Scope Factors That Make Old-House Fire Repairs Larger

Factors and their effect

Factor: Wall construction
Tends to increase scope when: Plaster is detached or charred and must be rebuilt
Tends to reduce scope when: Plaster is sound and can be cleaned and sealed

Factor: Framing type
Tends to increase scope when: Open cavities carried smoke between floors
Tends to reduce scope when: Platform framing contained smoke to one area

Factor: Hazardous materials
Tends to increase scope when: Asbestos or lead must be abated before work
Tends to reduce scope when: Testing is negative or materials will not be disturbed

Factor: Wiring
Tends to increase scope when: Old wiring must be replaced in opened walls
Tends to reduce scope when: Wiring was updated before the fire

Factor: Original finishes
Tends to increase scope when: Custom milling or specialty refinishing is needed
Tends to reduce scope when: Damage is limited to painted or replaceable surfaces

Factor: Matching
Tends to increase scope when: Continuous floors, roofs or tile must be redone for a match
Tends to reduce scope when: Patches blend or materials are readily available

Factor: Access
Tends to increase scope when: Steep roofs, tight lots or alley access complicate work
Tends to reduce scope when: Easy access for equipment and dumpsters

Factor: Season
Tends to increase scope when: Winter requires temporary heat or freeze protection
Tends to reduce scope when: Mild weather allows faster drying

Reading an estimate with these factors in mind

Two estimates for the same fire can differ greatly because they assume different answers to the questions in that table. One might assume all plaster comes out and drywall goes in; another might plan to save most walls. One might include milled trim, the other stock trim. Neither is necessarily wrong, but you should know which assumptions each estimate makes.

Look for line items that describe your actual materials. If the house has plaster and the estimate lists only drywall, ask why. If it has fir trim and the estimate lists finger-jointed pine, ask whether that is intended as the match. Older homes often get underestimated simply because the software defaults to modern materials.

Check each estimate for

Testing and abatement, or a note that they are separate.
Plaster repair versus drywall replacement, room by room.
Trim, doors and built-ins described by species and profile.
Electrical work and any code-required upgrades listed separately.
Specialty trades named, such as window restoration or tile matching.
Floor refinishing for whole continuous areas, not just patches.
Temporary heat or protection during winter months.
Permit fees and inspection time.

Questions when estimates disagree

Which walls does each estimate assume will be removed, and why?
Does either estimate assume hazardous materials, and has testing been done?
How does each estimate handle matching original trim and floors?
What assumptions about hidden damage are built in?
What would change the scope once walls are opened?

Common questions

Is the lowest estimate the one the insurer will pay?

Not necessarily. Insurers usually write their own estimate and compare it with contractors' figures. A detailed contractor estimate that explains why older materials need specific work gives you more to discuss than a lower, generic one.

General information for Park Hill, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.