Rebuilding with Care: Destroyed by Fire, Dewey Beach House Sees Extensive Renovation

A house fire is one of the most tragic experiences a homeowner can face. From the physical destruction to the emotional toll, not to mention the daunting challenge of dealing with insurance companies and determining how best to rebuild, dealing with the aftermath of a fire is a heavy lift. 

When our clients approached us about helping them rebuild after a fire had taken their beloved Dewey Beach house, we wanted to do everything we could to help them create a safe and beautiful sanctuary in place of the rubble that remained. 

Safety First

While safety is always in our minds during any project we take on, the weight of ensuring each element is up to code hits a little differently for a rebuild like this one. Originally built in the 1980s, this house was riddled with outdated workmanship, which set us on the path of overcoming the first project challenge–rebuilding according to current guidelines. We quickly learned that the municipal guidelines had also changed over the last few decades, and for this ocean front property, flood elevations and wind zones had changed as well.

Before we could get started on the job site, we were required to submit all of our plans to the DNREC (Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control), where approval took two months. Despite the circumstances surrounding the project–that the fire was considered an Act of God and a hardship on the homeowners–we still had to follow all of the new guidelines by the letter.

Although an arduous process, it will have been well worth the wait once this project is complete.

At the same time, we were also helping the homeowners deal with their insurance company. While payouts are priceless in situations like this, insurance companies have their own processes and requirements that have the potential to hold up a project. Fortunately, we’ve handled more than a few insurance companies over the years, so we knew just what to do to make things as easy as possible for our clients.

The Rebuilding Process

Even after all of the permits and paperwork were settled, we still had a lot of work to do before construction could begin. There was a substantial amount of demolition that needed to be completed first, but due to space restrictions, almost all of it had to be done by hand. From there, we started framing out the new space and staggering material deliveries, again, to work within the lot’s space limits.

Now that the framing is finally complete, we are excited to move onto the next stages of the build, including adding in the necessities like electrical, plumbing, and a new HVAC system, as well as several stunning design selections, including Eastern White Cedar siding, an outdoor shower, a kitchen made for entertaining, and plenty of room to relax inside and out.

Quality Materials

While we always strive to incorporate the best materials in any project, we took extra care with this build to seek out some key products that we know will last for many years to come. One of those was the Eastern White Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar we selected for the exterior siding and roof application.

Known for its longevity and durability against the northwest winds coming off the Delaware shore, this Alaskan Yellow Cedar and Eastern White Cedar woods are perfect for a coastal home. What’s more, natural extractives serve as a built-in defense against decay-causing organisms and pests, and the wood’s oils serve as the ideal barrier against moisture, helping to repel water. This wood is strong, too–its straight grain pattern adds to the structural integrity, making the roof less susceptible to shrinkage and other environmental stressors.

Eastern White Cedar Siding

Finally, the Alaskan Yellow Cedar and Eastern White Cedar are fire resistant, with a slower burn rate than other woods, and its tightly packed fibers allow for thermal insulation: The perfect product for this restoration project.

A Work in Progress

While this project has definitely had its challenges, we are so glad to see each step of progress as we move closer toward our clients’ new–and safe– beach house. We, like these incredibly strong homeowners, are committed to make the best out of a difficult situation and create something even better than before. Stay tuned to see the completed space coming soon!

Whether you’re rebuilding your home following a damaging event or are simply ready to reimagine your space, Douglas and Company can help. Schedule a consultation today to see what’s possible!