Reporting fire damage - InspectionNews

Michael Thomas · #1 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010, 04:46 AM

I'm wondering how others here report the wider implications of a previous fire, e.g. the possibility of hidden as opposed to observed defects.

For example during the inspection I'm writing up at the moment,I observed soot staining on the underside of the roof and extensive replacement of sheathing, and once I got down to the basement I observed a likely cause: evidence of a previous fire in a utility area. However I observed no evidence of any effects of the fire elsewhere, while the repairs to the floor joists in utility area were ad hoc at best, which leaves me wondering about the quality of the repairs between there and the roof, on repair damage to wiring and plumbing, etc.

Obviously, I can report what I saw, and my concerns about what I can't see.

But I'm wondering if others here thought the wider implications of possible concealed fire damage, and have pre-written comments to cover the situation.

- Thanks

wayne soper · #2 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010, 07:51 AM

Michael, there was a big fire there and you should indicate the possibility of hidden damage along with the structural deterioration visible in the photos. That should have all been replaced after the fire..
You don't want anything to do with what they will find when they open up those walls.
And those sisters don't seem to have enough nails, or is it my eyes. One every 12 -16 is not going to do it.
One every 6 inches is more like it.

Jerry Peck · #3 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Thomas

I'm wondering how others here report the wider implications of a previous fire, e.g. the possibility of hidden as opposed to observed defects.

'Run Forest, run.'

With any significant damage at all, and those photos show "significant damage", I would recommend that a structural engineer design appropriate repairs, and there is enough evidence there to absolutely call for a structural engineer for the fire damaged structure and what looks to be repairs which do not meet typical engineering repairs.

Ken Amelin · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 04:25 AM

In addition to structural repairs the wiring may need to be replaced, along with piping, etc.

A permit is required for this type of repair. Many times a new C/O is required to re-occupy a home that had a previous fire.

This is what I would report to my client:

Observation: SIGNS OF PREVIOUS FIRE - as inspected and where accessible, I noted signs of suspected previous fire damage in the basement or attic.
Analysis: It is important that you discuss the history of the fire with the owner or local authorities as the true extent of previous fire damage is undetermined. A permit is required for this type of repair.
Recommendation: Ask what caused the fire, the extent of damage, what repairs were done and if the home was re-wired for safety. You should ask for a copy of the final permit and check with local authorities for further information and record now.

Rick Bunzel · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 07:26 AM

I am with Ken on this. This is a disclosure issue. Request the sellers provide information on the fire and repairs. If they don't and the buyer still wants to move forward then bring in engineers, licensed contractors, etc.

//Rick

Matt Fellman · #6 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 08:13 AM

If you've ever been through a fire in a house and then a repair through an insurance company you'd be amazed at the mountain of paperwork that comes from the insurance company.

Pretty much every screw gets listed somewhere. Without that type of info (which would obviously stay with the house forever) it's almost a sure thing that it wasn't done completely or correctly.

I'll usually tell people to try and locate that and also check with the local fire department. Most keep records that date back a long ways as to all of the fires they've responded to.

And I agree with the others... that's some pretty signnificant damage that we can see.