Home, Land, Property Buying and Selling - House with fire damage - what to look for?
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : House with fire damage - what to look for?
Dante2004
01-11-09, 09:15 PM
I have remodeled several homes in the past, so I don't steer away from "fixers", I just see their potential. However, all my "fixers" in the past have always been either neglected or just vandalized by renters, etc.
I found a house today that had "fire damage". I could only see in the windows and was not able to see any of the damage. I am making an appointment to go back and see the inside of the house.
When I go to look at the inside of the house, what things should I look for? If the damage is too bad, I am just going to walk away. But from the pictures on the flyer (and online) and from looking through the windows, it appears that it was a small fire upstairs that was contained quickly. From what I have seen so far it looks like there was more damage from the fire dept. than the actual fire. Anyway...I will learn more when I see it.
Assuming there is no (significant) structural damage, what are some things I should be looking for? How big of a pain in the butt is it to get the odor out? Is it fairly expensive to bring in a pro? Ballpark cost?
Anyone out there take on a project like this?
I all the furniture has been removed and it isn't my house, so I don't have to worry about "saving" furniture or clothing. Also, I intend to take out all the carpet (50% carpet/50% tile) so saving that isn't a concern either. I have allergies so I want as little carpet as possible in any house I live in.
I would be going into this by setting up a budget based on the assumption of replacing all the flooring, paint (obviously) and repair the damaged room (s) where the fire was.
It is currently listed as "Bank Owned". Does this meant the insurance company considered it a "total loss" and the owners were paid off?
I found a house today that had "fire damage". I could only see in the windows and was not able to see any of the damage. I am making an appointment to go back and see the inside of the house.
When I go to look at the inside of the house, what things should I look for? If the damage is too bad, I am just going to walk away. But from the pictures on the flyer (and online) and from looking through the windows, it appears that it was a small fire upstairs that was contained quickly. From what I have seen so far it looks like there was more damage from the fire dept. than the actual fire. Anyway...I will learn more when I see it.
Assuming there is no (significant) structural damage, what are some things I should be looking for? How big of a pain in the butt is it to get the odor out? Is it fairly expensive to bring in a pro? Ballpark cost?
Anyone out there take on a project like this?
I all the furniture has been removed and it isn't my house, so I don't have to worry about "saving" furniture or clothing. Also, I intend to take out all the carpet (50% carpet/50% tile) so saving that isn't a concern either. I have allergies so I want as little carpet as possible in any house I live in.
I would be going into this by setting up a budget based on the assumption of replacing all the flooring, paint (obviously) and repair the damaged room (s) where the fire was.
It is currently listed as "Bank Owned". Does this meant the insurance company considered it a "total loss" and the owners were paid off?
marksr
01-12-09, 05:38 AM
Welcome to the forums!
It is probably bank owned because the homeowner defaulted on the loan. Could be there wasn't sufficent insurance and they walked away owing or it was vandalized after it was repo'd.
"How big of a pain in the butt is it to get the odor out?"
Any porous material needs to be either replaced or painted with a solvent based coating to lock in the odor! Latex paint/primer will not prevent the odor from returning! Failure to do this will result in the odor returning whenever the humidity is high.
It is probably bank owned because the homeowner defaulted on the loan. Could be there wasn't sufficent insurance and they walked away owing or it was vandalized after it was repo'd.
"How big of a pain in the butt is it to get the odor out?"
Any porous material needs to be either replaced or painted with a solvent based coating to lock in the odor! Latex paint/primer will not prevent the odor from returning! Failure to do this will result in the odor returning whenever the humidity is high.
Michael Thomas
01-12-09, 07:46 AM
In unoccupied property it's likely little if any attempt was made to remediate water damage caused in putting out the fire, so there is a very good chance that there's been mold growth on behind surfaces at and below the wetted areas (this still happens in cool and even cold conditions, think about food left too long in your refrigerator). Mold growth may have ceased as the moisture content of materials declined, but the cleanup can be a considerable expense, and may require replacing materials that would otherwise have been left in place.
http://paragoninspects.com/images/moisture/mold/atdoor1300.jpg
Make certain that you've inspected all accessible areas of the attic for fire damage to roof sheathing, rafters, flooring, floor joists and other structural members, not only may these have been damaged, but it may be difficult to access and treat such areas to control odor. You really have to get up there and look around as hot gases may have penetrated areas and damaged materials that are not readily visible from the attic access hatch.
Also keep in mind that some systems and components which may not appear to be damaged on casual inspection may require replacement, electrical wiring is one example.
http://paragoninspects.com/images/moisture/mold/atdoor1300.jpg
Make certain that you've inspected all accessible areas of the attic for fire damage to roof sheathing, rafters, flooring, floor joists and other structural members, not only may these have been damaged, but it may be difficult to access and treat such areas to control odor. You really have to get up there and look around as hot gases may have penetrated areas and damaged materials that are not readily visible from the attic access hatch.
Also keep in mind that some systems and components which may not appear to be damaged on casual inspection may require replacement, electrical wiring is one example.
Dante2004
01-12-09, 10:21 AM
Thank you for the responses.
I THINK all of this (fire-repo-for sale) happened in just the last couple of weeks. I have been looking at the house just around the corner since early December and haven't noticed this house being for sale.
I will definitely check ou the attic areas as you suggested.
The front door of the house is completely gone, but that could have been due to damage when the fire dept. entered the house. Looks like the entrance was mostly glass anyway. But there is also two windows that have been broken out. Vandals? Happen during the fire? I will try to find out.
After a little more digging, I may have a concern with the property easements which would rule this property off the list regardless of the fire damage.
Waiting to hear back from the RE agent today...then I will know more. Hopefully they will be able to set up a showing. Even if I am not interested, I am still curious. :)
I THINK all of this (fire-repo-for sale) happened in just the last couple of weeks. I have been looking at the house just around the corner since early December and haven't noticed this house being for sale.
I will definitely check ou the attic areas as you suggested.
The front door of the house is completely gone, but that could have been due to damage when the fire dept. entered the house. Looks like the entrance was mostly glass anyway. But there is also two windows that have been broken out. Vandals? Happen during the fire? I will try to find out.
After a little more digging, I may have a concern with the property easements which would rule this property off the list regardless of the fire damage.
Waiting to hear back from the RE agent today...then I will know more. Hopefully they will be able to set up a showing. Even if I am not interested, I am still curious. :)