Fire Restoration Tips to Know
Robert Lombardo • January 3, 2025
Keeping Your Home Safe and Restoring Peace of Mind
At Higher Point General Contracting, we understand the devastation that a house fire can cause. Beyond the immediate shock and trauma, the aftermath of a fire can leave homeowners feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. Whether it’s a minor incident or a more significant fire, knowing how to handle fire damage restoration is crucial to getting your life back on track.
House fires, unfortunately, occur far too often, and it’s essential to understand the risks and take preventive measures to protect your home. Did you know that a significant number of fires occur during the holiday season? In fact, fires related to holiday decorations, lights, and space heaters are more common than we realize. By staying vigilant and taking steps to mitigate risk, you can help ensure the safety of your loved ones and property.
Here are some important fire restoration tips to know, especially around the holiday season:
1. Be Aware of Holiday Fire Risks
The holiday season is a time of celebration, but it’s also when many house fires occur. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly one-third of all home fires start in the kitchen, but electrical malfunctions, holiday lights, and space heaters also present significant risks.
Holiday lights are a common culprit. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or leaving lights on unattended can lead to fires. Be sure to inspect all holiday lights for damage before use, and avoid overloading electrical outlets. Never leave lights on when you leave the house or go to bed.
Space heaters, often used to keep warm in cold weather, are another fire hazard. They should always be kept away from flammable materials (like curtains, paper, or furniture) and never left running while you're asleep or unattended.
2. Ensure Proper Fire Safety Measures
The best way to avoid fire damage is to take proactive steps to prevent it. Here are some general fire safety measures to follow:
Install Smoke Detectors: Ensure that your home has smoke detectors on every level, especially near bedrooms. Test them monthly and change the batteries twice a year.
Create a Fire Escape Plan: Have a family fire escape plan in place. Everyone should know two ways to exit each room, and a designated meeting spot outside the house where everyone can gather.
Fire Extinguishers: Keep fire extinguishers in key areas of the home, such as the kitchen, garage, and near any heating equipment. Know how to use them in case of a small fire.
3. What to Do Immediately After a Fire
If a fire does occur, it's essential to act quickly and safely. Once the fire department has cleared the area and it is safe to re-enter your home, here’s what to do:
Assess the Damage: Take photos of the damage for insurance purposes. Be sure to document the fire's extent, including structural damage, furniture, and any personal belongings that were affected.
Call a Fire Restoration Professional: The sooner you call a fire restoration expert, the better. Fire damage isn’t just about burnt materials. It also involves smoke damage, water damage (from firefighting efforts), and the lingering scent of smoke, which can affect the air quality in your home.
Avoid Touching Damaged Areas: Do not try to clean or salvage items until the fire restoration professionals arrive. Smoke residue, soot, and even water from firefighting efforts can cause additional damage if not handled properly.
4. The Importance of Fire Damage Restoration
Fire restoration goes beyond just cleaning up. The goal is to restore your home to its original condition, ensuring that it's safe to live in again. A professional restoration team will provide comprehensive services, including:
Structural Repairs: Fire damage can weaken the structure of your home. Restoration teams assess the extent of the damage and repair the foundation, walls, ceilings, and roofing, as necessary.
Smoke and Soot Removal: Even if the fire was small, smoke and soot can linger in the air, affecting your health and leaving behind unpleasant odors. Professionals use specialized equipment to remove soot from surfaces and clean the air.
Water Damage Cleanup: If the fire department used water to put out the fire, your home may have sustained water damage. This can lead to mold growth if not handled promptly, which is why a restoration expert will address both fire and water damage.
Odor Removal: The smell of smoke can cling to furniture, fabrics, and even walls. Fire restoration teams use advanced deodorizing techniques to remove these odors and restore your home to a fresh, clean state.
5. Working with Your Insurance Company
After the fire, it’s essential to work closely with your insurance company to ensure that the damage is covered. Be sure to:
Review Your Policy: Understand what your policy covers, including fire damage, smoke damage, and temporary living expenses if you need to stay elsewhere during the restoration process.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed inventory of damaged items, as well as receipts and repair estimates. This information will help speed up the claims process.
Choose a Trusted Restoration Partner: Many insurance companies will provide a list of approved restoration contractors. However, you’re always allowed to choose your own contractor. Be sure to select a licensed, reputable restoration service, like Higher Point General Contracting, to help guide you through the process.
6. Long-Term Fire Prevention Tips
After your home is restored, it’s important to implement ongoing fire prevention strategies to ensure you’re minimizing the risk of future fires. Some simple tips include:
Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular inspections for your heating systems, electrical wiring, and fire alarm systems.
Keep Flammable Materials Away from Heat Sources: Store paper, rags, and other flammable materials away from space heaters, stoves, and other heat-producing appliances.
Practice Caution with Candles and Open Flames: Always supervise candles and open flames, especially during the winter months when they’re often used for decoration or ambiance.
At Higher Point General Contracting, we’re committed to helping you restore your home after a fire and ensuring it’s safe and livable again. Fire restoration is a delicate and detailed process, but with the right help, your home can be fully restored.
