How Long Does It Take to Repair Fire Damage in Colorado Springs?

A fire in your Colorado Springs area business or home can leave you worried and questioning whether your property will be the same. It is important to have a better understanding of the repair process to properly inform your next steps and make your decision. CMS Restoration offers a complete guide on timelines, timeline variables, and frequently asked questions for fire damage repair in Colorado Springs.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

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How Long Does Fire Damage Repair Take?

How long fire damage repair takes in Colorado Springs depends on the severity of the damage, but it typically takes anywhere from several days to months. Minor smoke damage could be cleaned and deodorized in a week. Significant damage to a property’s structure means the project will take several months to complete. CMS Restoration reviews each project to ensure clients have an accurate timeline estimate before we begin.

Resource: cmsrestorationco.com

Variables That Affect Timeline

Several factors are taken into account when estimating how long the project will take. It all comes down to the severity of structural damage, the amount of water damage from firefighting efforts, and how deep the smoke has settled. Other factors that may cause a delay include insurance, materials, and permit requirements from the local municipality. We work on coordinating these issues to ensure the project can progress properly.

One-Week Repair Feasibility

When the project was completed in a week, the damage was minor and did not affect the building’s structure. The repair process included cleaning soot from surfaces, ozone deodorizing the space, and touching up areas. Fires that damage the structure take longer to repair due to safety and code requirements.

How Long Is the Assessment Process?

The assessment process typically takes anywhere from one to three days. During the assessment, we evaluate the structural damage, inventory your belongings, and evaluate smoke and water damage. Conducting a thorough assessment before starting the project prevents unnecessary issues further down in the project

Smoke And Soot Cleanup

Smoke cleanup generally lasts anywhere from three to seven days, depending on the area of the house and the type of surfaces. Surfaces like carpet and drywall, which can absorb odors, need more time during this process. Smoke and soot are cleaned up immediately to prevent permanent staining and odor damage.

Structural Restoration

Structural repairs take the most time, from several weeks to several months. We remove all damaged portions of the house, repair the structure, and reassemble the house. This time frame helps ensure the property is in good condition and safe to reoccupy.

Water Damage Restoration

Water restoration adds 3 to 5 days to the start of the project. After the water is pumped out, the home is thoroughly dried using commercial dehumidifiers, and the moisture level is monitored to make sure mold is not an issue. We wait until the structure is dry before beginning structural repair.

Smoke Odor Removal

Odor remediation takes about 2 to 5 days of continuous treatment during the restoration process. Our technicians use professional equipment to remove odors. We monitor air quality throughout the project to ensure it is clean.

Property-Specific Questions

Large and multi-story properties have a longer restoration time. Large properties will take longer to clean and repair. When we begin a project, we assign the number of workers and materials we think will help the project complete the job in the shortest timeframe possible.

How Severe is the Damage?

The severity of the damage will affect the repair process. Some fires, such as kitchen fires, may only need to be repaired. Severe fires, such as those affecting the roof of the house, require major structural repairs, roof replacement, and exterior protection replacement. More advanced structural damage requires more rebuilding and can lead to longer completion times.

Commercial and Residential Differences

Commercial restoration projects tend to run longer due to additional code requirements, the need for specialized equipment, and more complex HVAC systems. Businesses tend to have more to lose from longer closures, so our team often works with commercial businesses on phased work plans that allow us to finish certain parts of the business while others are being repaired.

Permitting and Insurance

Getting permits from the city usually takes 2 to 4 weeks in El Paso County, depending on processing times at the office. While cosmetic work can usually be performed as work begins, any structural, electrical, or plumbing work must be approved by the city first. We manage all permit-related requirements through our office to avoid putting our clients’ projects at risk of delays or code issues.

Insurance and Timelines

Insurance handling can be a major timeline factor with larger-scale repairs. Adjusters review estimates, confirm that the site reflects what they’re told on the phone, and sign off before we can move forward with major work. Our team works with you to ensure all documentation is accurate and that you maintain timely communication with the insurance company so we can obtain approvals quickly.

Insurance Approval Timeline Delays

Delays may occur if the insurance company requires more information, and sometimes, an insurance adjuster will need more information from our team or may take issue with our scope. At CMS Restoration, we provide an accurate estimate of your loss, properly formatted to avoid back-and-forth.

Resource: legalaidnyc.org

Seasonal Affects on Repairs 

Winter months in Colorado Springs can lead to longer repair times due to weather-related issues if fire damage has exposed your home to the elements. Colder air can lead to longer drying times and can sometimes delay exterior work, such as new roof installation or siding replacement. Temporary heaters and other protective measures may be installed in your Colorado Springs home to mitigate damage caused by weather.

Local Contractors CMS Restoration works with a network of local subcontractors, allowing us to complete the work quickly. Sometimes, outside specialists must be called in for certain types of work, which can lead to long waits. Choosing a company that has worked with local partners before, you’ll avoid the scheduling delays and get your restoration done much faster.

Cost and Efficiency

Does a Quick Repair Cost More?

Rushed projects may cost more due to overtime pay and expedited material fees. Our team manages projects efficiently, ensuring timely progress without exceeding standard pricing. Prompt mitigation after fire clearance, including water and soot removal, prevents additional damage and saves money.

What About After the Work is Done?

Once inspections pass and cleaning is complete, we give clients the go-ahead to return. In partial damage scenarios, we may allow reentry to undamaged areas before the full project finishes. We provide clear guidance on safe reentry.

Follow-Up Inspections

Local building officials may inspect the property after repairs. Inspections take a few hours. Once complete, the property is safe, and the job is finished.

Final Thoughts

Understanding timelines and required steps helps you recover efficiently from fire damage in Colorado Springs. CMS Restoration provides knowledgeable staff and technical expertise to complete projects correctly the first time. Contact us to schedule a site visit or start repairs.