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HOUSE FIRES

I have seen two house fires in my neighborhood. Both homes were totally destroyed, but no injuries.

The first fire started because of faulty wiring to a hot tub. Instead of having a dedicated wire to the hot tub installed, the owner decided to "save" money and to jury-rig the wiring.

The fire started on the deck late at night when the family was asleep. The explosion from the grill propane tank woke them up. At this point the home was engulfed in flames. The only thing left standing was the front facade of the home.

The second fire was started by the PSYCHO Owner. This couple was going through a messy divorce and the wife was going to get the house.This was the second fire to destroy this house. The first time it was an "accident". They rebuilt and about one year later the second fire occured. This time he went to jail.

It is very devastating to see these burned out structures. I always point out to sellers how dangerous extension cords can be. Sometimes these wires appear to connect everything in the room. Just another responsibility we have in this job.

Posted by Janice Lipka on 06/09/2007 10:15 AM

Comments (8)

8 Comments on HOUSE FIRES

JUN

2007

You are wise regarding all the extension cords. Lots of people do not approve when inspectors point that out.,

One of my buyers is in escrow right now on a house that caught fire 3 years ago. Only half the house burnt and the cause, faulty wiring in the back yard. Why can't people pay the extra cash and pay a professional to do the job?

Not only is there the safety issue but when the owner does decide to sell the inspector will usually identify the problem. And now the seller does have to pay to get it corrected (most of the time).

Another thing that starts fires is the heater unit. A home on my street caught fire a few months ago from an old heater unit. It was over 20 years old, installed when the house was built. One of the family members died, and another inhaled too much smoke but is okay now. Fires are scary and can happen to anyone.

Only you can prevent house fires.

http://www.sugarlandrelocation.com

I always advise them about the possibility of fire. The worst offenders are the elderly in older homes. It is scary!! Thanks Steven

Hi Mana, I always wonder why people think they can save money by wiring things themselves. I heard from the Hot tub distributor that he advised these people to have an electrician install the wiring. Some people "KNOW ALL THINGS"

Hi Gary, The inspector will advise any buyers about the wiring. The owner will have to fix it then. Hopefully, there will not be a fire before the closing.

Hi Chrisopher & Bernadette, I wonder if these were older people? This is where I see the most problems.

Sometimes the money is not there for the repairs.

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