Smoke damage, ash, burnt items, and potential water damage or foam from extinguishing a fire...these are all things you might face after minor fire damage.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo clean up your home after a fire, whether from a small kitchen or electrical fire or a wildfire, professional cleanup services can help get it done fast.
\r\n
Professional fire damage cleanup and junk removal services can save you time, stress, and risk.
\r\n\r\n![\"fire](\"/static/86d20384af50e74e296534ce4caa7a4d/fire-damage-cleanup-infographic.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nWildfires and house fires, even if not extreme, can cause a decent amount of damage.
\r\n\r\nOnce you're sure the fire is extinguished and your home is safe, we recommend starting to find cleanup assistance ASAP.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nProfessional fire damage cleanup crews have the experience and equipment necessary to safely clean up ash and soot, haul away heavy items and debris, and clear the property of any additional damaged items.
\r\n
Fire damage cleanup crews bag and box up whatever you need removed, and then they haul it away to be disposed of responsibly.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFire damage cleanup costs can vary a great deal depending on how severe the damage is, the labor involved with the cleanup, where you live, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor minor fire damage cleanup, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400-$1,000.
\r\n
More extreme fire damage cleanup will be double or triple these costs, if not more, and we often recommend remediation companies for major fire damage cases.
\r\n\r\nFor many fire damage cases, your homeowner's insurance may help pay for the cleanup and repairs, so reach out to them immediately.
\r\n\r\nNote: If you live in an area prone to wildfires, it may be difficult to get home insurance that covers wildfire damage due to the risk involved with insuring homes in these areas. However, if you are able to get coverage, it would mitigate or eliminate the cost of paying the pros to clean up and dispose of debris from a covered wildfire loss, leaving you with less stress in the long run.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen your property is affected by a fire, you want to get it handled as quickly as possible, and Hometown gets that.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHometown can help you find qualified junk removal and fire damage cleanup pros in your area, read reviews, and request quotes easily and free of charge.
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Give as much detail about your project as you can to each company you speak to in order to get the most accurate junk removal quote. Oftentimes, cleanup and hauling companies will need to come out to your property to assess the work and provide a quote.
\r\n\r\nWhenever possible, we recommend getting more than one estimate for your junk removal project to ensure you get the best service for the best price.
\r\n\r\nIf you'd rather clean up the mess yourself, dumpster rental is an ideal option, and Hometown can help with that, too! Just like with junk removal, Hometown can help you find dumpster rental companies in your area. We even make it easy to request multiple dumpster quotes and read reviews.
\r\n\r\nNote: If your property has extreme damage, you will likely need to reach out to a restoration company.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nSmoke damage, ash, burnt items, and potential water damage or foam from extinguishing a fire...these are all things you might face after minor fire damage. Get your home cleaned up fast after a fire with the help of professional cleanup services.
\r\n","changed":"2022-12-06T18:23:50+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"d017fee2-e08f-5028-a11b-615a88a8d079","title":"How to Save Money on Your Home Cleanout","url":"/blog/how-to-save-money-on-your-home-cleanout","image":{"path":"/static/229af74add47eaddeacf8f525356060a/1-spring.png","alt":"Woman cleaning out closet"},"tags":[{"id":"7ce68dc2-095e-5221-a253-7b8b847933db","name":"House Cleanout","slug":"House-Cleanout"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"04fd2ebe-e793-5a68-9f65-b5be6a2552ea","name":"Household Junk Dumpsters","slug":"Household-Junk-Dumpsters"}],"content":"Hiring professional junk removal services is a fast and convenient way to clean out the contents of a home.
\r\n\r\nFollow our tips to saving money on your home cleanout project.
\r\n\r\n![\"Mother](\"/static/fca20907874ba1e52aa6ce6180238449/GettyImages-1303760152.jpg\")
\r\nOne of the factors that junk removal companies use to determine how they price a project is the amount of time it takes for them to complete the job.
\r\n\r\nThe more crew members or time needed to complete a project will increase the cost of labor for the company, which will be passed on to you.
\r\n\r\nA great way to cut down on the amount of labor needed for the junk removal company to complete your home cleanout is to get the project organized and ready before they get there.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nA single pile of items that needs to be hauled away will take far less time to load and haul away than items spread all throughout the house.
\r\n
Some companies may even charge you less if you offer contactless pickup.
\r\n\r\nPiling up all your unwanted junk from your home cleanout on your porch or in your driveway makes the entire junk removal process even faster, so it's worth asking if your added effort will get you a better price.
