What to ask, and why
Will my belongings sit in a warehouse for months?
Ask for a written, photographed inventory of every packed-out item, the storage location and a cleaning schedule. Soot keeps working on anything left dirty, so ask when cleaning starts as well as when things come home.
Why would the smoke smell return after cleaning?
Residue left in cavities, insulation or ducts. Ask whether the scope covers the furnace and duct system, and whether the framing gets sealed before new drywall goes up.
How much of my house should be packed out?
Only what needs cleaning, protection during repairs or a line on the claim inventory. Ask what's leaving and why, one room at a time.
How can I judge the quality of the rebuild?
Ask who inspects the work, which permits apply and how the punch list gets closed. One company doing both cleanup and rebuild gives you one party to hold accountable. Two companies means each contract has to spell out who owns what.
How do I keep the claim moving?
Keep every receipt for living expenses and a running list of damaged items. Ask the restorer for an itemized structural estimate your adjuster can read; many carriers use Xactimate. Living-expense decisions belong to your insurer.