Is Buying A Fire-Damaged House a Wise Investment?
Buying a fire-damaged home may be risky but on the flip side, it may be one of the best investment decisions you will ever take. If you are keen on investing in a property with existing fire damage, then you need to be extra careful handling it. Unfortunately, many people pay more attention to the juicy deal on the table; that’s not how it works. In line with this, it is expedient that you know the things to look out for when buying a home. Additionally, you need to know how much fire damage repair works need to be done before putting pen to paper.
Things to Look Out For When Buying a Fire-Damaged Property
While buying a fire-damaged property might sound like a great bargain, there are some pitfalls to look out for. If your property has any of the underlisted problems, then you may want to consider looking elsewhere for the right property.
If you see these red flags, keep your hard earned money
Water damage: Surprised to see this on the list. Obviously, water is used to put out a fire. When a firefighter approaches a scene, their primary objective is to put out the raging fire regardless of how much water it takes. In the process of doing their job to prevent further damages, firefighters cause more damage to the property unknowingly. Water can affect the structural integrity of your property. These damages include
- Mold growth: Water damage can cause mold growth in the home, particularly in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as well as under the sink. Make sure to check the property thoroughly for signs of mold growth.
- Broken ducts: Firefighters use water and chemicals to put out a fire. These chemicals, if they find their way into the duct, will affect indoor air quality. The solution is to fix any damaged ducts and have it cleaned thoroughly.
- Warped frames and floors: Overexposure to water can cause extensive damage to interior wooden structures. Make sure you inspect this thoroughly.
Structural Damage: Make sure to inspect the load-bearing walls of the property to know its conditions. This should be done by a professional.
Smoke and Soot Damage: Exposure to smoke and soot from fire damage can cause serious health problems in addition to the unpleasant smells and stains smoke leaves in its wake.
Why You Should Investing in a House Renovated After a Fire
If the home is safe, you will benefit greatly from buying a house renovated following a fire incident. You have a higher return on investment for fire-damaged homes because they’re often undervalued. But if the home is left untouched after the fire incident with nothing done, the repairs may be less expensive than estimated. What’s more is that you can effect any layout change to your home to give it a new transformative look. Since you are in charge of the renovation, you can change the layout if you so wish.
Regardless, before you invest in a fire-damaged property, call in an expert to inspect the home. Need any repair job done? Reach out to a fire damage repair specialist.