Remodeling Your Home After a Fire

Has your home been damaged in a house fire? In this article we are going talk about things you should consider when fixing a fire-damaged house. We’ll discuss how to remodel the most important areas of your home, such as the bathroom, front entrance, bedrooms, living room, dining room, and more.

We are also going to discuss some final touches you can make to your fire-damaged house to make it even more desirable to potential homebuyers (or to yourself).

The Bathroom

The truth is just about any effort you can make in the bathroom will add value to your home. Before you immediately jump on a new remodeling project, it is a good idea to take a look at potential problems and issues that might exist.

Remember that bathrooms can be somewhat tricky. As much as you may want to maximize the appeal of the bathroom, and even though this room is a major selling point, you also do not want to invest a lot of money in a project that simply won’t pay off when you sell your fire-damaged house. Instead, it is important to focus on simple cosmetic improvements rather than overhauls and renovations.

Bathroom Fixtures

Take a long hard look at your bathroom fixtures before you immediately go to work on them. Ask yourself these questions:

• Are the fixtures cracked, damaged or leaky?
• Are they stained or dirty?
• Are the fixtures outdated?

If the answer to any of these questions was yes, then it can be a good idea to consider taking one of the following courses of action:

• Replace or repair seals or fixtures for those that are cracked, damaged or leaky
• Avoid replacing fixtures with expensive options. Instead, select fixtures that are attractive enough to enhance the bathroom but are not obviously lavish
• Use a quality bathroom cleaner to remove any stains, grim or buildup.

Bathroom Moisture

Moisture is certainly an inherent part of any bathroom. It can be a real hassle when it comes to creating a grimy appearance as well as encouraging the growth of mildew.

Take a look around your bathroom and ask yourself the following questions:

• Are there any visible water stains on any surfaces?
• Are any of the finishes damage by moisture?
• Is there any mold growth anywhere?
• Is any of the paint blistering or peeling?
• Is any of the grout or caulking cracked, peeling or chipped?
• Are there any surfaces that are buckled, swollen or rotten?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then review the following courses of action to deal with these issues:

• Find out if any of the moisture is coming from plumbing leaks, building leaks or high levels of humidity. Fix the cause if at all possible.
• Repair or replace parts of the bathroom that are damage or deteriorating
• Remove any visible growth of mold using a quality cleaning product that is designed for that specific purpose
• When possible, keep the window open to increase ventilation and release excess humidity
• Repair or replace grout and caulking

Plumbing & Electrical

To make certain the electricity and the plumbing are up to date in the bathroom, ask the following questions:

• Do the pipes make a banging noise?
• Is the water pressure unsatisfactory?
• Do the drains flow slowly?
• Are there any unusual smells or noises in the drains?
• Is the lighting sufficient?
• Is the electric wiring adequate and safe?

If you find you are faced with any of the issues listed above, you may want to choose one of the following methods to improve the situation:

• Install water pipes with a larger diameter. This will allow for greater flow.
• Be sure your drainage system is vented sufficiently and that proper traps are installed
• Unclog drains so they will drain more freely
• Have an electrician inspect the wiring. Upgrade as necessary for safety reasons
• Update the lighting so it is adequate

Keeping The Bathroom Clean & Tidy

When a prospective homebuyer views your bathroom it should always be spic and span, clean, and extremely tidy. This includes the toilet, sink, walls, mats, floor, counter and tub. Be sure the counter space is clear so that it looks as large as possible. De-personalize the space so that buyers can imagine the space for their own items.

Now let’s look at fixing up some other areas of a fire-damaged house.

The Front Entrance

Besides the bathrooms and kitchen, the front entry can be the most influential in the home when it comes to creating lasting first impressions. This is typically the first area of the home a prospective buyer will see, so it can be helpful to add a fresh coat of paint to the door and/or walls. Be sure the floors are extremely clean as well to give an appearance that is fresh and sanitary.

Also make sure there is plenty of light in the front entry. Keep all of the lights on and open up any existing blinds to maximize light. The brighter the entry appears, the more appealing the home will be.

The Bedrooms

Bedrooms are also closely observed. Therefore, they should always be presentable.

The beds should be made and look as though they are in a hotel, reflecting the attention to detail you’ve put into remodel your home. The entire space should be clutter-free as well as free from personal items, a key aspect of staging a home post-remodel. This will create a space that looks larger as well as allow buyers to imagine their own belongings there, an essential goal when you remodel your home to sell. Be sure the closets are tidy and organized, showcasing the functional benefits of the home’s newly remodeled state. This approach not only enhances the visual appeal but also the perceived value of the property.

The Living Room & Dining Room

Both of these areas should be clear with only enough furniture in them to create a welcoming feel. Remove any extra furniture.

In addition, remove any photographs, knick-knacks and other personal items. All areas should be dust-free.

Final Remodeling Touches

Now that we have worked our way through all of the main rooms in the house as part of the process to remodel your home, and you have an idea of what should be expected overall, we will review some final tips to provide your home with that extra special touch. These touches will set you and your fire-damaged home on a path towards a successful sale. By incorporating these final enhancements in your remodel, you ensure that every area of your home contributes positively to its overall appeal and marketability.

Windows

Take the time to clean your windows until they sparkle. Remove any paint splatters using a razor blade. A mixture of ammonia and water will work wonders for creating shiny windows.

Gleaming Floors

Your floors must be spotless and absolutely gleaming. Wash your floors until you can see your reflection and then add a new mat at the front door.

Provide a Place for Umbrellas & Coats

Too many umbrellas and coats in the entry can give a cluttered look. Remove extra items here, keeping only one per family member.

Keep Things Simple

When it comes to the walls, too many pictures can make a space feel crowded and small. Either hang one large picture or a grouping of smaller pictures.

Install Higher Wattage Bulbs

Higher wattage bulbs will provide additional illumination, resulting in rooms appearing larger.

By using these tips you can ready your home for a fast and profitable sale!

Sell to We Buy Fire Damaged Houses

If you prefer not to go through a long repair and sales process, you can sell your fire-damaged house directly to We Buy Fire Damaged Houses. We buy homes “as-is” and we pay in all cash.

Fill out the form below to see if your fire-damaged house qualifies for a free quote.