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🧱 Fire Restoration Contractor Vetting Checklist

Created by House Fire Solutions – Trusted Guidance for Fire Recovery & Rebuilding

Hiring the right contractor after a fire can make or break your recovery.
A qualified, trustworthy professional will help restore your home safely, on budget, and in compliance with your insurance claim.
This checklist walks you through every step of evaluating, verifying, and choosing a contractor — before you sign anything.

🔹 1. Verify Legitimacy & Licensing

☐ Confirm the contractor holds a valid state license for fire restoration or general contracting.
☐ Ask for the license number and verify it online with your state’s licensing board.
☐ Ensure they have a local business address, not a P.O. box or temporary setup.
☐ Check that they are registered to do business in your city or county.
☐ Request a copy of their driver’s license or company ID for verification.
☐ Ask how long they’ve been in business (look for 5+ years of experience minimum).
☐ Verify that they are not operating under a different or new company name (a red flag for past issues).
☐ Search for any complaints or disciplinary actions against them through your state board or BBB.

💡 Tip: Beware of contractors who show up uninvited after a fire — these “storm chasers” often disappear after taking payment.

🔹 2. Confirm Insurance Coverage

☐ Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with your name listed as a certificate holder.
☐ Verify General Liability Insurance — covers property damage or accidents.
☐ Verify Workers’ Compensation Insurance — protects you if workers are injured onsite.
☐ Ensure coverage is active and not expired.
☐ Call the insurance provider to confirm validity.
☐ Check that policy limits are adequate for your property’s size and value.

💡 Tip: Never accept verbal proof of insurance — always request official documents.

🔹 3. Verify Fire Restoration Credentials

☐ Ask if the company specializes in fire, smoke, and water restoration.
☐ Request certifications from organizations like:

IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification)
RIA (Restoration Industry Association)
☐ Confirm team members are trained in hazardous material handling (soot, asbestos, etc.)
☐ Ensure they use industrial-grade HEPA filtration and drying equipment.
☐ Ask for before-and-after project photos of fire-damaged homes.
☐ Check that they follow EPA and OSHA safety standards.
☐ Verify that subcontractors (if any) are also certified.

💡 Tip: A general contractor without fire restoration credentials may not meet your insurer’s requirements.

🔹 4. Ask About Experience & References

☐ Request three local references from homeowners who had similar fire restoration work done.
☐ Call each reference and ask:

Was the project completed on time?
Did costs match the estimate?
Were you satisfied with communication and cleanup?
☐ Ask for project examples that match your type of damage (kitchen, attic, full rebuild).
☐ Check online reviews (Google, BBB, Yelp, Facebook).
☐ Look for consistent high ratings over several years, not just recent reviews.

💡 Tip: Be cautious if the contractor can’t provide verifiable references or project photos.

🔹 5. Review the Estimate Carefully

☐ Obtain at least three written estimates from different companies.
☐ Ensure estimates include:

Detailed itemization of materials, labor, and permits
Specific repair and replacement descriptions
Timeline for completion
Cleanup and debris removal costs
☐ Confirm that all line items are written — no vague phrases like “as needed.”
☐ Ask if sales tax and disposal fees are included.
☐ Review estimates with your insurance adjuster or public adjuster before approving.
☐ Get all changes to the estimate in writing.

💡 Tip: Avoid contractors who won’t provide detailed, written estimates.

🔹 6. Confirm Contract Details

☐ Read the entire contract — including small print and back pages.
☐ Verify that all work descriptions match the approved estimate.
☐ Check for clear start and completion dates.
☐ Review the payment schedule — never pay the full amount upfront.
☐ Ensure a final payment is due only after you sign off on the completed work.
☐ Confirm who is responsible for permits, inspections, and debris removal.
☐ Require that all change orders must be signed by both parties.
☐ Ask about warranty coverage for materials and workmanship.
☐ Avoid any arbitration clauses that prevent you from legal recourse.

💡 Tip: Don’t sign “Authorization to Proceed” or “Assignment of Benefits” (AOB) forms unless fully explained by your insurer.

🔹 7. Evaluate Communication & Professionalism

☐ Does the contractor respond promptly to calls or emails?
☐ Do they provide written updates and progress reports?
☐ Are they transparent about challenges or delays?
☐ Is their office staff courteous and organized?
☐ Are they willing to explain processes and timelines clearly?
☐ Do they provide emergency contact numbers for urgent issues?
☐ Are they available for post-project support or warranty service?

💡 Tip: Good communication is a sign of professionalism — silence or confusion is a warning sign.

🔹 8. Watch for Red Flags

🚫 Unwilling to provide license or insurance proof
🚫 Requests large cash deposits or full payment upfront
🚫 Claims “We’ll handle your insurance for you”
🚫 No physical business location or online presence
🚫 High-pressure sales tactics (“Sign today and we’ll start tomorrow”)
🚫 Unmarked vehicles or no uniforms
🚫 Refusal to provide written estimates or contracts

💡 Tip: If it sounds too good to be true — it probably is.

🔹 9. Protect Your Payments

☐ Never pay more than 10–20% upfront (depending on state law).
☐ Always pay by check, card, or bank transfer — never cash.
☐ Keep copies of every invoice and receipt.
☐ Ask for lien releases from subcontractors after each payment.
☐ Hold the final 10% until all work passes inspection.
☐ Verify that materials listed on invoices were actually used.

💡 Tip: Keep payment and invoice records in your Fire Recovery Binder for insurance reimbursement.

🔹 10. Final Quality & Safety Inspection

☐ Walk through the entire property before final payment.
☐ Verify all repairs meet local building codes.
☐ Check that all permits are closed and approved.
☐ Ensure HVAC ducts, wiring, and plumbing were properly inspected.
☐ Confirm cleanup and debris removal are complete.
☐ Take before-and-after photos for your records.
☐ Request a final written warranty and completion certificate.

💡 Tip: A professional contractor will always invite you to a final inspection and address concerns before closing out the project.

✅ Homeowner Takeaways

✔ Always verify credentials, insurance, and references before hiring.
✔ Never sign a contract without fully understanding it.
✔ Keep documentation organized and stored safely.
✔ Use your Fire Recovery Binder or Excel checklist to track vetting progress.
✔ Trust your instincts — if a contractor makes you uncomfortable, find another.