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🔥 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Fire Restoration Company

Created by House Fire Solutions – Trusted Guidance for Fire Recovery and Home Restoration

Choosing a fire restoration company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after a house fire.
These questions help you verify credentials, ensure transparency, and confirm trustworthiness before signing any contract.

🏗️ 1. Licensing, Certification & Legal Credentials

Are you licensed and registered to perform fire damage restoration in this state?
Can I see a copy of your contractor’s license and verify it with the state?
Are you bonded and insured (liability + worker’s compensation)?
Who holds the license — the company or subcontractors?
Are your workers employees or independent contractors?
Do you carry general liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage)?
Are you certified by IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification)?
Do you hold any EPA Lead-Safe or Asbestos Abatement certifications?
Are you a member of professional associations (e.g., RIA, BBB, NAPRIA)?
Have you ever had your license suspended or revoked?

🧾 2. Experience and Company Background

How long have you been in business under your current company name?
How many fire restoration projects have you completed in the past year?
Have you worked on homes with similar damage severity as mine?
Can you provide before-and-after photos from recent fire restoration jobs?
What types of fires have you handled (electrical, kitchen, structural, etc.)?
Who are your project managers or lead technicians, and how long have they been in the industry?
Do you handle both residential and commercial restoration projects?
Are you familiar with local building codes and permits?
Have you worked with my insurance company or adjuster before?
What percentage of your business involves fire restoration vs. general construction?

🧰 3. Services & Capabilities

Do you provide emergency board-up or tarping services?
Do you handle water and smoke damage cleanup as part of your process?
Do you test for mold, asbestos, or chemical contamination?
Can you perform content pack-out, cleaning, and storage for personal items?
Do you provide odor removal using ozone or hydroxyl generators?
Do you also offer reconstruction and rebuild services after cleanup?
Do you work with licensed electricians, plumbers, and HVAC specialists?
Do you provide indoor air quality testing after restoration?
What kind of equipment and technology do you use (HEPA filters, negative air machines, etc.)?
Can I choose to use my own contractors for part of the job?

💬 4. Insurance, Billing, and Payment

Do you work directly with insurance adjusters?
Can you provide a detailed written estimate before starting any work?
What software do you use for estimates (Xactimate preferred)?
How do you handle insurance claim billing — do you bill the insurer directly or the homeowner?
Do you require any upfront payment or deposit?
Do you accept payment after the insurance payout?
How are supplemental claims handled if new damage is found later?
Are there any hidden fees not covered by insurance?
Do you provide an itemized invoice for all services?
What happens if the insurance company denies part of the claim?

⚙️ 5. Project Management & Communication

Will I have a dedicated project manager as my main point of contact?
How often will I receive updates or progress reports?
What’s the estimated timeline for the entire restoration project?
How do you handle delays caused by weather, materials, or inspections?
Do you provide a written project schedule?
Can I contact your team outside of business hours during emergencies?
How do you handle changes or add-ons to the project scope?
Will you notify me in writing before additional charges occur?
Do you have 24/7 emergency response services?
How do you handle customer concerns or complaints during the process?

🧱 6. Safety & Compliance

Do your employees follow OSHA safety protocols?
Do you provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers on-site?
Do you test for lead, asbestos, and VOCs before demolition?
Do you properly contain and ventilate work areas during cleanup?
How do you dispose of hazardous materials?
Are employees background-checked and drug-tested?
Do you carry environmental liability insurance?
Can I see your company’s safety record or incident report?
Will I receive safety documentation or clearance reports after cleanup?
How do you protect non-damaged parts of my home from contamination?

💵 7. Contracts & Warranties

Can I review the contract before signing?
Is everything we discussed written into the contract (scope, price, timeline, warranty)?
What is your cancellation policy?
Do you provide a warranty on your work and materials?
How long does your warranty last, and what does it cover?
Do subcontractors provide separate warranties for their work?
Will I receive a final lien waiver after payment?
Who is responsible for obtaining building permits?
What happens if unexpected structural damage is discovered?
Are there any penalties for project delays not caused by me?

📸 8. Documentation & Transparency

Will I receive before, during, and after photos of the restoration process?
Do you keep daily progress logs?
Will you provide detailed documentation for my insurance claim?
Can I review and approve all change orders before work continues?
Do you provide digital copies of all reports and invoices?
Will I receive a final inspection checklist?
Do you offer a post-project review or satisfaction survey?
Do you offer disaster recovery planning or prevention advice for future safety?
Will you return my property to pre-loss condition or better?
How do you handle final cleanup and debris disposal?

⚠️ 9. Red Flag Questions (To Spot Scams Early)

Why did you reach out to me — did someone refer you or are you canvassing the neighborhood?
Can you show proof of local work done recently?
Are you asking me to sign a blank authorization or assignment of benefits form?
Do you request to be paid directly by my insurance company?
Are you offering to “cover my deductible”? (🚫 This is illegal in many states.)
Why is your quote significantly lower than others?
Can I speak directly with your previous customers before hiring?
What happens if I decide not to proceed after the inspection?
Do you guarantee a specific insurance payout amount?
Are you pressuring me to sign today?

💡 10. Final Questions That Separate Pros from Scammers

What’s your process from start to finish after I sign the contract?
How do you ensure air quality and health safety during restoration?
Can you show me your project documentation samples?
How do you handle unexpected damage discoveries mid-project?
How do you coordinate with insurance adjusters to avoid delays?
Do you provide temporary housing referrals or coordination?
What makes your company different from others in fire restoration?
How do you ensure customer satisfaction after completion?
Can I meet your onsite crew leader before work begins?
If something goes wrong — who’s accountable, and how will it be fixed?

💬 Bonus Tip from House Fire Solutions

The best fire restoration companies are transparent, patient, and professional.
If someone rushes you, hides information, or refuses to put details in writing — walk away.