Smoke damage remediation starts with a careful assessment—and the right plan to restore your home to its pre‑loss condition. In this Q&A, industry expert Eric Blaser explains how professionals approach smoke damage, what a thorough remediation plan looks like, how odor is actually removed, and whether it’s safe to remain in the home during cleanup. The goal: restore your property to its pre-loss condition with a clear, professional plan.
How bad is smoke damage to a house?
Eric Blaser: Smoke damage severity “depends a little bit on the source of that smoke damage and how extensive the damage is. It can be quite severe.” The first step is to bring in a professional team—such as Paul Davis—to assess and recommend next steps. From there, the restoration team works in conjunction with your insurance company on an approved scope of work to help ensure the home is returned to what it was before.
What this means for homeowners:
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Severity varies by source (type of fire/smoke) and how far residues and odors migrated—this directly affects the scope of smoke damage remediation.
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A professional assessment sets the right expectations and sequence of work.
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Early coordination with insurance helps streamline decisions and timelines.
How do you remediate smoke damage? (A typical smoke damage remediation plan)
Eric Blaser: “It starts with that initial assessment… At that point, a plan is put together that may include simple cleaning, some chemicals, some treatments, or it may get more extensive and require specialty equipment, deodorization equipment, and even structural cleaning and sealing and encapsulation of that structure.”
Typical smoke damage remediation plan components:
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Assessment & testing to determine the extent of residue and odor migration.
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Surface cleaning with appropriate products to remove soot and residues.
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Deodorization using specialized equipment to address odors in the air and materials.
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Structural cleaning for affected framing or hidden cavities when needed.
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Sealing/encapsulation of materials to lock in any remaining odor after cleaning.
The exact mix depends on overall severity. A team like Paul Davis evaluates the situation and recommends the right level of treatment to restore the home. In more complex losses, the smoke damage remediation plan will sequence cleaning, deodorization, structural work, and encapsulation to eliminate sources—not just mask odors.
How does Paul Davis remove smoke smell?
Eric Blaser: Odor removal is a multi-step process: “different treatments and cleaning products to make sure any of that smoke residue is removed, and then some deodorization and treatments with different machines that can help remove that odor from the air and from the structure.” After those steps, “there may need to be an encapsulation or some kind of sealant applied to the walls [and] structure… to make sure all of that is cleaned up and properly sealed.”
Key takeaways on odor removal within smoke damage remediation:
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Residue removal first (clean surfaces thoroughly).
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Deodorize the air and materials with specialized equipment.
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Seal/encapsulate selected materials as a final step when needed.
This layered approach in smoke damage remediation is designed to eliminate odors at the source, not just mask them.
Can you stay in a house with smoke damage?
Eric Blaser: “It depends on how severe that smoke damage is, and it may be uncomfortable to stay there.” A professional should assess the extent of damage and any chemicals that may be present after the incident before making a recommendation. “If the damage is severe enough, we’d bring in some specialty treatment, cleaning chemicals, and specialty equipment and make sure that home is cleaned up properly so it’s safe to return to.”
Practical guidance:
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Let the assessment drive the decision. Comfort, air quality, and safety come first.
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In higher-severity cases, temporary relocation may be recommended until remediation progresses.
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Follow the restoration team’s guidance on re-entry and post‑cleaning ventilation during smoke damage remediation.
What to expect when you call Paul Davis
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Rapid assessment and clear explanation of findings.
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A scoped plan aligned with your insurance requirements.
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Use of appropriate cleaning agents, deodorization equipment, and, when needed, structural cleaning and encapsulation to restore the property.
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A focus on bringing your home back to its pre‑loss condition.
If your home has been impacted by smoke, the most important step is the first one: schedule a professional assessment. From there, a tailored plan can guide efficient, effective cleanup—so you can return home with confidence.
This article is for general information and does not replace professional advice for your specific situation.
