You’ve survived a house fire, moved your life to another location, and have begun the process of living life after a fire. Now, the question is: what do you do with your fire-damaged house? Here are 5 reasons to sell rather than rebuild. Would you choose to rebuild, or sell your fire-damaged house?

Many people choose to sell rather than repair, and for good reason. Living in a fire damaged home can be stressful, and for some people it is a constant reminder of the fire.

What are some other reasons that people opt to sell rather than repair?  Here are 5 reasons to sell your home instead of making repairs.

1. Cost of Repairs

The cost of repairing a damaged house is often expensive. It can sometimes even be more than buying a new house and starting over. Unless you have a place to stay with friends or family, the cost of the repairs plus lodging can add up quickly. Additionally, if your house is still mortgaged, you will still be responsible for the payments as well as insurance and taxes.

2. Smoke Damage

Once there has been a fire, the smoke smell often will linger and can be difficult to eliminate completely. Additionally, the inhalation of smoke chemicals can lead to serious health issues. Even after repairs, often people report still smelling smoke. It can be hard to tell if the smell is just psychological, or if there is still additional fire damage that needs taken care of.

3. Hidden Damage

Often there are more problems than meet the eye when dealing with a fire damaged house. Fire damage can be hard to accurately access, so even though a contractor may provide an estimate, there could be additional unseen problems that will affect the costs.

4. Time Consuming

Compared to selling a fire-damaged house, repairing a burned property is often extremely time-consuming. Repairs can be stressful and complicated, even when working with a contractor. It can also be frustrating waiting for workers, insurance adjusters, and city officials. Sometimes the repairs on a fire damaged house can take months to complete.

5. Avoid the Stress

Hiring the right contractors for the right jobs, making key decisions throughout the entire repairs process, and having to deal with additional unexpected problems can all add to the stress of the situation.

While it is possible to rebuild and repair your house after a fire, often people choose to sell their house, and put the money towards paying off their mortgage or as a sizable down payment on a new home.