Smoke damage needs a clearer scope.

Start with safe access and authority

Return only when responsible authorities permit it. For your recovery brief, identify your role, whether access is restricted and which areas were reported affected. A home that remains standing is not automatically cleared for occupancy. Do not enter to take photographs just to finish this planner.

• Authority-reported access status
• Rooms with observed smoke or fire effects
• Contents concerns and existing inventories
• Providers retained and work already authorized

Separate the building from its contents

Ask proposals to distinguish building restoration from contents evaluation, packing, transport, storage and return. Identify belongings requiring specialist review without uploading unnecessary personal information. Keep inventories and written authorizations so you know which company is responsible for each part of the project.

Ask what the proposed process actually covers

A brief phrase such as “smoke cleanup” is not a complete scope. Request written areas, inspection assumptions, exclusions and the process for additional findings. Ask who assesses building systems or specialist materials when appropriate, and who records completion. This resource cannot determine contamination, cleaning methods or whether an item can be restored.

Prepare a reconstruction decision separately

If demolition or reconstruction is proposed, compare affected areas, replacement materials, trade coordination, payment milestones and change approvals. Preserve original photographs, reports and receipts. The planner helps organize these details before optional independent provider review; it is not a safety clearance, a restoration estimate or an insurance determination.