Problems To Watch For Before Buying A Fire-Damaged Home
When trying to purchase a new home, finding a great deal is everyone’s goal. A home that has been affected by fire damage can be risky but a good investment over time. With that being said, buying a home that has previous fire damage should be handled with care and you will need to know what to look for. It’s important not to get caught up in a bargain before you know what you are getting into.
Fire Damage Cleanup – Hannibal
Purchasing a fire-damaged home can be a steal, but it’s important to watch for red flags before you go all in. Inspectors will be your best friends through this process. They will be able to find problem areas that you might have missed when looking through the home. When you are walking through the home, the following are some problems to keep an eye out for.
Water Damage
Unfortunately, water damage comes hand in hand with fire damage. Water is used to extinguish fires and firefighters will use as much as it takes to put out that fire. When they are putting out the fire, a combination of water and chemicals is used. If these chemicals leak into the ducts, it can cause serious issues for indoor air quality.
While you are trying to find signs of leftover fire damage, you will need to also look for this water damage. Sadly, that water can cause just as much damage as the fire did. If it was not properly cleaned up, the damage will become worse over time. The most prevalent problem that water damage brings is mold. Mold can be dangerous to a person’s health and the property itself. Property that has been infested by mold can lead to structural issues and, if it gets bad enough, cause the building to be condemned.
Structural Damage
Fire damage can have large effects on the structural integrity of a building. You will need a structural engineer to come by to inspect the level of damage. If the wood is not burned completely, the interior is still intact and can be reused. However, if the structure is damaged on the outside, it is not a good candidate for reconstruction. The engineer will let you know their assessment to determine whether the home is safe to inhabit or not.
Plumbing Damage
Surprisingly enough, even the plumbing can be damaged by fires. The heat from a fire can melt PVC piping and damage copper soldering. If you notice that pipes have strange discoloration, that can be a sign that they will need to be replaced. Any questions or concerns about plumbing in a fire-damaged home should be addressed by professionals.
Smoke Damage
Soot and smoke particles pose a large threat to anyone that is exposed to them, particularly because they are so small. If the home is affected by untreated smoke damage, it can pose all sorts of threats to a person’s health. The microscopic particles of soot can cause a lot of serious health effects, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs. Soot can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or via the skin and eyes. Affected individuals might experience shortness of breath, asthma, coughing, phlegm, wheezing, chest pain, and even lung disease. Moreover, infants, the elderly, and those with prior lung problems are affected the most, as this can attack their immune systems. Additionally, it can cause irritations such as skin dryness, rashes, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and itchy/burning eyes, nose, and throat.
Should I Buy A Home Affected By Fire Damage?
If the home has been deemed safe, buying a home that needs renovation or restoration can be a great investment. Fire-damaged homes are often undervalued and the repairs could be less expensive than estimated. If you feel comfortable with the unknown variables you may have to contend with, it can be a great investment over time.
If you have determined that you want to buy a home that hasn’t been restored yet after a fire, contact a fire damage team of cleanup professionals. Clean Restoration will be able to make your home as safe as possible after it has sustained a fire. These skilled professionals will restore your home to the way it was before the fire occurred.
Jeff Butler
Owner · Clean Restoration — Quincy, IL & Burlington, IA
Jeff Butler is the owner of Clean Restoration, a locally owned water, fire, and mold damage restoration company founded in 2018, serving Quincy, IL; Hannibal and Kirksville, MO; Burlington and Fort Madison, IA; and Macomb, IL. Jeff answers emergency calls directly, 24/7, and is regularly on-site with the crew during restoration jobs across the region. Clean Restoration is an IICRC-certified firm and is not a franchise.
Credentials: IICRC Certified Firm
In Business Since: 2018
Offices: 3120 N 12th St., Quincy, IL 63205 · 2874 E Mt. Pleasant Street Suite 102, Burlington, IA 52601 · (217) 440-1292