This holiday season, stay safe by taking the necessary precautions with holiday lights, heaters, and other fire hazards. If the unthinkable does happen, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted restoration expert who can guide you through every step of the recovery process.
You might also like
Fall is a season of transition. The air turns crisp, the leaves change color, and we begin to shift our routines indoors. It’s also the perfect time to give your home some extra attention before winter weather arrives. Preparing your home for fall isn’t just about cozy décor and pumpkin spice candles—it’s about making sure your home is safe, efficient, and ready to withstand the colder months ahead. At Higher Point General Contracting, we believe that proactive maintenance saves time, money, and stress, and helps homeowners enjoy peace of mind all season long. Here’s a detailed guide to preparing your home for fall. 1. Inspect Your Roof & Gutters Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so fall is the ideal time to inspect it for damage. Look for missing or curling shingles, signs of leaks, or areas that may need professional repair. Gutters also deserve special attention—clogged gutters can lead to water backups, ice dams, and even damage to your foundation. Make sure to clear out leaves, twigs, and debris. Confirm that your downspouts direct water at least a few feet away from the house to keep your foundation safe from water infiltration. 2. Seal Windows & Doors Drafty windows and doors are one of the biggest culprits of high energy bills in the colder months. Take time to check the weatherstripping around doors and replace any that is cracked or worn out. Caulking gaps around window frames and trim is another inexpensive fix that makes a huge difference. If your home has storm windows, fall is the time to put them in place—they add a layer of insulation that helps keep warmth inside where it belongs. 3. Service Your Heating System A well-maintained heating system ensures your home will be warm and comfortable throughout fall and winter. Schedule a professional HVAC technician to inspect your furnace or boiler before the first cold snap. They’ll check for safety issues, ensure the system is running efficiently, and make any necessary repairs. Don’t forget to change your HVAC filters regularly—clean filters improve indoor air quality and reduce energy costs. Testing your thermostat now is also wise, and if you’re looking to save on heating bills, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. 4. Fireplace & Chimney Maintenance If you have a fireplace, whether wood-burning or gas, fall is the season to prepare it for use. For wood-burning fireplaces, a chimney sweep should inspect and clean your chimney to remove soot, debris, and creosote buildup, which can cause dangerous chimney fires. Check that your damper opens and closes properly and stock up on dry firewood if needed. Gas fireplaces should also be inspected to ensure safe operation and prevent carbon monoxide risks. 5. Outdoor Prep Your yard and exterior need attention too. Rake up fallen leaves not only to keep your lawn healthy but also to prevent slips and clogged drains. Trim back any dead branches that could break off in winter storms and damage your home. If you have a sprinkler system, drain and shut it off to prevent freezing. Disconnect and store garden hoses, and cover or put away outdoor furniture to protect it from the elements. A little care now extends the life of your outdoor spaces and equipment. 6. Safety Check As we spend more time indoors, safety becomes even more important. Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries where needed. This simple step can be life-saving. Check fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged and placed in accessible locations like the kitchen and near fireplaces. Also, take a walk around your property at night—replace any burnt-out bulbs and consider adding motion-sensor lighting for security and convenience. 7. Insulation & Attic Care Your attic plays a huge role in keeping your home warm in the fall and winter. Inspect the insulation—if it looks thin or uneven, consider adding more. Proper insulation keeps your heat inside, lowering utility bills and preventing ice dams on your roof. Ventilation is equally important. Clear attic vents to allow airflow, which reduces moisture buildup and prevents mold growth. Final Thoughts Preparing your home for fall may take a weekend or two of work, but the payoff is worth it. A few proactive steps will help you enjoy a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient home all season long. At Higher Point General Contracting, we’re here to support you with expert inspections, repairs, and upgrades tailored to your needs. Whether it’s sealing up drafts, repairing your roof, or upgrading insulation, we’ll help ensure your home is ready for whatever the colder months bring.
