Does Fire Damage Require Demolition?

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

When the scariest part is over, SERVPRO is there to clean up the mess.

In the United States, a fire department responds to a fire every 24 seconds. Fire damage varies with each fire, from a burnt kitchen to an entire home. To the fire fighters, the goal is to stop the fire. After that has been achieved the following responsibilities are left to the homeowner. Luckily, no homeowner is left alone in making decisions about what to do with their damaged home. The next steps are to contact insurance and then decide how to move forward with rebuilding.

It is more expensive to demolish fire damaged buildings than it is to repair them. Every fire is individual though. Demolition prices consider the following aspects: structure size, geographic location of structure, materials of structure, and the quantity of still standing structure. In some cases, demolition is required because there is a lack of salvageable material. With demolition comes rebuilding, which are equally expensive processes. If it is possible to simply restore the fire damage, that would be the most cost efficient solution after a fire.

When considering demolition versus restoration, ask yourself the following questions:

• How much is insurance contributing to rebuilding?
• How much can you currently afford to pay personally?
• Do you have a place you can stay during construction?
• Do you have access to affordable restoration companies?

If you live in the East Dayton or Beavercreek area, the answer to the last part is yes, you do. In cases where restoration is an option, consider SERVPRO of East Dayton. Why? Restoration is usually more affordable, and in certain situations you can continue to live in your home while the restoration process occurs, saving you money. It’s a myth that the home structure is stronger when completely rebuilt. If using the right fire damage restoration company, restoration can be just as successful at repairing the strength of the home. In addition, demolition requires permits, paperwork, and extra hassle to even begin the process. SERVPRO can be at your door the next day with the equipment and people to begin immediately. Afterall, their main goal is to make your home, “Like it never even happened.”