Waukesha Apartment Complex Fire Restoration
What Happened
A late summer storm rolled through southeast Wisconsin and with it brought thunder and lightning. Unfortunately for this 42-unit apartment complex, one lightning bolt struck a third floor unit, instantly igniting a massive fire.
The fire destroyed most of the third floor units and roof, and caused smoke and soot damage to almost every single unit. As if the fire didn’t cause enough damage, the rain from the storm as well as the water used to extinguish the fire caused further destruction to the building, saturating every wall, ceiling and floor (and all of the residents’ contents and belongings).
Thankfully, all residents made it out of the fire and no one was seriously injured.
What We Did
In the following days, after the site was released by fire crews and emergency response workers, Kelmann was able to provide victim assistance and assist the owners of the apartment complex through the next steps. The process we outlined included emergency services, content restoration and, ultimately. a rebuild of each unit, hallway, stairwell and elevator.
First up: Our emergency response team was able to be onsite the same evening the fire started. They started to document the damages. Once it was determined that the apartment building was not a total loss, and tenants were able to retrieve their salvageable belongings, Kelmann got to work. The entire building was completely gutted and demoed down to the framework.
Hallway after
While our emergency response team was finishing up, our reconstruction team was working with the apartment owners and their insurance company to create a scope of work and a plan of action. A new roof was put in place; each unit had to be reconstructed, and a new elevator was even installed.
Our team worked hard to put this building back together after disaster struck, making it a home again for years to come.
Want to Learn More?
Kelmann Restoration is an award-winning remodeling company. We see your project through from start to finish – from mitigation of the initial property disaster all the way through to the full remodel. Learn more about our process and see other before and after photos, and give us a call any time: 414-774-3799.