Planning guide
Understanding a written repair estimate after fire or storm damage
Understand the construction scope, unresolved conditions and the difference between a contractor estimate and insurance coverage.
Safety comes before documenting the work
Follow fire officials, local authorities and your insurer's safety instructions. Do not enter a damaged building, climb a roof or disturb damaged materials to collect information for an estimate. Use photos and records you already have, or information gathered when access has been cleared by the appropriate authorities.
Contact your insurer or agent for the claims process. Connecticut Insurance Department guidance explains documenting damage and keeping claim records and receipts. Ask the insurer what documentation is needed before damaged items are removed or permanent repairs begin.
Read the repair list by area and trade
Look for the damaged areas the estimate covers and the construction work proposed in each one. Framing, roofing, siding, windows, drywall and finishes are separate parts of rebuilding. Check removal, debris disposal, materials and finishing work as well as installation.
Ask which conditions have been inspected and which remain uncertain. Concealed damage may require a revised scope when it can be assessed. A photo of a finished kitchen in our restoration gallery does not establish the repair scope for your house.
Separate construction pricing from coverage
We provide a written estimate for construction work. Your insurer decides coverage and payment under your policy. The estimate is not a coverage determination or a promise that the insurer will pay its total.
Review deductibles, limits and exclusions with your insurer or agent. Work outside the covered scope and your deductible may remain your responsibility. If the insurer's scope differs from the construction estimate, ask for the differences to be explained in writing rather than assuming the two totals represent identical work.
Resolve open items before agreeing to rebuild
Ask about allowances, material selections, exclusions, permits where required, and how additional damage or requested upgrades would be handled. Keep restoration of damaged areas separate from improvements you choose to add.
Keep the estimate, insurer correspondence and agreed changes together. Discuss the contract, payment arrangement and scheduling before construction starts. JL's role here is repair estimates and construction, not negotiating or settling your insurance claim.
Take to your estimate conversation
Related work and services
Official homeowner guidance
- CT Insurance Department: Homeowners storm claims
- CT Insurance Department: Consumer tips for filing storm claims
This is general planning guidance, not legal, insurance or building-safety advice. Ask the relevant authority about requirements for your situation.