FAQ
Questions people ask after a fire
Straight answers, including the ones that are not what you want to hear. If yours is not here, call and ask.
Should I call you or my insurance company first?
Call us first if the building is open to the weather or wet, because that damage compounds by the hour and your policy expects you to prevent it. Then call your insurer. Both calls should happen the same day.
Is the first visit free?
An assessment with no work done is free. Emergency securing and extraction work is chargeable, and the price is stated in writing before it starts. That work is usually a covered mitigation expense, but coverage is between you and your insurer.
Do I have to use the contractor my insurer recommends?
No. In Texas you choose your contractor. An insurer can recommend; it cannot require. Preferred vendors work to the insurer's pricing agreements, which is worth knowing when you decide.
Can you tell me whether my policy covers this?
No. Only your policy and your insurer can, and a contractor who claims otherwise is guessing. We can tell you exactly what damage exists and what repairing it involves, which is what the claim needs.
Do you negotiate with my insurance company?
No. Texas Insurance Code Chapter 4102 reserves that for licensed public adjusters, and a contractor doing the repairs cannot act as one. We document thoroughly, meet the adjuster on site and supply whatever they ask for. If you need someone to negotiate, hire a public adjuster or an attorney and we will work with them.
Will you waive my deductible?
No. It is illegal in Texas for a contractor to waive or absorb an insurance deductible, and it is a reliable sign of a contractor to avoid.
Can I stay in the house?
Sometimes, if the fire was contained and we can isolate the work area. Often not during the first week when air quality is at its worst. We give you a straight answer after the assessment. Your policy's additional living expense coverage usually pays for accommodation.
How long will it all take?
A contained fire with smoke through the house: typically weeks. A structure fire with reconstruction: typically months, plus permit lead times. You get a written schedule after the assessment and an update every time it changes.
The house was already cleaned and painted and it still smells. Can you fix it?
Usually, but it means going back to the source: removing or stripping what was painted over, cleaning and sealing the framing, and refinishing. It is more expensive than doing it right the first time.
What should I take out of the house myself?
Medications, essential documents, valuables and a few days of clothes, if it is safe to enter. Leave the rest for the inventory so the contents claim is complete. Do not throw anything away, even obviously ruined items, until it is documented.
Do you do mold?
Incidental growth on materials being removed anyway, yes. Mold contamination over 25 square feet requires a licensed remediator under Texas law; we stop, document and refer you to one.
Do you handle commercial property?
Yes: restaurants, retail, offices, warehouses, churches and multi-family. The added complexity is tenants, business interruption and phased reopening, and we plan around them.
Are you a franchise?
No. Independent and locally owned, based in Fort Worth. Not on any insurer's vendor program either. See franchise vs independent for the honest trade-offs.
Are you licensed? What credentials do you hold?
Texas does not license general contractors at the state level. Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work on our jobs is done by trade partners holding the state licenses those trades require, under city permits. We do not display certification logos on this site unless we can produce the certificate on request; if you want to see a specific credential, ask.
What areas do you cover?
The whole DFW Metroplex and surrounding counties. See the service area. If in doubt, call.
Do you do water damage that is not from a fire, or storm damage?
Yes. Burst pipes, appliance failures, roof leaks, hail and wind damage use the same crews, equipment and process.
Fire out. Now what?
Call before you touch anything. We will tell you what to do in the next hour, what not to do, and when a crew can be there. No charge for the call, no obligation for the visit.