Owning a house comes with a lot of responsibility and even obstacles. One issue that some homeowners face is their property catching on fire. When a home has a fire, the homeowner will experience emotional and financial problems. The most important aspect is that this dreaded situation harms no individual or pets. Once everyone is safe and the fire is out, it’ll be time to assess the fire damage and devise a plan to move forward with this fire-damaged house, whether making necessary home repairs or selling the house using a realtor or cash home buyer.
Issues associated with a fire-damaged house
When a fire occurs, issues are always associated with the fire-damaged house. Sometimes, the home may face minor fire damage, which insurance companies will cover the repairs for, and other times, the damage is so bad that it requires selling the home or even knocking the property down. Some of the issues that come with a house fire are listed below:
Fires can cause structural issues
When a fire spreads throughout a house, it can damage the foundation and structure of the property. The fire can ruin floors, walls, and the roof, causing cracks or damage to the support beams. In most cases, structural issues caused by a fire will require the home to be torn down for safety reasons. Most neighborhoods will subject the homeowner to fines until the problem is solved.
Smoke damage caused by a fire
The odor and residue from a house fire can cause severe smoke damage after the fire is put out. At times, the smoke damage can permanently damage the surface; when this happens, the house must be renovated. The contractor will pull permits to make the necessary repairs, followed by ripping everything down to the studs and replacing the walls with new dry-walling. Smoke damage can be costly, and the rehab process can take months to complete.
A fire can destroy personal items.
Most of the time, house fires cause so much emotional distress or financial burden that the loss of personal items is overlooked at first. A house fire can ruin clothes, electronics, photographs, and other sentimental items that may never be replaced. You cannot put a price tag on memories and items passed on throughout generations.
House fires cause trauma.
Experiencing a house fire can cause long-term trauma, especially if a loved one or memories are lost in the blaze. If the fire has caused emotional distress, reaching out for help is vital. There are support groups that can assist individuals or families with navigating such a traumatic event. Reach out to a professional or local support group for help!
Things to do when a house fire happens
When a house fire occurs, there is a list of things to do and processes to follow. Below, we have listed some tasks to complete following a property fire. If you’re a homeowner, staying strong mentally and following this order of functions is essential.
- After ensuring the safety of anyone involved, contacting your home insurance company is vital. You will submit a claim and allow the insurance company to handle the process. Most insurance plans will cover the repairs and sometimes even hire a licensed contractor. While waiting for the adjuster with the insurance company, document the damage by taking your photos and notes.
- Secure the house with plywood covering any windows and doors and a tarp covering the roof. It’s essential to secure access to the property to prevent someone from entering, which can lead to injury or theft.
- Figure out a plan for a place to temporarily live. It’s essential to find a place to live following a fire, but this can be difficult if you have a family compared to one individual. Reach out to friends and family, seeing if these people have the extra space within their homes. The insurance company will usually provide a hotel room until the fire damage is fixed.
What to do with a fire-damaged house: fix or sell
After the dust settles and the insurance company handles the situation, the homeowner must decide whether to fix or sell the fire damaged property. If the property owner decides to fix the home, it’s suggested to utilize the guidance provided by a fire restoration specialist. A certified fire restoration pro is trained to identify any issues or hazards associated with the house fire, including smoke, fire, and water damage. These individuals will ensure no structural problems and that the house can legally begin restoration. Pull necessary permits for construction work or hire a general contractor to take care of every step in rehabbing the home.
Suppose the thought of fixing the house is overwhelming, or the cost is too steep. In that case, it’ll be appropriate to sell the house immediately to avoid any safety issues or financial burdens such as fines or continuing to pay the mortgage or fees. The homeowner can sell the house directly to a home buyer specializing in buying houses in any condition, including homes that experienced a fire or any other drastic event. Cash home buyers can close on the property within a couple of weeks, requiring no repairs, fees, or inspections. Also, consider selling the house using a realtor since homes don’t need to be in perfect condition to list on the real estate market.
Conclusion: Fire damaged house
It’s not easy dealing with the consequences of a house fire, regardless of how minor or severe the fire has been. House fires are hazardous; individuals lose their lives and memories in these vicious events. Life can crumble for those who experience a fire, so it’s vital to seek the assistance of professionals for both financial and emotional aspects. Contacting the insurance company and fire restoration pro can minimize the stress of completing the requirements to ensure the house can be liveable again. Also, reach out to a therapist or support group to handle the mental aspect of the trauma caused by the fire. Follow the necessary steps, and don’t hesitate to ask for help to overcome difficult circumstances.
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