It is only natural that when you buy a house (unless it is newly built) it will have some history to it. It may have a few issues due to simple wear and tear, or it may have experienced a problem that will produce lasting effects. One example of this is when the house has some previous history of fire damage.
What are some of the lasting effects that could be present in a house with previous fire damage? Much will depend on the size of the fire and the way it was handled afterward, although even a small fire can produce a tremendous amount of damage from smoke. The fire itself will leave behind hazardous, toxic substances that can stay in the building long after the fire has been extinguished. Smoke is also very damaging and also leaves behind toxic elements. If these hazardous substances are not cleaned up thoroughly and rapidly after the fire, they could still be present in the home, even if it looks like it has been fixed up and new.
It is not only fire and smoke that cause long-lasting issues for a building, but the water used to put out the fire can also become a problem. It is easy to understand the damage that comes from water when you think about how much water a firefighter will use to extinguish a fire. The key to no lasting damage is again how quickly it is cleaned up. If water damage is not treated properly and thoroughly, the house will start to experience problems related to water damage, like mold.
One of the best ways to ensure the property you are buying is a good investment is to make sure it has a thorough home inspection before you make your final decision. A home inspection will help uncover any of those hidden problems related to fire damage.
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