Should I Restore or Sell My New Providence Home After Damage By A Fire?

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

Your decision to restore or sell your fire-damaged property should not be based on fear.

SERVPRO Helps New Providence Homeowners Understand Fire Damage Restoration Processes So That They Make the Best Decisions

In the aftermath of a fire, decision-making is probably one of the main challenges you face. For instance, you may debate within yourself whether to restore the home or sell it. Your apprehension for restoration may stem from the fear of dealing with contractors, city inspectors, and other parties whose expectations might not align with your specific goals. SERVPRO can help you restore your New Providence home to its preloss state hassle-free and thus save you the disadvantage of selling a damaged home.

What are the possible disadvantages of selling a fire-damaged home?
Although performing fire damage restoration at your New Providence home may seem like a hassle, selling has some challenges too, including:
    •    A significantly lower selling price compared to property value
    •    It can take time to find a buyer
    •    You have to cover the closing costs

Even when you decide to sell, some work around the property is still necessary since you need to protect the damaged house to stop further deterioration and possible liability issues in case someone is injured at the site.

Is it possible to carry out stress-free fire restorations?
With the right resources, the seemingly insurmountable restoration task is easier to handle. Engaging a professional restorer like SERVPRO gives you immediate access to all the resources needed to clean and repair damaged areas. We also help with the other inconvenient aspects of managing the restoration, including:
    •    Documenting the loss for insurance purposes
    •    Protecting the property during the renovation
    •    Safe handling of dangerous materials
    •    Ensuring all renovation process comply with government regulations

Loss documentation is an elaborate process that requires identification and proper recording of the loss details. With help from our technicians, you have the added advantage of having a trained eye scrutinizing the loss site, thus identifying some grave issues that you might dismiss. We also capture photos and videos of all the areas affected by the fire, thus making it easier to prove your claim.

What type of protection is necessary for a fire-damaged house?
After the fire is quelled, there is a need to board up the house to protect it from weather elements, small animals, and other dangers. Boarding up helps seal all openings created by the fire, whether it is shattered windows or openings on the walls. You might also need a temporary fence around the property to keep people from approaching the property. As already highlighted, protection is necessary whether you have chosen to sell or to restore the property.

In case of restoration, our SERVPRO technicians can help you board up the property easily. We use plywood panels and solid wood planks such as two-by-fours to create secure barriers around the doors, windows, and other openings that you would want to seal.

What is the best way to address dangerous materials found at the loss site?
The fear of injury or other adverse effects caused by dangerous materials at the fire loss site can make restoration seem like a risky proposition. However, knowing what risky materials to expect and having the right protective equipment to handle them minimizes the risk. Some of the typical dangerous materials found in fire-damaged houses include:
    •    Frayed or melted electrical cables
    •    Toxic substances like dioxin released from combustion
    •    Hazardous materials like asbestos or lead

Our SERVPRO technicians wear protective gear such as rubber boots and nitrile gloves when venturing into the damaged property. Visual inspection of the charred remains can help identify the main hazards to expect the loss site and the action to take. For instance, we can take specific containment steps, such as using heavy-duty sealable plastic bags to collect the materials. When performing cleaning procedures or other steps on areas with hazardous materials such as asbestos, disturbing the materials is the main threat. Our technicians identify any areas with such materials and avoid them until proper removal is possible.

What legal perspectives should I be aware of when restoring my property?
Flouting state or local authority rules can lead to penalties, especially on issues such as:
    •    Garbage and refuse management
    •    Housing rehabilitation
    •    Construction codes
    •    Obstruction of streets and sidewalks

However, that should not hinder the restoration of your property. Our crews receive up to date training on government regulations that affect any aspect of restoring damaged properties.

Your decision to restore or sell your fire-damaged property should not be based on fear. SERVPRO of Western Union County can help ensure you are fully informed. We also assist in lightening the load for you. Call us at (908) 791-9177. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.