Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mitigation and reconstruction?
Mitigation is the early work intended to reduce further damage after a loss. It may include board-up, water extraction, drying, smoke cleanup, deodorization, contents handling, and short-term stabilization. Reconstruction is the permanent repair or rebuild of the damaged structure. Reconstruction may involve scope development, engineering, plans, permits, inspections, framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, finishes, and final completion.
Do you do mitigation, mold remediation, abatement, or contents cleaning?
No. Fire Damage Restoration Contractors, Inc. DBA Coast Construction Company focuses on reconstruction. We do not perform mitigation, mold remediation, lead or asbestos abatement, contents inventory, contents cleaning, packout, storage, or pack-in. Those services are handled by separate specialty companies. We may coordinate around their work when it affects the reconstruction process.
When should I contact a reconstruction contractor?
You should contact a reconstruction contractor when the structure may require permanent repair, rebuilding, engineering, permits, or insurance-funded reconstruction. It is often helpful to involve a reconstruction contractor before the repair scope is finalized — because early decisions can affect the accuracy of the scope, permit requirements, construction sequence, and eventual rebuild.
Will my insurance estimate cover the full rebuild?
Not always. Initial insurance estimates are often prepared early in the claim based on limited information. They may not include all structural damage, code requirements, engineering needs, permit requirements, or finish details. A reconstruction project often needs further development before it becomes a complete, buildable scope of work.
Can you work with my insurance company or public adjuster?
Yes. We regularly work with insurance-related scopes, estimates, documentation, and reconstruction requirements. We are not public adjusters and do not replace the role of a licensed public adjuster. Our role is to develop, document, coordinate, and perform the reconstruction work needed to repair or rebuild the damaged property.
Do you help with plans, permits, and engineering?
Yes. When a project requires plans, engineering, or permits, we coordinate with the necessary professionals, building departments, inspectors, and trades so the project can move toward legal and code-compliant reconstruction. Major fire and structural reconstruction often cannot begin until the required plans, permits, inspections, and approvals are in place.
How long does reconstruction take?
Every project is different. Reconstruction timing depends on the damage, insurance review, engineering, plans, permits, abatement, inspections, material availability, subcontractor scheduling, mortgage-company involvement, and the final scope of work. In many major losses, important project-development work happens before visible construction begins. This is normal and expected.
Can we live in our home during reconstruction?
It depends on the condition of the property, the type of damage, safety issues, utility status, abatement requirements, and the scope of work. Some projects may allow limited occupancy; others require the property to remain vacant until the work is complete or safe phases are reached. This should be evaluated project by project.
Do you handle board-up and emergency services?
Yes. Emergency board-up is often the first step after fire, break-ins, vandalism, impact damage, broken windows, or exposed structural openings. Board-up helps secure the property, reduce weather exposure, limit unauthorized access, and prevent further damage. Board-up is different from full reconstruction, but it may become the first step in a larger reconstruction project. Available 24/7 — call (510) 533-7168 and press 2 for emergency services.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the greater San Francisco Bay Area with a focus on the East Bay, especially Alameda County and Contra Costa County. For reconstruction, we also accept select projects in San Francisco, San Mateo County, Marin County, Solano County, and Milpitas. Emergency board-up service covers the full San Francisco Bay Area with no exclusions. Project acceptance for reconstruction depends on scope, location, and access.
How do I get started?
The best next step is to contact us directly. We will discuss the property damage, claim status, immediate securing needs, insurance estimate, mitigation status, location, and whether reconstruction support is appropriate. Call (510) 533-7168 or use the form on the Start the Process page.
Frequently Unasked Questions
These are the questions people should ask before choosing a reconstruction contractor — but rarely do.
Who does the reconstruction contractor work for?
The reconstruction contractor works for the property owner. The insurance company may fund the project under the policy, but the contractor's responsibility is to the customer who hires them. Coast Construction's contract is with you — not with your insurer.
Is the first insurance estimate the same as the construction scope?
No. The initial insurance estimate is usually an early claim document. It may help move the claim forward, but it is not always a complete construction scope, final project cost, engineered plan, or permit-ready reconstruction package. A good reconstruction contractor develops the project beyond the initial estimate.
Why might nothing seem to happen at the building for a while?
Much of the early reconstruction process happens behind the scenes. The insurer may be reviewing estimates, engineers may be preparing plans, permit departments may be reviewing drawings, abatement may need to occur, and the reconstruction scope may still be developing. The building may look unchanged even while important project-development work is underway.
Why do policy limits matter before reconstruction begins?
Insurance policies often have different limits for dwelling reconstruction, contents, additional living expenses, code upgrades, debris removal, and other categories. Poor sequencing or unnecessary vendor costs can consume available funds before the structure is fully rebuilt. Understanding the policy and vendor roles early can help protect the funds needed for reconstruction.
Are bigger restoration companies always better?
Not necessarily. Large companies may have broad emergency-response capacity, but reconstruction requires focused construction expertise, project coordination, permits, inspections, trade sequencing, and scope development. The right contractor is the one whose skills match the reconstruction phase of the project — not the cleanup phase.
Will payment delays stop my job?
With some contractors, yes. Coast Construction's contract is structured to avoid this problem and keep your project moving. We fund work while waiting for insurer and mortgage payments, so payment timing delays do not cause construction to stop.
Do I need to worry about coverage limits and how costs are categorized?
Yes — and this is one of the most underappreciated factors in choosing a reconstruction contractor. Insurance policies have multiple sub-limits. How costs are categorized across dwelling, code upgrade, contents, ALE, and other buckets affects how much is ultimately available for the rebuild. Our expertise in this area helps avoid surprises that other contractors miss.
Independent Policyholder Resource
United Policyholders is a nonprofit that advocates for insurance policyholders and provides free educational resources for people navigating property claims. We recommend their materials as an independent resource with no affiliation to our company.
United Policyholders — uphelp.org →