Phase III Construction — SE Michigan
A house fire is one of the most disruptive events a family can go through. Here is exactly what the claim and restoration process looks like when you work with Phase III — from the day after the fire through the day you move back in.
Start Your IntakeFrom First Call to Final Walkthrough
Fire claims are the most complex restoration claims Phase III handles. They involve structural damage, smoke and soot contamination, water damage from firefighting efforts, contents loss, and extended displacement — often all in the same claim. This is what the process looks like from your perspective.
Do not re-enter the structure until the fire marshal or your local building authority has declared it safe. Once the all-clear is given, Phase III handles board-up and emergency tarping to secure the structure and prevent further damage. These emergency services are part of your claim and are documented from the first hour.
Phase III deploys board-up, tarping, and emergency fencing within hours of your call. The goal is to stop weather intrusion and unauthorized entry while the structure is open. All emergency work is photo-documented and submitted to your carrier as part of the claim — it does not come out of pocket.
Do not let anyone remove debris, move contents, or begin any cleaning before Phase III documents the scene. Disturbing the loss before documentation can damage your claim.Phase III performs a full room-by-room documentation of the fire damage, smoke and soot migration, water damage from suppression, and structural compromise. This is a detailed, photographic record that establishes the full scope before your insurance adjuster arrives. Fire claims frequently involve damage in areas that were not directly burned — smoke travels far, and water from suppression can saturate floors, walls, and cavities far from the fire origin.
If the fire made your home uninhabitable, your homeowners policy almost certainly includes Coverage D — Additional Living Expenses. This covers the difference between your normal living costs and what you are now spending on hotel stays, a rental home, restaurant meals, laundry, and other necessary displaced expenses. Coverage D activates from the date of loss and continues while your home is being restored — which on a major fire can be 6 to 12 months.
ALE does not pay itself. You must track actual expenses, submit receipts, and communicate regularly with your adjuster. Phase III helps you set up this process correctly from day one so you do not leave money on the table. Keep every receipt from the day of the fire forward.Your homeowners policy covers not just the structure but also your personal belongings destroyed or damaged in the fire. This is a separate line item in your claim called Coverage C (Personal Property). You are responsible for documenting what you lost — Phase III assists with the contents inventory process and can recommend a contents specialist for high-value or complex situations. Do not underestimate this part of your claim. Contents on a major fire can represent tens of thousands of dollars.
Start your contents list as early as possible. Go room by room, estimate age and replacement cost for each item, and gather any receipts, photos, or credit card records that support value. The carrier will apply depreciation — your policy terms determine how much is recoverable.Your carrier assigns an adjuster and schedules an inspection. Phase III is on site for the inspection with our full documentation package. Fire adjusters work from the same Xactimate platform we use — but their scope is limited by what they see on one visit. We make sure every affected area is walked, every damaged component is included, and every cost is supported by documentation before the adjuster leaves the property.
The carrier's initial estimate on a fire claim is almost always incomplete. Missed line items, underpriced materials, excluded categories, and depreciation errors are standard. Phase III builds a detailed Xactimate supplement, submits it to the adjuster, and manages the back-and-forth until the approved scope reflects the actual cost to fully restore your property. You do not need to be involved in that negotiation — that is our job.
Before rebuilding can begin, all fire-damaged, smoke-contaminated, and water-saturated materials must be removed and the structure must pass air quality and moisture tests. Phase III manages the full remediation sequence: demo, odor treatment, structural drying, mold prevention, and air quality clearance. Every phase is documented for your carrier.
With remediation complete and the scope approved, Phase III rebuilds. Structural framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, painting, trim — every trade, every permit, every inspection. One company accountable for all of it, Michigan Builders License #262000615. The job is not complete until you walk through and sign off.
If you have a mortgage, your insurance checks will be co-payable to you and your lender. Your lender must endorse and release funds, typically in draws tied to construction progress. This process varies by lender and can add several weeks. Phase III will guide you through what your specific lender requires and when to submit documentation to avoid delays.Be Prepared
You do not need everything on day one. But having these items available speeds up the intake process and helps us give you an accurate read on your claim from the start.
Common Questions
Submit your information and Phase III will be in touch within one business day to schedule your inspection and walk you through next steps.