\r\n\r\nIf you're feeling overwhelmed with the thought of going through each room and having to decide which items to keep and what you'd like hauled away, this concise list from Good Housekeeping will help you determine which items should stay, what can be donated, and what should be tossed.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGetting multiple home cleanout estimates not only informs you of what a competitive price is in your area, but it can be useful to use one company's quote as leverage when negotiating pricing with their competition; some companies are willing to price match.
\r\n\r\nWhen researching junk removal companies that provide home cleanout services in your area, keep in mind that locally-owned and operated companies tend to offer the most competitive pricing and personable services.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGetting quotes from local junk removal companies in your area is easy with Hometown.
\r\n
By entering your zip code and answering a few short questions about your home cleanout, you'll be shown reputable companies near you.
\r\n\r\nAll quote requests are fast, free of charge, and you are not obligated to hire.
\r\n\r\nIt's best practice to get at least 2-3 different quotes to not only ensure you get the best price, but that you're getting quality customer service and the availability needed to fit your busy schedule.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Dumpster](\"/static/43e0c6fc582832767467459c9e99c148/GettyImages-1406910389.jpg\")
\r\nThe cheapest way to complete a home cleanout project is to rent a temporary dumpster and do all the hard labor yourself.
\r\n\r\nThere are many different dumpster styles and sizes available today and a reputable dumpster company will be able to help you pick the best option for your particular home cleanout project.
\r\n\r\nRoll-off dumpsters feature a swinging side door that makes them the perfect option when you have large, heavy, or bulky items to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nTrailer dumpsters are a great choice when you're working with limited parking space and/or need to be able to easily move your dumpster throughout the rental period.
\r\n\r\nThe standard duration of a dumpster rental is 5-7 days, but most companies can provide shorter or longer rental periods to accommodate each customers' individual needs.
\r\n\r\nIt's very important to understand all the terms and conditions of your dumpster rental agreement in order to avoid any additional fines or fees.
\r\n\r\nGoing over your weight limit, overfilling your container, and disposing of prohibited material are all circumstances that could lead to you paying more for your dumpster rental than the initial quote you were given.
\r\n\r\nJust like junk removal, it's important to get multiple quotes when searching for a dumpster rental in your area. And just like with junk removal, Hometown can help with that too.
\r\n\r\nYour home cleanout project doesn't have to be stressful with the right help at the right price.
\r\n
\r\nHometown makes it easy to find dumpster companies throughout the U.S., and we verify the legitimacy of all of them for you. You can read about each company and the services they provide, and you can request dumpster rental and junk removal quotes from as many companies that service your area as you'd like.
Learn more:
\r\n\r\nYour home cleanout project doesn't have to be stressful with the right help at the right price. Hiring professional junk removal services is a fast and convenient way to cleanout the contents of a home. Follow our tips to saving money on your home cleanout project.
\r\n","changed":"2023-01-19T16:41:22+00:00"},{"id":"8dde3535-1625-5d62-b136-426bc27dd7ea","title":"What Is an On-Site Junk Removal Estimate?","url":"/blog/on-site-junk-removal","image":{"path":"/static/313ef6984df72aa1b1e0b605265e772f/junk-removal-quotes.png","alt":"three junk removal crew members facing camera with arms crossed"},"tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"Junk removal estimates are almost always provided on-site.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe junk removal crew will come out to your home, yard, or business to see your junk cleanup project in person before providing an estimate for the junk removal work.
\r\n
![\"junk](\"/static/902c6711c0d3cb2aae55f03ad88d6f46/junk-removal-estimates-explained-infographic.png\")
\r\nMost junk removal services will not offer pricing estimates online or over the phone because each junk removal project can be so vastly different that it's difficult to provide an accurate estimate.
\r\n\r\nSo instead of providing an inaccurate estimate over the phone or via email, they wait until seeing the junk removal project's scope in person before quoting the work.
\r\n\r\nWhen the junk removal company comes out and gives you an estimate, if you agree to their price, they'll often get started right away or schedule a time that's convenient to complete the work.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThese quotes may be provided in person, but you are in no way obligated to hire a junk removal company if you don't feel like their price is fair or there are other red flags, like poor customer service.
\r\n
The best way to ensure you pay the best price for the best services is to get more than one quote from junk removal companies in your area.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find local junk removal companies, read their customer reviews, and request junk removal quotes from multiple companies.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nLearn all about on-site, no-obligation junk removal quotes and why companies prefer them over online or phone estimates.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-23T02:20:30+00:00"},{"id":"4f2c415e-8754-546d-8197-62d5b1038b96","title":"6 Steps to Cleaning Up After Your Basement Floods","url":"/blog/basement-flood-cleanup","image":{"path":"/static/d861c0f209af871d5b5d4881c4462bd8/basement-flood.png","alt":"rubber boots standing on wet floor"},"tags":[{"id":"c31df595-00f6-51ea-a7da-584c54e964ba","name":"Basement Cleanout","slug":"Basement-Cleanout"},{"id":"9b611674-a2b8-541f-99a9-bfaf0063fc7d","name":"Storm Cleanup","slug":"Storm-Cleanup"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"A flood in your basement, whether from a burst pipe, heavy rain, sewer backup, faulty appliance, or floodwaters, is a huge pain, regardless of the severity.
