Does homeowners insurance cover fire damage restoration?
Yes, in most cases. Standard homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage under Coverage A (dwelling) and Coverage C (personal property). This includes demolition, cleanup, structural repairs, and reconstruction. Most policies also include Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage for temporary housing. The key is making sure your claim is fully documented before any work begins — which is exactly what Phase III does on every job.
Does insurance cover hail damage to my roof?
Yes. Hail damage to your roof is typically covered under the wind and hail peril in your homeowners policy. However, the payout depends on whether you have ACV (Actual Cash Value) or RCV (Replacement Cost Value) coverage. Phase III inspects the full scope of damage — not just what's visible — and documents everything for your adjuster.
What is the difference between ACV and RCV?
ACV (Actual Cash Value) pays the depreciated value of damaged property — meaning the insurance company factors in the age and condition of materials before issuing payment. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays what it actually costs to replace damaged materials at today's prices. If your policy is ACV, your out-of-pocket costs will be higher. We help you understand your policy before work begins.
How long does restoration take after a fire?
It depends on severity. A limited fire affecting one room with smoke damage to adjacent areas can take 4–8 weeks. A major fire involving structural damage may take 4–9 months. Phase III keeps your project moving by coordinating every trade, pulling all permits, and maintaining open communication with your adjuster throughout.
How long does water damage restoration take?
Emergency water extraction happens within the first 24 hours. Structural drying typically takes 3–5 days with industrial dehumidifiers and moisture monitoring. Mold testing follows, then repairs — which depend on scope but typically take 1–4 weeks for moderate damage.
What should I do first after a fire or flood?
After ensuring everyone is safe:
- Do not re-enter the structure until it's declared safe.
- Call your insurance company to open a claim.
- Call Phase III — we arrive quickly, document the damage, and begin emergency stabilization before anything else is moved or cleaned.
Do not attempt cleanup yourself — it can compromise your claim.
Can I choose my own contractor for insurance repairs?
Yes. You have the right to choose your own licensed contractor. Your insurance company may suggest a preferred vendor, but you are not required to use them. Phase III works alongside your adjuster — we document the full scope and advocate for your complete claim regardless of which carrier you have.
What is a supplement claim?
A supplement is a revised or additional estimate submitted to the insurance company after the initial adjuster estimate is issued. Supplements are common — adjusters often miss items on the first visit. Phase III reviews every initial estimate line by line and supplements aggressively to make sure nothing is left on the table.
Will filing a restoration claim raise my insurance rates?
It depends on your carrier, state, and claim history. In Michigan, a single claim typically has minimal impact on your premium. The more important question is whether your claim will be denied or underpaid — which is where Phase III earns its value. We recommend talking to your agent about your specific policy before making a decision.
What is overhead and profit (O&P) and why does my contractor charge it?
Overhead and Profit (O&P) is a standard markup applied to a restoration estimate to cover a general contractor's indirect business costs — project management, supervision, insurance, equipment, and administration. It is a recognized line item in Xactimate (the industry-standard estimating software) and is routinely included in legitimate insurance claims. If an adjuster refuses to pay O&P, Phase III will document and challenge it.
How does Phase III fight for my full claim amount?
We start by reviewing the carrier's initial estimate line by line against what we found on-site. Where items are missing, we document and supplement. Where scope is underestimated, we provide photos, measurements, and contractor invoices. If a claim is significantly underpaid, we can recommend a public adjuster or help you navigate the appraisal process. We don't stop until you receive what you're owed.
Do you work with all insurance companies?
Yes. We work with all major homeowners insurance carriers in Michigan — State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Auto-Owners, Citizens, Hanover, Travelers, and others. Our team knows how each carrier operates and what documentation they require.
What areas of Southeast Michigan do you serve?
Phase III serves 49 cities across Wayne County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County, and Livingston County. This includes Detroit Metro, Ann Arbor, Troy, Rochester Hills, Novi, Livonia, Westland, Brighton, and dozens more. See our full coverage map at
/coverage/.
Is Phase III Construction licensed and insured?
Yes. Phase III Construction LLC holds Michigan General Contractor License #262000615. We carry full general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. We are BBB A+ rated and have been serving SE Michigan homeowners for over 20 years.
How do I get started with Phase III?
Call us at
(734) 237-7322. We'll schedule a free property inspection, walk the damage with you, and give you an honest assessment of your claim — no obligation. For emergencies, we respond 24/7.