When disaster strikes—whether it’s a burst pipe, fire damage, or a mold outbreak—homeowners are often faced with a fast-moving list of decisions. One of the most important? Who you choose to restore your home. While it may be tempting to call a local contractor you’ve heard good things about, there are key advantages to choosing a restoration company that’s already partnered with your insurance carrier.
First, it’s all about understanding the process. Restoration contractors who regularly work with insurance carriers already know exactly how claims need to be documented. They follow specific guidelines set by each carrier, including how to write scopes of work, how to estimate costs, and how to ensure that everything lines up with the pricing systems insurance companies use.
General contractors, on the other hand, may not work within these systems. That doesn’t mean they’re bad at what they do—but it means their estimates may not match what your insurance company is actually willing to pay. So while your contractor might quote $5,000 for new cabinets, your insurance provider might only approve $3,500 based on like-kind replacement costs. That gap can leave you covering the difference out of pocket.
When you choose a contractor who’s already familiar with insurance restoration, you avoid those kinds of surprises. They know what to expect, and they can work directly with your adjuster to keep things moving smoothly. This avoids frustrating delays, back-and-forth negotiations, and out-of-pocket costs that weren’t part of your plan.
If you do decide to go with a local contractor who isn’t affiliated with your insurance company, the smartest move is to ask for a detailed scope of work. Share it with your insurance adjuster, and make sure the contractor is open to speaking directly with them. That way, everyone stays on the same page, and you’ll have a clearer picture of how much will be covered and how much won’t.
Another smart move is to start documenting what’s been damaged in your home as early as possible. This includes your contents—the things inside the home, like furniture, electronics, and valuables. Before the mitigation team arrives, make a list of everything that’s been affected. Mark which items are valuable, which are fragile, and which ones need special care. This helps the professionals move quickly and with confidence, knowing how to handle your belongings with respect and care.
Also keep in mind that insurance only pays for replacing materials with something similar in value. For example, if you had Formica countertops and you want to upgrade to granite, your insurance will only pay what the Formica was worth. If the Formica costs $1.50 per square foot and granite is $3.50, you’ll need to pay the $2 difference. This can still be a great time to make upgrades—you’re already rebuilding—but it’s important to know what your policy will actually cover.
In the end, the right contractor can do more than fix damage—they can take the weight off your shoulders. By working with someone who understands both restoration and insurance, you’ll have a smoother experience, fewer surprises, and a faster return to normal. Your home deserves expert care, and so do you.
