New to Real Estate · New York, NY · Member since 2018 · 29 posts · 9 votes
My building in NYC recently experienced a minor fire that seems to have started from an AC installed by a tenant. Thankfully, everyone is safe, and the sprinkler system appears to have put out the fire before FDNY arrived.
When I got to the property, there was a lot of water from the sprinklers. The water traveled from the upper floor down to the basement. From what I can see, most of the damage appears to be to the floors and ceilings.
This is my first time dealing with something like this. For contractors who have worked on fire or sprinkler water damage, what should I be looking out for? What is the proper process for drying, removing damaged materials, and making repairs?
I’ve already filed an insurance claim and would appreciate any advice from those who have dealt with similar situations.
Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
2mo
ACT FAST to dry everything out, move/remove tenant's personal property to get fans/dehumidifiers in place asap. If sheetrock appears dark or wet at base boards or ceiling, cut it out to expose framing to a point where everything is dry. A moisture meter or IR imaging can assist in finding dampness. Moisture WILL cause mold, which then is a whole other problem, so again, act fast to expose and dry all areas contacted by the water.
Of course, you can hire a "remediation" specialist, for exorbitant prices if you prefer. You can also worry about the cost to close everything back up and refinish the area later. Everything hinges on how quickly you remove all moisture.
ACT FAST to dry everything out, move/remove tenant's personal property to get fans/dehumidifiers in place asap. If sheetrock appears dark or wet at base boards or ceiling, cut it out to expose framing to a point where everything is dry. A moisture meter or IR imaging can assist in finding dampness. Moisture WILL cause mold, which then is a whole other problem, so again, act fast to expose and dry all areas contacted by the water.
Of course, you can hire a "remediation" specialist, for exorbitant prices if you prefer. You can also worry about the cost to close everything back up and refinish the area later. Everything hinges on how quickly you remove all moisture.
I agree with Richard. Make sure before you do any put back that an air quality test is done. You will also need to remove your light fixtures in case water made its way inside them.
New to Real Estate · New York, NY · Member since 2018 · 29 posts · 9 votes
1mo
Appreciate the advice!
I heard back from the insurer, and they're currently treating their estimate as a “full and final” settlement, which I'm not comfortable accepting because I believe there are still items missing from the scope.
Does anyone familiar with NY property claims know if I can request that the carrier issue payment for the undisputed portion of the claim while I continue disputing the remaining scope? My thought would be to secure the undisputed amount without signing a full and final release, then potentially retain a Public Adjuster to handle the remaining disputed items/supplement.
Has anyone gone through something similar in New York?
Lender · New York, NY · Member since 2026 · 48 posts · 15 votes
5d
Just chiming in with empathy, not advice. It's heartbreaking to imagine what you must be going through right now. Hopefully the tenant also has insurance and your company can 'push the bill forward'. I'm assuming it's negligence from the tennant, not your buildings fault, and I hope everyone was ok!