Fire and Smoke Damage Contractor Services | Portland, OR

A fire damage restoration contractor rebuilds homes after structural fire loss, coordinating demolition, structural repairs, mechanical systems, interior finishes, and insurance documentation.

In the Portland area, Lamont Bros. Design & Construction specializes in large-loss residential fire reconstruction, restoring architectural integrity while aligning scope, budgeting, and insurance requirements under a unified design-build process.

Impact of Fire & Smoke Damage

Proper reconstruction requires structural evaluation, detailed documentation, and craftsmanship that restores the home to its pre-loss condition.

Fire damage affects far more than visibly burned materials:

  • Smoke infiltrates insulation and wall cavities.

  • Heat weakens framing.

  • Water from suppression efforts impacts flooring, drywall, and mechanical systems. 

What Does a Fire Damage Restoration Contractor Do? 

A fire damage restoration contractor manages the full rebuilding process after emergency mitigation is complete.

Unlike mitigation companies that focus on emergency drying and stabilization, a reconstruction contractor restores the home permanently and cohesively.

    • Demolition of compromised materials
    • Structural framing repair or replacement
    • Smoke-damaged insulation removal
    • HVAC system evaluation and restoration
    • Electrical and plumbing system repairs
    • Code-compliant rebuilding
    • Drywall, cabinetry, flooring, and finish carpentry
    • Architectural detail replication
    • Matching trim profiles
    • Creating custom cabinetry
    • Blending hardwood flooring transitions

When Is Fire Damage Considered a Large-Loss Reconstruction?

Fire restoration becomes more complex when damage extends beyond a single room or surface repair.

Large-loss fire reconstruction projects often include:

    • Structural framing exposed to high heat
    • Multi-room or multi-floor damage
    • Smoke penetration into concealed cavities
    • Mechanical system contamination
    • Water damage from fire suppression
    • Reconstruction costs exceeding $100,000
    • Code upgrades triggered by structural repair

In Portland’s hillside neighborhoods, historic districts, and custom-built homes, additional structural or permitting considerations may apply.

These projects require coordination across demolition, structural repair, systems restoration, insulation, drywall, cabinetry, and finish carpentry — sequenced correctly to avoid costly rework.

How Does Fire Damage Restoration Work with Insurance in Portland?

Insurance estimates are often created quickly during the initial claim phase. However, once demolition reveals concealed structural or systems damage, scope clarification is frequently required.

As a fire damage restoration contractor, our role includes creating documentation to support accurate reconstruction.

Our process includes:

    • Room-by-room scope development
    • Structural and systems evaluation
    • Material specifications aligned with pre-loss quality
    • Photographic documentation
    • Detailed cost breakdowns

This documentation helps align homeowners, adjusters, and contractors around a clearly defined reconstruction plan.

While we are not public adjusters, we work collaboratively with insurance representatives to ensure reconstruction reflects the true extent of loss.

Learn more: How Do Restoration Companies Work With Insurance?

fire damage restoration contractor portland

How Long Does It Take to Rebuild After a Fire? 

Timelines depend on scope, structural complexity, permitting requirements, and insurance approvals.

Typical large-loss fire restoration timelines in Portland include:

    • Minor structural involvement: 3–6 months
    • Moderate multi-room reconstruction: 6–9 months
    • Extensive structural rebuilds: 9–12+ months

Permit review timelines vary across Portland, West Linn, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, and Oregon City. Hillside properties and older homes may require additional engineering review.

Proper sequencing and pre-construction planning reduce delays and change orders.

Why Choose a Design-Build Contractor for Fire Damage Restoration?

fire damage restoration design meeting

Fire restoration requires both structural and design expertise.

Without early design planning, repairs can look inconsistent — mismatched trim, visible transitions, or cabinetry that does not align with existing architecture.

As a design-build firm, Lamont Bros. Design & Construction manages planning and construction under one roof. This allows us to:

    • Maintain architectural consistency
    • Pre-select materials before rebuilding begins
    • Define scope clearly before construction
    • Provide organized budgeting for insurance review
    • Coordinate structural and finish work seamlessly

With a design-build firm, homeowners are not left coordinating between designers, contractors, engineers, and adjusters. The process remains centralized and structured.

 Learn about our insurance repair process here: How to Work with a Restoration Contractor to do Insurance Repair 

Fire Damage Restoration Contractor FAQ

 

What is the difference between fire mitigation and fire restoration?

Mitigation focuses on emergency stabilization, debris removal, and drying. Fire restoration refers to the permanent reconstruction of structural components, systems, and finishes to return the home to pre-loss condition.

 

Do I need a licensed contractor for fire reconstruction in Oregon?

Yes. Structural fire reconstruction requires a properly licensed Oregon contractor and may require engineering review and municipal permits depending on scope.

Learn more: Insurance Preferred Providers vs Independent Contractors

 

How soon should reconstruction begin after mitigation?

Reconstruction planning should begin immediately after stabilization to prevent delays in insurance approvals and material selection.

 

Will rebuilding after a fire require code upgrades?

In many cases, yes. Structural repair can trigger updates to meet current building codes, particularly in electrical, insulation, or seismic standards.

 

Can you match custom cabinetry and architectural details?

