From Fire to Restoration: Rebuilding Two Homes After Extensive Damage

A fire destroyed one property's roof and severely damaged another. Emergency clearance, roof reconstruction, structural repairs, and disability-friendly refurbishments restored both homes.

// Project Overview

This project comprises two properties. Property A is an end of terrace 3-bedroom house with garage link to the neighbouring property (Property B).  The garage to Property A was converted to habitable space with PVC double glazed windows. The properties were constructed circa 2000.

Background

A fire broke out in the garage of Property B and spread across the roof of Property A.  The fire destroyed the entire roof of Property B leaving no remains of the roof structure.  The garage roof structure of Property A remained, however, the majority of the roof tiles had fallen in, and the structure was heavily charred.

Initial inspection, emergency shoring and making safe

The building was attended with the fire brigade.  A team of emergency contractors were then employed to carry out initial removal of the fire debris, and making safe.  

Detailed structural inspection and forensic examination of structural damage 

Following the removal of the debris, the property was inspected by our in-house Structural Engineers.  It was noted that the parts of the building affected by the fire were separate from the main habitable areas being that they were the garages to the two houses, albeit one of the garages was converted into an additional habitable room.

The roof structure to the garage of Property B had been destroyed and all the services to this property had been affected.  The remains of the garage roof structure to Property A presented no immediate hazards once the garages had been fenced off and access to the garage secured. The brickwork structures appeared sound however one lintel had been affected and it was envisaged that this would require replacement as a part of the work.  The blockwork separating the two roof voids was cracked.  The structural integrity was suspect and consideration was given to reconstruction of this element. As Property B was more seriously affected by the fire, the residents were vacated. The resident of Property A remained in occupation as the fire had not affected this property to the same degree of severity.

Design and Specification

Wyatt Carruthers Jebb Ltd were subsequently instructed to prepare a specification, tender documentation and subsequent Contract Administration of the remediation works through to completion.  The Structural Engineering Department undertook the structural design of the reinstatement works

Access to the vacated property, Property B, was arranged through the Client.  The bulk of clothes and personal items had been removed by the resident with beds, some furniture and some clothes remaining.  Access was arranged directly with the resident of Property A.

Wyatt Carruthers Jebb prepared a specification for reinstatement at both properties. This comprised the reconstruction of the trussed timber pitched garage roofs and concrete roof tile coverings and reconstruction of a blockwork party wall separating the roof voids.

Property B required more internal reinstatement works comprising replacement of stud partitioning, plasterboard wall and ceiling linings, replacement of all floor coverings, replacement of doors, and overhauling of the kitchen and bathroom.

Specialist disability features and associated fixtures and fittings were also required for both properties.

Four contractors were invited to tender that were already known to the Client and on their approved list.   The tender period was reduced to 3 weeks to progress matters more quickly.

Statutory Approvals and Party Wall Matters

Works were controlled under the Building Regulations and a building notice was submitted by the contractor.  Since the repairs did not alter the pre-existing external appearance of the property Town and Country Planning Approval was not required.  Since both properties were owned by the Client, there was no need to serve Party Wall Notices.

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