A house fire changes everything in minutes. Once the flames are out and the fire trucks leave, you’re left standing in front of your home — stunned, exhausted, and unsure of your next move. The decisions you make in the next 24 hours matter more than most people realize. This guide walks you through each one.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Before anything else — people first, property second. Confirm that all family members, pets, and neighbors are accounted for. Do not re-enter the structure until the fire department has officially cleared it as safe. Even after a small kitchen fire, there can be hidden structural damage, weakened floors, residual smoke, and carbon monoxide lingering in the air.

If you have nowhere to go, contact the American Red Cross. They provide emergency shelter, clothing, and food assistance to fire victims at no cost. Your homeowner’s insurance may also cover Additional Living Expenses (ALE) — which we’ll cover below.

Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company

As soon as you are safely away from the property, call your homeowner’s insurance company and report the loss. Most insurers have 24/7 claims lines. This call starts your claim clock — and delays can complicate your case later.

When you call, get a claim number and the name of the adjuster assigned to your case. Write everything down. From this point forward, document every call, every email, and every visit to the property.

Step 3: Document the Damage Before Anyone Touches Anything

This is one of the most important steps — and one of the most commonly skipped. Before cleanup crews, before contractors, before anyone moves anything: photograph and video every room, every surface, every damaged item you can safely access.

Use your phone. Shoot wide shots of each room, then close-up shots of specific damage. Capture soot lines, smoke staining on walls and ceilings, char patterns, damaged furniture, appliances, clothing, and personal belongings. The more you document now, the stronger your claim will be later.

If the fire department left a report or incident number, request a copy as soon as possible. This official documentation supports your claim.

Step 4: Do NOT Throw Anything Away

This is critical. Even items that appear completely destroyed — melted electronics, charred furniture, smoke-damaged clothing — must remain on the property until your adjuster inspects and documents them. Throwing things away before the adjuster’s visit is one of the most common ways homeowners weaken their own claims.

Everything on that list of damaged or destroyed items is a line item in your settlement. Every item removed before documentation is potential money left on the table.

Step 5: Call a Restoration Contractor

Your insurer will likely recommend a contractor. You are not required to use them. You have the right to choose your own licensed contractor, and it is often in your best interest to do so. The insurance company’s preferred vendors work within the insurer’s budget — not necessarily yours.

At Phase III Construction, we work alongside Michigan homeowners from day one. We do a full scope inspection, help make sure nothing gets missed, and we push back when a scope of work or estimate falls short. We’ve seen insurance adjusters overlook smoke damage in HVAC systems, underestimate structural damage, and miss code-required upgrades that should be covered under your policy.

A good restoration contractor isn’t just a builder — they’re your partner in making sure the claim process results in a home that’s fully and correctly restored.

Understanding ALE — Your Temporary Housing Coverage

Most homeowner’s insurance policies include Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage. This pays for reasonable costs above your normal living expenses while your home is being repaired — hotel stays, restaurant meals, laundry, pet boarding, and more.

Save every receipt. ALE reimbursement requires documentation. The coverage limit is typically a percentage of your dwelling coverage, and it runs for a defined time period. Ask your adjuster about your specific limits on the first call.

What Comes Next

The first 24 hours set the foundation for your entire claim. After that, the process involves adjuster visits, contractor estimates, scope negotiations, and potentially supplement filings if the initial settlement doesn’t cover actual repair costs. It can take weeks or months — but if you document thoroughly and work with the right contractor, you give yourself the best chance at a fair outcome.

Phase III Construction has helped Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Livingston County homeowners rebuild after fires of all sizes. We know this process. We’ll make sure nothing gets missed on your behalf.