Any and all information I might get on rebuilding a home destroyed by a
forest fire.I would really appreciate any manuels or books available.
Any and all information I might get on rebuilding a home destroyed by a
forest fire.I would really appreciate any manuels or books available.
The crew discusses finding rot when remodeling, challenges installing custom shower panels, and how to prevent subs and suppliers from sabotaging builds.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial NowDig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.
Start Your Free TrialGet complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.
Already a member? Log in
Replies
What's left to rebuild?
Metal roof, closed soffits, no vents. After the Laguna Beach fire here in Southern Calif there were homes left standing in the midst of burned to the ground neighborhoods. What they found was closed soffets rather than exposed rafters and no vents to let flames into the attic. Tile roofs as there aren't many metal roofs on residential areas of Laguna.
Keep the growth down around the property even though it's endangered species habitat. Joe H
I have never seen such a book. Why dont you give us more information where your at with the house. What shape is it in now ?
Tim,
I am a builder in colorado where we have just suffered those terrible wild fire.
Although I have been building for 30 years I have never done any fire rebuilds.
Any advise would helpfull.
Well, I still dont know what you have to rebuild. But it is normal to strip drywall and rewire. Drywall can be redone , but the wiring is scary. Romex hardens after its been hot even if it isnt burned. What has the insurance adjuster said ?
Windows are normally cheaper replaced. There are some on here that will say smoke oder is still present , but that has not been my experience. I have done about 15 burn jobs. Not as many as some on here Im sure. I like to replace any ''pretsel wood". As wood that has been that hot doesnt have any deflection. I am talking about roof structure and floor joices. Some people just try to guess whats under the dry wall , and spot repair. I always ask people this question when they tell me that. " Would you want to sleep there at night not knowing ?" Ive had insurance adjusters tell me to spot repair and have the house treated for smell,[Im not going there because I dont believe in it . Its not worth someones life ] I have said NO!!!! I have told customers to go to court rather than accept spot repair. Of course that also gets rid of all the insulation until its wired. Its worth a storage building for a month, and its best hauled by a closed trailer. Ive sold it out of buildings like that in several occasions. Insurance will pay for new. So really what I look for is a gut . Others will probably give you different opinions. I always go a new subfloor. , new insulation , new drywall right up to the final finishes . But I dont know how bad this house is that you have , so really Im having to talk off the cuff.
Tim Mooney