House Fire - Rebuild vs Remodel

NeedToKnow · Jul 13, 2002

My Florida wood frame house was burned pretty bad. Fireman did a good job, but in my opinion the flooring and foundation are the only things worth saving. How much of an existing structure must be saved to consider it a remodel as opposed to just starting over with rebuild? It seems there are many advantages to go with the remodel avenue. Thanks very much.

NeedToKnow

jheidt2543 · Jul 13, 2002

Here are some things to consider:

1. The number one consideration is, is what is left after the fire structurally sound? If it is OK, if it isn't replace it.

2. Anything that is reused after a fire has a "fire smell" and MUST have a sealer applied to cut off the smell and allow new finishes to be installed.

3. The real question as to rebuilding or remodeling what is left after a fire has to be negotiated with your insurance carrier and sometimes with you city building department. Many times there are insurance provisions, building code or zoning ordinances that define what % of the structure can be damaged before it is classified as a "total loss" and must be torn down.

Good luck with a bad situation!

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House Fire - Rebuild vs Remodel

NeedToKnow

Industrial

jheidt2543

Civil/Environmental

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