Matching restoration scope to what insurance approved

The restoration company walks in with a plan that sounds like the whole first floor. Your insurer approved three rooms and a water heater.

Those are not the same job. If you nod, you may eat the difference.

Align the paper before the demo gets ahead of the claim.

Do this now

1. Put the insurer’s approved scope next to the contractor’s estimate. Line by line.
2. Don’t let them open extra rooms “while we’re here” without a written change and a plan to ask the carrier.
3. Ask the contractor who files the supplement and how you’ll see it.
4. Photograph every room before and after they work, even the ones not on the list.
5. If they already went past the approval, stop the extra work and call the adjuster the same day.

Why this blows up in Houston

Slow-receding water and hidden slab moisture make honest extras common. Crooked extras are common too. After Harvey, Houstonians often report a crew that “found” a whole wing the adjuster never saw. Sometimes that’s real wicking. Sometimes it’s a bigger invoice. You need photos of the new problem, not a story.

Supplements are a process, not a vibe

The contractor documents new damage. You or they send it to the carrier. The carrier says yes, no, or send more. Meanwhile you’re living in a shell. That’s miserable. It’s still better than a surprise bill when the fans leave. If you can pay for true emergency mitigation, do that and keep the receipt.

Contents vs dwelling vs the contractor’s upsell

Pulling a soaked sofa is contents. Replacing drywall is dwelling. A new kitchen you always wanted is you. Don’t let a flood become a remodel on a credit card because the crew had granite samples in the truck. Repair what’s damaged. Upgrade later when you’re not sleeping at your sister’s.

Do this next

1. Door-to-door after Harvey-style events: patterns to refuse
2. Checking licenses and references in Texas under pressure
3. Commercial providers hub

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