Reviewed October 11, 2026 · General homeowner guidance

Compare the same rooms and materials
List rooms, surfaces and belongings included in each estimate. Ask whether smoke cleaning, water removal and drying are all included. An estimate that excludes hidden spaces or contents is not directly comparable to one that includes them. Get differences clarified in writing before choosing based on the total.
Make approval and exclusions visible
Identify assessment charges, temporary protection, disposal, permits and later reconstruction. Ask who authorizes changes and whether separate trades are required. Confirm the business identity and applicable credentials in official records. Do not assume a website badge is credential proof.
Agree on completion evidence
Ask what photographs, moisture records, material findings and work summary will be provided. Define who checks the agreed scope and how unresolved concerns are handled. Share documentation with your insurer as required, while keeping restoration findings separate from the insurer’s coverage decision.
- Entry permissionResponsible authority sets access limits.
- AssessmentBusiness records rooms, materials and work limits.
- Written scopeYou clarify charges, exclusions and approvals.
- Completion recordsKeep findings before the rebuilding handoff.
Prepare your restoration conversation
Select the observations you already know. This tool works in this page only; it sends and saves nothing. It does not decide whether entry is safe.
Related next steps
Explore the relevant service scope ↗ · Atlanta address preparation ↗