House fire

9 years ago

Let me get this out of the way,first, I'm fine (physically at least) my cats are fine, no one was hurt. Now the bad news, my house caught on fire at 1:30 in the morning after thanksgiving, ( while I was sleeping). Thankfully , I woke up from glass shattering, at it was somewhat confined. I'm so exhausted, and just can't wrap my head around all this stuff. Here's the story as far as I can tell putting it together after all the rubble was cleared. We found an electrical box that apparently had been buried behind the plaster wall above the mantle of my fireplace You can tell from the burn pattern this is where it started. ok, one really bad move by a PO (house is 111 years old). Then today the fireplace guy came out and told me that there most likely was originally a hot water radiator type setup in the ""fireplace"" because its not a REAL FIREBOX !!!!! Some other PO decided to put a gas line, fake logs and a metal tube thru and call it a fireplace. WHO THE HELL DOES THAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm just beside myself with revulsion at the negligence of that or I don't know, I don't even know what to think anymore. And I just got done deshellacking and reshellacking evry stick of wood (see woodworking posts) painting, stripping and waxing floors , it was perfect. Just OMG , anyone thinking of DIYing anything like that DON'T!

Featured Answer

duvetcover

9 years ago

Don't be in a rush to settle the claim. Make sure you know the entire extent of damage and cost to repair before entering into any settlement negotiations. Don't "just accept" the insurance company's evaluation of damages; they may or may not be right. If you're not experienced with dealing with an insurance company and/or don't feel that you can handle this on your own, seek professional help (either a lawyer experienced with handling these types of claims or perhaps an independent professional claims examiner who can negotiate solely on your behalf).

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Comments (9)

darkktur
Original Author
9 years ago
And , yeah house was inspecting before we bought it, I have had chiminey cleaners out. AAARRRGGGG!!!!
PRO
mdln
9 years ago
Bad, but be grateful. My house fire started while I was at work, my 3 cats died in the fire.

Discovered I picked the wrong insurance co (learned of their bad ratings after being a customer more than 35yrs) and I selected the wrong GC for the rebuild (lawsuit to try to get him to finish after more than 3 years).
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darkktur
Original Author
9 years ago
OMG mdln, that's aweful, oh you must have been heartbroken.. that's just devastating. I am so sorry , those poor babies. Hugs to you .

I have just started the claim process and so far, so good, but I am hoping to see if anyone out there has any "nuggets" or pearls of wisdom in dealing with the process.
PRO
mdln
9 years ago
Agree with duvetcovers advice.
darkktur
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks. I have hired an independent resoration/remediator/remodler who seems fairly good, work with a large outfit that handles a lot of stuff. I also have a friend who is an insurance lawyer who gave me some advice. It's kind of over whelming , I can't imagine what it's like to have the whole house burn down. I am lucky in that I can still live in the house and take my time if I'm not happy with things, plus I work and don't need money upfront for anything. I'm just so tired, been moving everything around, cleaning out papers and storing valubles so I can leave my house with strangers working there.
darkktur
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I have one question, the fireplace which is all brick. One fireplace guy came out and said the whole thing would have to go. Now the fire was electrical, started above the mantel, basically had nothing to do with the gas line, gas logs etc ( plumber still has to come by) . I don't know what code is , or if there is a problem with the bricks, but I believe the fireplace itself is sturdy and still usable. Who should I be talking to about that? If they say it has to go, and my policy covers full replacement and repair up to code, can I get a new one? My restoration guy said he will have another fireplace guy come out.
PRO
mdln
9 years ago
Yes, get a new one - that you know is up to code.
darkktur
Original Author
9 years ago
gotcha