Kalamazoo is a city with a diverse industrial and commercial landscape. From manufacturing facilities in the Business Technology and Research Park to historic retail spaces downtown, there is a wide variety of businesses and industries in the city. Different commercial spaces require specialized fire damage restoration approaches, and because no two buildings are identical, each restoration will require an experienced team capable of developing a tailored restoration plan.
Fire damage can completely ruin a commercial building. However, once a fire takes place, it is time for the property owner to act quickly and begin the restoration process. Fire damage restoration is a time-sensitive process that requires immediate attention. To properly restore your building, you must be familiar with commercial fire damage guidelines and best practices.
Initial Safety and Assessment Protocols
Commercial fire damage restoration is a process that must be handled with care, expertise, and urgency. Restoring a commercial business after a fire has caused extensive damage will take time, but properly assessing the property and creating a detailed, customized restoration plan is the best way to get off to a great start. Hiring a professional to inspect your business after a fire can help you learn more about the extent of your business’s damages and what needs to be done to bring the structure back to its pre-loss condition.
Commercial property owners may need to take extra precautions if a historic commercial building needs fire damage. Fire damage restoration specialists must adhere to historic preservation guidelines and comply with local regulations and fire codes. Before beginning any repair or restoration work, contractors must ensure the work complies with relevant guidelines and regulations. Restoration specialists must also ensure the use of appropriate materials and techniques that are compatible with the building’s original construction and historical context.
When assessing your business’s fire damage, take some additional time to gather evidence of the aftermath of the commercial fire. Detailed photographs and videos of commercial fire damage are essential if property owners hope to receive fair compensation for their damages. Insurance companies may decide to reject your claim submission if they deem the evidence to be insufficient or inaccurate.
Understanding Kalamazoo Commercial Building Codes
Successfully restoring a commercial building requires a comprehensive approach. Professionals must be able to assess damage, create a customized commercial restoration plan that addresses all concerns, and adhere to local building codes and regulations. Commercial building codes outline requirements for sprinkler systems, alarms, exit routes, and fire-resistant materials. Institutions such as the National Fire Protection Association and the International Building Code provide requirements for commercial buildings in America. Failure to abide by commercial building codes can result in fire code violations.
Blocked emergency exits can also lead to a violation. A commercial building exit route must be an unobstructed, continuous path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety. Workplaces are typically required to have at least two exit routes, but additional exits may be required if the number of employees or the size of the building will not allow employees to exit the workplace safely.
Structural Restoration Considerations
Different building types will require different assessment procedures and restoration services. Historic commercial districts may present specific challenges that require restoration experts with experience repairing historic properties. When searching for a fire damage restoration company, make sure you hire a team that keeps your unique needs in mind. Quality restoration services are tailored to each client’s commercial building, ensuring everyone gets a restoration plan that is efficient and effective.
Environmental and Health Compliance
Poor indoor air quality can present problems for your business. Failure to maintain your commercial building’s air quality can present health hazards for your employees and customers. Fire damage can cause smoke to spread throughout a commercial building, causing lasting odors and contaminating the indoor air quality. Professional fire damage restoration companies can remove smoke smells and improve indoor air quality by using air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and other air purifying methods.
Business Continuity During Restoration
Operating a business during commercial restoration will require a store to make sure its building is presentable for customers and clients. Smoke and soot removal, debris removal, and water removal are all key services that will clean and disinfect your business. Fire damage remediation services can also ensure your business is safe for your employees to work in.
Depending on the type of fire damage that was endured, businesses may be able to remain open during their commercial restorations. A quality commercial restoration company can help property owners minimize their business’s downtime. Through strategic planning, clear communication, and efficient restoration services, businesses can keep their doors open while fire damage specialists work towards restoring the building to its pre-loss condition.
At times, the commercial fire damage restoration process will be too extensive to allow business operations to continue while work is being performed. Temporary relocation may be necessary if the fire damage is severe. Establishing a temporary location for business operations allows your company to continue operating normally while commercial fire damage restoration specialists work to restore your business. Business relocation companies can provide property owners with professional services that efficiently move essential equipment and inventory to a temporary location.
Documentation and Insurance Requirements
Documentation is important if business owners expect to have a smooth insurance claim process. Make sure you have everything you need to submit your insurance claim by taking clear photographs and videos of all affected areas and items in your commercial business. Insurance companies may deny your insurance claim or reduce your compensation if you fail to properly document your commercial fire damage.
Hiring a commercial fire damage restoration company can help you navigate the insurance claim process. Ensuring your business receives adequate compensation for fire damage is of the utmost importance. Many commercial damage remediation services include insurance claim assistance, a service that aids with documenting damage and communicating with insurance claim adjusters.
ServiceMaster of Kalamazoo | Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Services
Proper commercial fire damage restoration ensures business continuity and compliance with local regulations. At ServiceMaster of Kalamazoo, we have expertise in commercial restoration and the many steps that must be taken before a business is restored. Our 24/7 emergency team provides emergency assistance for commercial clients. If your business has endured fire damage and you can’t wait for an appointment, our emergency fire damage restoration team can help. We have technicians on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you restore your business after an emergency. Call us today at 269-820-0047 to learn more about our services and receive a free quote.
