Questions to ask every contractor
- Where are your workers based, and how far will they travel to this job?
- Who will be my point of contact from start to finish, and how do I reach them?
- Are your technicians trained in fire and smoke restoration, and do any hold IICRC certification?
- Which parts of the work do you subcontract, and to whom?
- Will you pull the necessary permits through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department?
- Can you give me references from jobs in El Paso County?
- What happens if odor returns after you finish?
Documents to see before signing
- Business registration with the Colorado Secretary of State
- Certificate of liability insurance and workers compensation coverage
- Regional contractor licensing for any construction trades, where required
- A written scope of work with room-by-room detail
- A contract that states the payment schedule and cancellation terms
- A clear statement of who is responsible for disposal and cleanup of the site
Local versus traveling contractors
| Consideration | Based in the region | Traveling from elsewhere |
|---|---|---|
| Return visits | Easier to schedule follow-up checks | May be harder once crews leave the area |
| Capacity after a big fire | May be booked up quickly | Can add capacity when local firms are overwhelmed |
| Knowledge of local rules | Familiar with regional permits and inspections | May need to learn local requirements |
| References | Local references are easy to check | Ask for references from comparable wildfire jobs |
Getting the most from a comparison
Get at least two written scopes for anything beyond light cleaning. Compare them line by line rather than by total, and ask each contractor about items the other included. Differences often reveal what one of them missed.
Before signing, read the clauses about assignment of benefits, direction to pay and cancellation. Colorado law gives homeowners certain rights to cancel some contracts tied to insurance claims within a short period; ask the contractor to point out how cancellation works in their contract, and consider having anything unclear reviewed.
Common questions
- Is an out-of-town contractor automatically a bad choice?
- No. After large fires, local firms can be booked for weeks, and reputable companies from elsewhere help fill the gap. What matters is registration, insurance, a clear contract and a reachable contact after the work ends.
General information for Colorado Springs, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.