\r\n\r\nStatistics show that more than 14,000 people experience a water disaster of some kind every day.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe fallout and cleanup involved with a basement flood doesn't have to be overly stressful, and Hometown is here to help.
\r\n
In this guide, we'll outline the steps you should take to protect your property, and thereby yourself, by getting things dried out, cleaned up, and back to normal as soon as possible.
\r\n\r\n![\"basement](\"/static/9084cd38357a712f56827d7f0adb2ffc/basement-flood-cleanup-infographic.png\")
\r\nRegardless of the cause of your basement flood, your first question will likely be, \"What do I do now?\"
\r\n\r\nThe first step is to make sure you and any other residents are not putting yourselves at risk.
\r\n\r\nWhenever entering a flooded home or area, be sure you're wearing protective clothing, like rubber boots and gloves.
\r\n\r\nWading through dirty water or touching items that have come into contact with flood water can expose you to pollutants, like bacteria, mold, chemicals, etc.
\r\n\r\nIn cases of more extreme flooding, make sure the house is safe to enter first.
\r\n\r\nKeep an eye out for telltale signs of structural damage, like buckling floors or walls or warped or cracked foundations.
\r\n\r\nWe also recommend taking photos and video of the damage and documenting cleanup efforts in case you need to submit them to your insurer.
\r\n\r\nAdequate documentation will allow the insurance adjuster to accurately assess the damage and your loss.
\r\n\r\nImmediately contact your utility companies if you suspect any damage has occurred to water, gas, electric, or sewer lines.
\r\n\r\nSafety is always more important than salvaging household items, so be wise as you assess the structural integrity of your property.
\r\n\r\nEven a small amount of water can cause an electrocution hazard in your home, so we recommend cutting the power to your home to mitigate your risk, even if there is a widespread power outage.
\r\n\r\nLocate your electrical panel and turn off the main breaker and each fuse switch.
\r\n\r\nLikewise, unplug appliances, equipment, or machinery if they are at risk and prop them up on blocks to keep them out of rising water whenever possible.
\r\n\r\nA backup generator can be a huge asset during floods because they allow for an electric sump pump, water vacuums, fans, and lights to run without putting yourself at risk of electrocution.
\r\n\r\nWe also advise shutting off your gas or reaching out to your gas company to do it for you if your home uses natural gas.
\r\n\r\nIf your home experiences serious flooding, a qualified electrician will need to inspect, clean, and dry the power box before you can turn the power on again.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you're sure your safety is not at risk, the next thing you need to do is stop the water from rising if possible.
\r\n\r\nIf a pipe has burst or a broken appliance is leaking, turn off the water supply to your home immediately.
\r\n\r\nIf your home is flooding due to a storm or natural disaster, call your city to make sure the storm drains are open and cleaned out to ensure the water recedes as quickly as possible.
\r\n\r\n![\"water](\"/static/52888cc8e4e8423b1f66e647b5ccf7a5/basement-water-seepage.png\")
\r\nYour homeowner's insurance may be able to help pay for flood damage remediation and repairs if it's included in your policy.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nInsurance companies classify water damage differently and are typically very strict about what they will and won't cover.
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In many cases, water damage is preventable with adequate home maintenance.
\r\n\r\nBecause of this, insurance providers only cover very specific circumstances.
\r\n\r\nThe most common types of coverage include:
\r\n\r\nFlood damage is not covered in your standard homeowner's insurance policy, but a separate policy can be purchased from government-backed National Flood Insurance Program.
\r\n\r\nIf you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you can buy a policy through a private insurer in order to meet your mortgage requirements and federal mandates.
\r\n\r\nHowever, surface water, like rain, rivers, lakes, or oceans overflowing, is excluded.
\r\n\r\nDamage from your pipes bursting is typically covered in a standard homeowner's policy.
\r\n\r\nHowever, if your pipes are slowly leaking over a longer period of time, this damage is excluded.
\r\n\r\nA home insurance policy typically includes water overflow under the water damage clause, but you will need to add water backup coverage.
\r\n\r\nWater Backup Coverage includes the backup of water from a drain, pipe, or sump pump.
\r\n\r\nWater overflow water is usually clear and relatively clean because it's never entered the plumbing system.
\r\n\r\nWater backup water is often dark brown or black and grainy because it comes from deeper within the plumbing system.