Yes. Replicating trim profiles, built-ins, hardwood flooring, and specialty finishes is a core component of high-quality fire restoration for custom homes.

 

What happens if the insurance estimate is lower than the reconstruction cost?

Initial estimates may not reflect concealed structural or systems damage. Detailed documentation and scope clarification can support review and adjustment when appropriate.

Learn more: 6 Things to Understand About Your Homeowner's Insurance Policy

 

How do I choose the right fire damage restoration contractor in Portland?

Look for a licensed contractor experienced in structural reconstruction, insurance coordination, and high-quality finish work — not just emergency cleanup services.

Learn more: What Type of Contractor is Best for Insurance Repair?

 

What is the difference between fire mitigation and fire restoration?

Fire mitigation focuses on emergency response—securing the property, removing debris, and preventing further damage. Fire restoration begins after mitigation and involves structural repairs, rebuilding, replacing damaged systems, and restoring the home to pre-loss condition.

Mitigation companies handle immediate stabilization, smoke removal, water extraction (from firefighting), and board-up services. A fire damage restoration contractor like Lamont Bros manages full reconstruction, including framing, roofing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, drywall, cabinetry, and finish work. Many large-loss fire projects require both phases.

 

When should I hire a fire damage restoration contractor?

You should hire a fire damage restoration contractor once mitigation is complete and structural repairs are needed to rebuild the home.

If the fire caused framing damage, roof compromise, smoke infiltration into structural cavities, or destroyed interior finishes, a licensed contractor is required. In Portland and surrounding areas, most structural repairs also require permits and inspections—something a design-build restoration contractor coordinates on your behalf.

 

How long does fire damage restoration take?

Most fire restoration projects take anywhere from 3 to 9 months depending on structural damage, permitting, and insurance approval timelines.

Timeline factors include:

  • Structural framing or roof rebuild
  • Electrical and mechanical system replacement
  • Permit approval
  • Insurance scope revisions
  • Custom cabinetry or specialty finishes
    Large-loss projects involving major reconstruction may take longer. Clear documentation and early contractor involvement help reduce delays.

 

How much does fire damage restoration cost?

Costs vary widely based on severity, but structural fire restoration projects typically range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars.

Cost drivers include:

  • Extent of structural damage
  • Smoke and soot infiltration
  • HVAC replacement
  • Finish level and material quality
  • Code upgrades required during rebuild
  • Insurance coverage limits

Because most projects are insurance-funded, the contractor’s role is to develop an accurate scope of work aligned with your policy coverage.

 

Will my insurance cover fire damage restoration?

Most homeowner insurance policies cover fire damage restoration, including structural repairs and rebuilding, subject to your coverage limits and deductible.

Your contractor does not act as a public adjuster but can:

  • Provide detailed scope documentation
  • Submit cost breakdowns
  • Respond to adjuster questions
  • Clarify construction requirements

Working with a contractor experienced in insurance reconstruction reduces scope disputes and delays.

Learn more: Does Homeowner's Insurance Cover Renovations After Damage?

 

Can you restore a home with severe smoke and structural damage?

Yes. Most homes with structural fire damage can be restored unless damage exceeds rebuilding thresholds or local codes require demolition.

A structural assessment determines:

  • Load-bearing integrity
  • Roof framing stability
  • Subfloor and joist damage
  • Hidden smoke infiltration

In many cases, partial demolition and reconstruction allow the majority of the home to be restored safely and compliantly.

 

Do I need permits for fire damage restoration?

Yes. Structural repairs, electrical replacement, plumbing, HVAC, and major reconstruction typically require permits and inspections.

A licensed restoration contractor manages:

  • Permit applications
  • Engineering documentation
  • Inspection scheduling
  • Code compliance upgrades

Permit oversight protects resale value and ensures safety compliance.

 

Should I choose a restoration company or a design-build contractor?

Mitigation companies handle cleanup; design-build contractors handle complete reconstruction. For large structural fire losses, a design-build restoration contractor provides better long-term results.

Traditional restoration companies focus on drying and debris removal. A design-build contractor:

  • Coordinates architecture and engineering
  • Rebuilds structural systems
  • Restores custom finishes
  • Improves functionality where appropriate

This approach is especially valuable for high-end homes or complex rebuilds.

 

What happens if my home needs to be partially demolished?

Targeted demolition removes damaged structural and finish materials while preserving salvageable areas.

Selective demolition allows:

  • Inspection of hidden framing damage
  • Smoke removal from wall cavities
  • Safe replacement of compromised materials

The goal is to restore structural integrity while minimizing unnecessary removal.

 

How do you document fire damage for insurance approval?

We create detailed scope-of-work documentation with measurements, photos, cost breakdowns, and construction sequencing.

Documentation includes:

  • Pre-loss condition assumptions
  • Line-item cost breakdowns
  • Material specifications
  • Code upgrade requirements
  • Timeline projections

Clear documentation reduces change orders and claim disputes.

 

What areas do you serve for fire damage restoration?

We provide fire damage restoration contractor services throughout Portland, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tigard, and surrounding Oregon communities.

Local knowledge of permitting offices, inspectors, and regional building codes allows us to streamline approvals and construction timelines.

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