Considering a property that had a fire.....should I?

[Yvette Chung]

Hi all -

I am considering a property that has had fire incident about a year ago. From what I know, the tenant had to move out for about a month while they fixed up the kitchen. Everything looked fine when i walked through it but I am not sure if it's a good idea to purchase this property?

What are your thoughts? What do I need to consider?

Any advice is appreciated!

[Frank Fletcher Broucek]

Concealed construction. You cannot let this be you big obstacle. Inside the walls, drywalled ceilings are electrical, plumbing DWV, ductwork and from maybe where you are, hot water heating. An inspector operates everything: if your bathroom works the likelihood that the hot, cold, DWV are ok. There are ways to tell. Home inspectors are like detectives. But your property interest is also on a fire department file. They informed the local building dept. the owner at the time would have been approached by the building dept. and their inspection would have been written. Get that report via FOI. Then the building dept. would have issued a certificate of occupancy. They would have the contractors name, etc., the owner, insurance. Your due diligence effort can contact them all: your home inspector can be asked to communicate and ask for what happened. It won't be a secret from a buyer. You'll find out. The home inspection is important to you. It provides you with information. For one dollar you can get the municipal inspections, certificates, etc. I am a home inspector. Imagine the envelope I once received inquiring for my Illinois clients property past flood!