Approval first
The reconstruction estimate is written in Xactimate, room by room and trade by trade, with like-for-like, code upgrades and owner upgrades separated, and reviewed with your adjuster. Nothing is demolished beyond mitigation until the scope is agreed or the adjuster has seen it.
Permits and engineering
Structural, electrical, plumbing and significant alterations are permitted through the city or county, each with its own process; charred framing is evaluated by an engineer where its capacity is uncertain. Permits are filed the day the scope is approved.
Demolition and structure
Charred and smoke-saturated materials come out; remaining framing is cleaned and sealed against odor; damaged members are sistered or replaced; roof structure and roofing restored; heat-exposed wiring replaced, not reused; plumbing and HVAC repaired and inspected; insulation replaced to current code.
Finishes
Drywall over sealer, paint, flooring, cabinets, counters, trim, doors and fixtures to like kind and quality, with your upgrades built in where you chose them.
Close-out
Final inspections, walkthrough, contents returned after the odor check, invoice reconciled against the approved scope, and the documentation that releases recoverable depreciation. Billed directly to your insurer on covered work, with code-upgrade and owner-upgrade items shown separately; your deductible applies as your policy states.
