Fire Burned Three Apartment Units - Engineering Report Needed?

[Bryan Hancock]

Last Friday a grease fire at an apartment complex we own torched three of the units. I haven't made the trek out there yet to assess the damage, but the insurance assessor called today and described the damage. My property manager is working the issue and I will be in touch soon to get their take on things before I drive out there.

Given the nature of the damage I would think it is prudent for an engineer to do a study on the damage and certify that the building's structure is sound. The assessor today said he would speak with his supervisor about paying for such a study after I brought it up.

Would you demand this from the insurance company? I am worried about liability later on down the line if things are repaired properly. What have you seen done in these situations? Any words of wisdom on how to manage the liability? Do people normally hire consultants for this sort of thing? I just want to make sure everything gets done properly and I don't have a huge liability center on down the line.

BTW...Thankfully nobody was hurt. We just have major damage to three units and smoke damage to others. I should know more about the full extent of the damage later this week.

[Rusty Thompson]

I would think the need for a engineer would be up to the local building inspector. You nigh consider giving them a call and see what they think. If its single story then probably not. But if its multi then def. Yes. If the fire went vertical like they tend to do & its multi story. Youdef. Have sever structural damage that is going to have to be adressed.