Buying a rebuild house fire 2

[PleaseAdvise]

Hi,
We found a house for sale that has been burnt and renovated.
We like to make an offer but we are concerned with the fact that the house has been burnt and doused with all sorts of chemicals.
The owner said he had rebuild it "from scratch". He had redone the foundation and used only what wasn't "touched by fire". How can we verify this?
We are also wondering what might go wrong in the years ahead. Like "fire smell" or contamination of soil and whatever problems related to the fact that the house was rebuild on house passed on fire.
Can you please help us by giving us advice on what to ask for and what to look for or what questions to be answered or reassurances.
We don't know where to go to get help.
Thanking you in advance for your time.
PleaseAdvise

 

[ubrales]

I would make sure that whatever (faulty wiring comes to mind) caused the fire is completely re-engineered, not just re-done.

Visit the local fire dept. and listen to those guys - they can provide a wealth of information based on years and years of experience.

Visit with people from a fire extinguisher factory. They can be a valuable resource.

Check with Underwriter's Labs (UL) for relevant information.

Hope this helps.

Ubrales

 

[jheidt2543]

Just a few more things to consider:

1. To rebuild the fire damaged house, the Owner or builder had to take out a building permit. That is a public record, so you should be able to go to the local building department and review their documents. It should/might show the percentage of rebuild, inspection certificates for the foundation, rough-in, and final inspections for plumbing, heating and electrical.

2. "Fire smell" can sometimes be a problem. There are specially formulated paints and sealers used to mask or seal in the odor. I think it would be wise to plan on sealing/painting the house once you move in. You may have been thinking of redecorating anyway, check with your local paint store (not the big box stores, but a REAL paint specialty store) and ask for information. One big thing to keep in mind is paint compatability, so take a sample of the existing paint down to the paint store to have it analyzed.

 

[boo1]

Here are always areas of unknown I would consider with a fire rebuild:
Did fire weaken foundation
Anchor bolts weakening
Slab spalding
Water damage (plywood or osb weakened, mold issues)
Condition of wiring not replaced
Piping copper temper change
Piping reconnection
Elimination of smoke odor
Structurial connections
Resell value impact

So consider the risk vs the cost savings.
Be carefull and good luck