Reconstruction Service
Fire Damage Reconstruction & Smoke Restoration
Structural and interior rebuild after fire damage — from charred framing replacement through smoke odor remediation and full finish-out.
Overview
What Fire & Smoke Reconstruction Covers
A house fire creates three layers of damage: the burn zone (structure consumed by flame), the smoke zone (everywhere smoke and soot traveled), and the water zone (everything firefighters had to soak). Each layer has its own rebuild standard, and most contractors only handle one. We handle all three under one project manager.
The hardest part of a fire rebuild isn't the obvious char — it's the invisible smoke and soot that penetrates HVAC ducts, attic insulation, electrical boxes, and every porous surface in the home. Skip that step and the new paint will yellow, the new carpet will smell, and the family will move back into a house that never feels clean. Our process handles the rebuild and the restoration as a single coordinated scope.
Common Causes
When This Service Applies
Kitchen fires
Grease, oven, and appliance fires — the most common residential fire type, usually contained but smoke-heavy.
Electrical fires
Failed outlets, overloaded circuits, and aging wiring that ignite inside walls and spread through framing cavities.
HVAC & furnace fires
Mechanical-room fires that spread through duct systems, contaminating air handling throughout the entire home.
Chimney & fireplace fires
Creosote ignition in flues that damage chimney structure and adjacent framing.
Wildfire & exterior
Embers igniting siding, decking, soffits, and roof systems — with heavy smoke infiltration even when structure survives.
Lightning strikes
Direct strikes that damage roof systems, attic framing, and electrical infrastructure with associated fire spread.
Scope of Work
What's Included in the Rebuild
- 01
Structural demolition
Removal of charred framing, sheathing, sub-roof, and any structural members compromised by heat or flame.
- 02
Soot & smoke remediation
Cleaning of HVAC, electrical boxes, attic insulation, and every porous surface — using thermal fogging and HEPA scrubbing where needed.
- 03
Framing & sheathing
Sister-framing or full replacement of burned joists, rafters, studs, and sheathing — engineered repairs where load paths were compromised.
- 04
Mechanical rough-in
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC repair or replacement — coordinated with licensed trades and inspected before close-in.
- 05
Insulation & drywall
New insulation throughout affected areas, hung and finished drywall, and re-textured ceilings to match.
- 06
Cabinetry & finishes
Custom cabinetry, trim, doors, and hardware — full kitchen rebuilds where the fire originated, color-matched paint elsewhere.
- 07
Flooring & odor sealing
Sealing of subfloors and framing with shellac-based primers to permanently lock in any residual smoke odor before flooring goes in.
Warning Signs
When to Call a Reconstruction Contractor
If you're seeing any of these signs, it's time for a professional inspection — most are free, and early intervention dramatically reduces total rebuild scope and cost.
- Persistent smoke odor that returns after cleaning
- Yellowing of newly painted walls or ceilings
- Soot residue inside HVAC vents and registers
- Discolored grout, caulk lines, and silicone seals
- Smoke staining around electrical outlets and switch plates
- Compromised framing visible above ceilings or in attic
Insurance & Coverage
How Fire & Smoke Reconstruction Claims Work
Fire is universally covered by homeowner policies, including smoke and water damage caused by the fire and firefighting efforts. Additional Living Expenses (ALE) typically pays for hotel and food while the home is uninhabitable — track every receipt. We coordinate ALE paperwork alongside the rebuild scope so nothing falls through the cracks.
Read more about how we handle claims on our full services overview or request a free estimate.
Service Area
Fire & Smoke Reconstruction Across Our Markets
Our in-house crews handle fire & smoke reconstruction projects across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas. Click your nearest market for local context, project examples, and team contact.
FAQ
Fire & Smoke Reconstruction Questions, Answered
How long after a fire can rebuild start?+
Once the fire marshal releases the property and the insurance adjuster has documented the loss, mitigation can begin within 24–72 hours. Structural rebuild usually starts 2–4 weeks later, after the scope is approved.
Can the smoke smell really be eliminated?+
Yes — but only if the rebuild includes proper sealing of subfloors, framing, and HVAC. Painting over smoke-damaged surfaces without sealing them first guarantees the odor returns within months.
Does insurance cover content cleaning and storage?+
Yes. Salvageable contents are inventoried, professionally cleaned, and stored offsite while the home is rebuilt. Items deemed non-restorable are claimed at replacement cost (with proper documentation).
What about hidden damage above the ceiling or behind walls?+
Heat travels up. We always inspect attic framing, insulation, and ductwork above the burn zone — supplemental claims handle anything not visible in the initial adjuster walk.
Will the rebuild bring my home up to current code?+
Yes — and your carrier should pay for code-required upgrades (Ordinance & Law coverage, included on most policies). We document every required upgrade in the scope.
Related Services
Often Needed Alongside Fire & Smoke Reconstruction
Structural Reconstruction
Whole-home and structural rebuild after fire, storm, or major water loss — framing, roof systems, foundation repair, and complete finish-out.
Learn moreContents Pack-Out & Storage
Inventory, pack-out, professional cleaning, and climate-controlled storage of your belongings while the rebuild is underway.
Learn moreWater Damage Rebuild
Complete reconstruction after pipe bursts, supply line failures, sewer backups, and flooding — from subfloor through finish carpentry.
Learn moreReady to Start Your Fire & Smoke Reconstruction?
Free estimate. Insurance billed direct. One team from first call to final walkthrough.