Merced · Merced County
Sell a Fire-Damaged House in Merced, CA
A house fire changes what a house is worth and what it costs to fix. House Junkies buys fire-damaged houses in Merced as-is, with or without an open insurance claim, and our own licensed crew, House Junkies Construction (CA LIC#1077593), does the rebuild after we close.
Merced is the county seat of Merced County and home to the newest University of California campus, UC Merced.
Merced is often called the "Gateway to Yosemite," sitting along the route to the park's main entrance.
After a House Fire in Merced
Rebuilding a burned house in Merced takes permits from the City of Merced, and the work has to be done by the owner or a state-licensed contractor.
All new construction and remodeling in California now has to meet the 2025 California Building Standards Code, which took effect January 1, 2026. Those code upgrades are a big reason insurance money so often falls short of what a full rebuild really costs.
A burned house that sits open or falling apart can also draw code complaints. Inside Merced city limits, code problems go to the City of Merced's Code Enforcement Program, reachable at (209) 385-6237. It handles houses and buildings that are dangerous, substandard, blighted, or vacant, including problems like unsafe wiring or plumbing, no heat or running water, and pest infestations. Just outside city limits, Merced County handles code problems instead of the City.
Fire rebuilds run our crew roughly $90 per square foot, and up to $135 per square foot for a badly burned house, before permits, holding costs, and closing costs. That is how we can make a real offer instead of walking away. See how we calculate your offer, or read our full page on selling a fire-damaged house.
Sources: City of Merced Code Enforcement
How Selling to House Junkies Works
- ✓ Tell us the address and what is going on with the house
- ✓ Get a written cash offer within 24 hours, with no obligation
- ✓ No repairs, no cleaning, no agent commissions
- ✓ We cover closing costs, and you choose the closing date
Fire Damage in Merced: Common Questions
Can I sell my Merced house before the insurance claim is settled?
Yes. We can factor an open claim into the offer, or buy the house as-is if you would rather not deal with the claim at all.
Do I need permits to rebuild after a fire in Merced?
Yes. Rebuilding needs permits from the City of Merced. If you sell to House Junkies, our licensed crew handles the permits.
Do I have to clean up the fire debris before selling?
No. We buy the house as-is, debris and all, and handle the cleanup after closing.
Can I sell a house that was red-tagged after the fire?
Yes. A red tag means nobody can live there until it is fixed, but you can still sell it to us.
Other Situations We Buy In Merced
Fire Damage in Nearby Cities
See everything about selling your house in Merced, or read our full guide to selling a fire-damaged house.