House Fire Rebuilds on Vancouver Island: What to Do After a Fire
House Fire Recovery Checklist: What to Do After a House Fire in BC
If you've just experienced a house fire, don't try to figure everything out at once. Start with the steps below and work through them one at a time.
🚨 Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Do not re-enter the property until authorities have confirmed it is safe.
Arrange temporary accommodation if the home is uninhabitable.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
Ask your insurer about Additional Living Expenses (ALE) and what temporary accommodation and living costs may be covered.
BC Government Resource:What to Do After a Fire — Office of the Fire Commissioner
📞 Step 2: Start Your Insurance Claim
Contact your insurance broker, representative or insurance company.
Get your claim number and adjuster's contact information.
Ask what your policy covers.
Ask about temporary accommodation and Additional Living Expenses.
Ask what emergency work needs to happen immediately.
Keep copies of all insurance correspondence.
Insurance Bureau of Canada:How to File a Home Insurance Claim
IBC recommends contacting your insurer as soon as possible and documenting the damage and your expenses.
📸 Step 3: Document Everything
Once the property has been declared safe:
Take photos and videos of the entire property.
Photograph fire, smoke and water damage.
Photograph damaged appliances, furniture and belongings.
Create a room-by-room inventory.
Locate receipts, warranties and proof of purchase where available.
Keep damaged items unless they are unsafe or your insurer instructs you otherwise.
Keep every receipt related to cleanup, accommodation and other expenses.
Important: Don't start throwing everything away simply because it appears damaged. Speak with your insurer first. IBC specifically recommends keeping damaged property unless it presents a health or safety hazard.
🏠 Step 4: Determine the Extent of the Damage
Determine whether the home can be repaired or requires reconstruction.
Arrange appropriate restoration and damage assessment.
Determine whether structural engineering is required.
Identify fire, smoke and water damage.
Determine what needs to be demolished and removed.
Establish what can potentially be salvaged.
A fire can damage far more than the areas directly affected by flames. Smoke, heat and firefighting water can create significant additional damage throughout a home.
👷 Step 5: Choose Your Contractor
Ask your insurance company for its preferred contractor list.
Interview independent contractors if you want additional options.
Verify that the contractor is properly licensed and insured.
Ask about experience with fire reconstruction and insurance projects.
Request references and examples of previous work.
Get the proposed scope and pricing in writing.
Discuss the contractor's proposal with your insurance adjuster before signing.
Can you choose your own contractor?
Generally, yes. The Insurance Bureau of Canada states that homeowners can use a contractor of their choice, although you should discuss the contractor's pricing with your adjuster before signing because your insurer may only pay the amount covered by its estimate.
Insurance Bureau of Canada:Choosing a Contractor After an Insurance Claim
📋 Step 6: Establish the Reconstruction Scope
Before construction starts, make sure you understand exactly what is included.
Your scope may include:
Demolition
Engineering
Building permits
Foundation repairs
Framing
Roofing
Windows and exterior doors
Siding
Insulation
Electrical
Plumbing
HVAC
Drywall
Flooring
Cabinets
Countertops
Interior doors
Trim
Painting
Exterior work
Landscaping and site work
A clearly defined scope helps the homeowner, builder and insurance adjuster understand what is being rebuilt and what may be an additional homeowner expense.
🏗️ Step 7: Confirm Permits & Engineering
Before reconstruction begins:
Determine whether a building permit is required.
Confirm whether structural engineering is required.
Confirm the reconstruction meets current building requirements.
Coordinate plans with the local municipality.
Confirm inspections that will be required during construction.
The BC Office of the Fire Commissioner notes that if a building is not habitable, the appropriate building inspection should be completed and permits obtained before repairs begin.
💰 Step 8: Separate Insurance Work From Upgrades
A rebuild doesn't necessarily mean you have to rebuild the house exactly as it was.
You may want to consider:
A better floor plan
A larger kitchen
Updated bathrooms
Better insulation
Improved windows
Energy-efficient mechanical systems
Additional storage
Improved accessibility
Updated exterior finishes
However, make sure you understand the difference between insurance-covered reconstruction and homeowner-funded upgrades.
Discuss upgrades with your adjuster and builder before construction begins.
📝 Step 9: Review the Construction Agreement
Before work begins:
Review the complete scope of work.
Review the construction budget.
Understand what your insurance settlement covers.
Understand what costs are your responsibility.
Review payment terms.
Review allowances and exclusions.
Confirm the expected construction schedule.
Make sure everything is documented in writing.
Don't feel pressured to sign a construction contract before you understand what you're agreeing to.
🔨 Step 10: Start the Rebuild
Once the insurance, scope, permits, engineering and construction agreement are in place:
Complete demolition and remediation.
Begin reconstruction.
Track the project budget.
Review progress regularly.
Document changes and additional work.
Maintain communication between the homeowner, builder and insurance team.
Complete inspections.
Complete deficiencies and final work.
Move back into your home.
Useful Vancouver Island & BC Fire Recovery Resources
Government of British Columbia
The BC Government provides detailed information about recovering after a disaster, including re-entering a damaged home, documenting damage, insurance claims and repairs.
Office of the Fire Commissioner
Insurance Bureau of Canada
BC Insurance Resources
Rebuilding After a Fire on Vancouver Island
If your home has suffered major fire, smoke or water damage, Howson Homes LTD can help with the construction side of the rebuild.
We work with homeowners throughout:
Nanaimo • Ladysmith • Duncan • Lantzville • Nanoose Bay • Parksville • Qualicum Beach • Cowichan Valley • Vancouver Island
Our team can help with:
Assessment → Budget → Scope → Engineering → Permits → Reconstruction → Project Management → Completion
778-957-0555
516 1st Ave, Ladysmith, BC
Howson Homes LTD - Rooted in the West Coast.
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