contaminants. Sanitization procedures address bacteria, ash residue, and lingering odors. Personal belongings approved for salvage are treated and returned. Specialized cleaning agents are applied where needed. This ensures the property is both clean and ready for restoration work.
8. Xactimate Billing Accurate billing is prepared using Xactimate, the industry-standard estimating software. This ensures insurance carriers receive detailed, compliant cost breakdowns. Every line item reflects actual services rendered and materials used. This helps expedite claim approval. Transparency in billing supports smooth communication between the contractor, client, and insurer.
9. Repair & Restoration Structural repairs begin, including framing, roofing, drywall replacement, and finish work. The goal is to return the property to its pre-loss condition. Both functional and cosmetic aspects are addressed. Skilled trades handle electrical, plumbing, and carpentry needs. The result is a fully restored space that meets code requirements.
10. Insurance Claim Assistance Support continues with insurance coordination until claims are settled. Documentation, photographs, and invoices are provided to adjusters. Clients receive updates on claim progress and reimbursements. Questions are addressed promptly to avoid delays. The objective is to close the claim efficiently while ensuring all covered repairs are included.

1. Emergency Contact Dealing with a water emergency in Sacramento can feel overwhelming, but help is always available. You can reach us 24/7 by calling our office or submitting a loss report through our website. No waiting around for voicemail — we make it easy to connect with us right away.
   
   Use our Claim Submit form to provide details, and we’ll quickly dispatch a Rapid Response unit to your property.
   
   When you call, our office staff will ask a few quick questions to understand the extent of the damage so we can send the right team and equipment.
   
   We know timing matters, which is why we keep our appointments and arrive the same day. Our goal is to restore your property quickly and efficiently.

   

2. Inspection and Damage Assessment When water damage strikes, a detailed inspection is the first critical step. At American Restoration Builders, our technicians conduct a full evaluation to measure the extent of the damage and design a targeted restoration plan.
   
   We use advanced tools to detect both visible and hidden moisture, preventing mold growth and structural issues. Our team categorizes the severity of the damage and determines the right equipment and methods for your unique situation.
   
   This careful assessment ensures no details are overlooked, giving you a clear understanding of the restoration process ahead.

   

3. Water Removal At American Restoration Builders, we use cutting-edge detection technology to create moisture maps that identify affected areas. Thermal imaging ensures no hidden water is missed. If moisture is present, we will find it.
   
   Our crew uses powerful truck-mounted or industrial portable pumps to extract water. Removing liquid water first is far more effective than relying only on dehumidifiers, so this step is always prioritized.
   
   Thorough extraction speeds up the drying process, laying the groundwork for full property restoration.

   

4. Options: Salvage or Replace Our project manager will evaluate the condition of flooring, walls, and other materials, presenting you with clear options on what can be salvaged and what should be replaced.
   
   In many cases of clean water damage, building materials can be saved. However, sometimes it is more cost-effective to replace items like old carpeting rather than extending the drying process.
   
   We provide guidance to help you make informed decisions that balance efficiency, cost, and long-term results.

   

   

5. Drying and Dehumidification Your project manager determines the right number of dehumidifiers and air movers based on your property’s layout and moisture readings.
   
   We set a Dry Standard using an unaffected area as a benchmark. Equipment is removed only when the affected spaces reach that same standard.
   
   American Restoration Builders employs wireless moisture monitoring originally developed for critical spaces such as medical labs and server rooms. These tools continuously track humidity, temperature, and moisture levels.
   
   This technology reduces unnecessary site visits, saving you time and money while ensuring accurate drying results.

   

6. Cleaning and Sanitizing Once drying is complete, our team thoroughly cleans the property — wiping down furniture, walls, ceilings, and floors.
   
   We apply an antimicrobial spray to prevent mold growth and improve overall cleanliness.
   
   For properties at higher risk, we recommend additional testing, including culture and air samples, to confirm the environment is free of mold and bacteria.

   

   

7. Restoration After mitigation, we replace all non-salvageable materials such as drywall, flooring, and paint to fully restore your property.
   
   Before closing out the project, your project manager will conduct a walkthrough with you or your representative to confirm every detail meets expectations.