\r\n\r\nYou can generally purchase water backup coverage as an add-on coverage when you first purchase your policy in increments of $5,000 of protection.
\r\n\r\nWater damage caused by a storm is likely covered by your standard homeowners policy if the water enters from above ground level.
\r\n\r\nGroundwater seepage is not covered in a standard homeowner's policy.
\r\n\r\nWater seepage is when water seeps into your home via porous material or tiny holes due to groundwater levels rising or excess water in the soil causing hydrostatic pressure against your home's foundation.
\r\n\r\nFollow all the instructions laid out by your insurance company when it comes to the clean up and restoration process.
\r\n\r\nWait to begin any repairs or demolition until your insurance company has sent an adjuster to your home to assess the damage or has given you authorization to move forward.
\r\n\r\nKeep track of all the damage by taking photos and video of the entire process, documenting conversations with your insurer, and maintaining consistent, clear communication.
\r\nRemoving water as quickly as possible after your basement floods is important in order to minimize any damage to flooring, carpets, drywall, etc.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAct quickly to limit damage to your home and avoid further problems down the road.
\r\n
If you have a sump pump, this is the best choice for removing large amounts of water.
\r\n\r\nBuckets or a hose to siphon the water are your next best bets.
\r\n\r\nA wet vac can suck up relatively small amount of standing water from carpets and floors.
\r\n\r\nIf the flooding is minimal, mopping up the water with towels or an absorbent mop head is typically sufficient.
\r\n\r\nThe longer the water is allowed to sit in your basement, the more extensive the damage is likely to become.
\r\n\r\nOnce the bulk of the water is removed, open your windows (if it's dry outside) and utilize fans and dehumidifiers to move air and dry out your basement and belongings. Running the air conditioner or furnace can be helpful, too.
\r\n\r\nIf you're able to dry out your basement and belongings in less than 24-48 hours, you can likely get away without removing or tossing too much.
\r\n\r\nAs previously mentioned, remember to document the entire process as you go, taking photos and video of the level of flood damage.
\r\n\r\nWater damage can be sneaky and penetrate the structure of your home, causing trapped moisture pockets, which can lead to hidden mildew and mold within your walls or beneath your floors and eventually, structural damage.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend using a moisture meter to ensure moisture doesn't go undetected.
\r\n\r\nIf the flood damage is extensive, you'll want to contact a qualified flood restoration company to take any additional steps to ensure your home is adequately dried out, repairs are made, and the structure is safe for years to come.
\r\n\r\nIf the cause of the flood is covered by your homeowner's insurance, you will need to get authorization from your insurer before beginning cleanup, so reach out to them immediately.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs previously mentioned, the faster you can dry things out, the less damage you'll experience.
\r\n\r\nAs soon as it's safe to do so, separate any water-logged items and air them out. (Don't forget to document!)
\r\n\r\nThe quicker you can remove salvageable items, the better chance you have of saving them.
\r\n\r\nIf an item has been exposed to water for more than 24-48 hours, they likely contain mold spores and should be thrown out.
\r\n\r\nSimilarly, we recommend throwing out any food that has been in close proximity to flood water, not just the food that has come in contact with it.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a decent amount of items to get rid of, whether it's random household items, furniture, appliances, or carpeting, a junk removal company can help haul it away quickly and safely.
\r\n\r\nOr, if you'd rather do the work yourself, renting a dumpster is another great option.
\r\n\r\nHometown specializes in helping homeowners find junk removal services and dumpster rentals in their hometown. Browse companies in your area, read customer reviews, and request quotes from multiple providers to ensure you get the best price for great services.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nIf your basement flood was caused by a burst pipe or broken appliance, a qualified local plumber should be one of your first calls.
\r\n\r\nA plumber will be able to stop the leak, fix the pipe, and resolve any plumbing issues that contributed to the flood.
\r\n\r\nMany plumbers will also recommend restoration companies to help remove any water and restore your property, but don't allow any restoration company to begin any work before your insurance company has the chance to send an adjuster to look at the damage and assess your claim.
\r\n\r\nFind reputable demolition contractors in your area to help you complete any structural or renovation-related work. We also recommend getting multiple quotes from demolition contractors before signing a contract to ensure you don't overpay.
\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nA flood in your basement is a huge pain, regardless of the severity. Learn the steps you should take to protect your property, and thereby yourself, by getting things dried out, cleaned up, and back to normal as soon as possible.
\r\n","changed":"2022-02-09T15:23:23+00:00"}],"code":"dumpster","env":{"domain":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com","site":"dumpster","service":"https://api.bookable.com","build":"blogPages"}}}, "staticQueryHashes": []}