If you live in the Northeast, you’ve probably noticed something over the past few years — outdoor season is getting longer. It’s staying warmer later into the fall, and spring temperatures are arriving earlier. For homeowners, this shift has opened the door to a new way of thinking about their property: Your outdoor spaces aren’t just for summer anymore — they can be enjoyed for 8, 9, even 10 months of the year. At Higher Point General Contracting, we’ve seen a huge rise in requests for luxury outdoor living spaces that combine beauty, comfort, and function. From custom kitchens to backyard wellness retreats, these designs let you soak up more of the fresh air while still enjoying indoor-level amenities. Here’s your guide to the biggest outdoor living trends in 2025 — and why now is the perfect time to create an outdoor space that works nearly year-round. Why Outdoor Living Is Thriving in the Northeast Longer Warm Seasons – Late September now feels like late August used to, and April often brings mild, patio-worthy days. More Time at Home – With remote and hybrid work, people want more options for relaxing and entertaining without leaving their property. Property Value Boost – Professionally designed outdoor spaces can add 8–12% to your home’s value, especially when they’re usable for most of the year. The Top Outdoor Living Trends for 2025 Covered Outdoor Kitchens Built for All-Season Use In the Northeast, a covered, fully equipped outdoor kitchen means you can grill steaks in February or serve a pizza straight from the oven in October without worrying about rain, wind, or early frost. Features homeowners love in 2025: Built-in grills with side burners and warming drawers Outdoor refrigerators and wine coolers Stone or quartz countertops Deep sinks with hot/cold water Weatherproof cabinets for storage Higher Point Tip: Add infrared patio heaters or a ceiling-mounted heating system to make the space comfortable even on cooler nights. All-Season Decks & Patios Composite decking and high-quality pavers are leading the way in durability and style. With the right design, you can enjoy your deck in the fall with a sweater — or even barefoot in early spring. Popular 2025 options: Composite decking in rich, natural tones Stamped concrete with custom patterns Porcelain pavers for a clean, modern look Comfort upgrades for extended seasons: Retractable glass or screen enclosures Radiant floor heating for chilly mornings Outdoor ceiling fans for late-summer humidity Fire Features That Double as Heat Sources Fire pits and fireplaces aren’t just for ambiance — they help extend your outdoor season into November (and sometimes beyond). Trending styles: Linear gas fire pits with LED-lit surrounds Rustic stone fireplaces with built-in seating Compact fire bowls for smaller patios Fire tables for dining spaces Smart Outdoor Lighting Systems With days getting shorter in the fall, good lighting is key to enjoying your space. Smart systems let you adjust color, brightness, and timing from your phone, keeping the party going after dark. Lighting ideas: LED pathway lights for safety String lighting over dining areas Recessed step lighting on decks Uplighting for landscaping Backyard Wellness Spaces As homeowners spend more time outdoors, wellness-focused additions are becoming must-haves. These can turn a backyard into a personal retreat — no plane ticket required. Trending in 2025: Infrared or traditional saunas Cold plunge pools for recovery and circulation Yoga decks with privacy screens Hot tubs with integrated lighting Designing for the Northeast’s Extended Outdoor Season - When creating a luxury outdoor space in this region, keep these tips in mind: - Plan for Variable Weather – Include heating, shade, and enclosures so you can enjoy your space in every season. - Choose Durable Materials – Northeast weather swings require products that handle heat, humidity, and frost. -Think Multi-Use – Design spaces that work for both sunny July afternoons and crisp October evenings. Build Your Year-Round Outdoor Retreat with Higher Point At Higher Point General Contracting, we design and build outdoor spaces that make the most of the Northeast’s increasingly long warm season. From concept to completion, we focus on craftsmanship, comfort, and custom solutions that fit your lifestyle. Whether you dream of cooking under the stars in December or soaking in a hot tub on a brisk March night, we can make it happen.
Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces — they’ve become personal sanctuaries. In 2025, homeowners are prioritizing comfort, wellness, and high-end finishes when remodeling their bathrooms. At Higher Point General Contracting, we’re seeing a wave of new trends that combine luxury and practicality to create truly elevated spaces. If you're planning a renovation, here are the top bathroom trends you should consider. 1. Spa-Inspired Designs Think oversized walk-in showers, soaking tubs, warm wood accents, and calming, neutral tones. Clients are asking for bathrooms that feel like a day at the spa — complete with dimmable lighting, built-in speakers, and even steam shower systems. Our tip: Adding heated floors and towel warmers is a small investment that makes a big difference in comfort. 2. Natural Materials & Textures Organic design is in. We’re using more natural wood vanities, textured stone tiles, and earth-toned finishes to bring a warm, modern feel to bathrooms. These materials create visual interest without overpowering the space. Pro move: Pairing stone or wood with matte black or brushed brass fixtures creates a balanced, on-trend aesthetic. 3. Wet Rooms & Frameless Glass Wet rooms — where the shower and tub share one waterproofed space — are becoming increasingly popular, especially in high-end and small-space designs. They offer a sleek, open layout and are easier to clean. We recommend: Frameless glass enclosures to enhance the airy feel and highlight tile work. 4. Smart Tech Integration Technology is making its way into bathrooms in subtle but powerful ways: - Smart mirrors with LED lighting and defogging - Voice-activated lighting and music - Water-efficient, touchless faucets and toilets Added value: These upgrades not only increase convenience but also add resale value in today’s tech-savvy market. 5. Bold Accent Walls & Statement Tiles While the overall palette may be calm and neutral, we’re seeing more homeowners request bold tile patterns or colorful accent walls to add personality. Think deep navy, forest green, or terrazzo. Design tip: Use statement tile in one focal area — like the shower wall or backsplash — to elevate the space without overwhelming it. Ready to Refresh Your Bathroom? At Higher Point General Contracting, we help homeowners design and build bathrooms that are stylish, functional, and built to last. Whether you’re going for spa-like serenity or bold luxury, our team can bring your vision to life — on time and on budget. Let’s talk about your bathroom goals. Contact us for a free consultation.
