Residential House Fire Case Study

The Fire

Nearly a total loss, this house caught on fire in the middle of the night due to a malfunction in a ceiling fan. The fire was so intense smoke and soot seeped into every crevice. There were items that melted and 95% of the contents were non-salvageable.

Stage 1

The first stage of this major reconstruction was to remove all damaged materials down to the framing. Structural cleaning of the entire house was completed. Thermal fogging was performed to help with the odor and pigment shellac and sealant was sprayed on the structure to seal any smoke odor.

Stage 2

The next step was to replace the roof and siding. This is referred to as “drying-in”. As with any remodeling project, sometimes matching original materials can be challenging.

Stage 3

The stage referred to as the “rough-in” stage includes insulation, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Once all required inspections have been passed, the drywall is installed and the property owner begins to see transformation take place.

Stage 4

One of the keys to this stage is working closely with the property owner. Selections such as the paint, cabinets, trim, electrical fixtures, flooring and appliances are needed to keep the project on schedule. Once this stage is completed, the final inspection is performed.

Stage 5

The final stage of this reconstruction project is to conduct a walkthrough with the property owner. This walkthrough is to ensure the project was completed to the satisfaction of the property owner.