Why We Don’t Take on Restoration Insurance Work
At Odd Fellows Contracting, we are passionate about helping homeowners reimagine and transform their spaces through thoughtful, high-quality home remodeling. After 37 years of being in business, we specialize in custom design-build projects that are planned meticulously and built to last. One question we occasionally get is: Do you handle insurance restoration work?
The short answer is: No, we do not take on insurance restoration jobs. And we want to take a moment to explain why—because it’s not about the size of the project or the urgency of the work. It’s about the core differences between restoration insurance work and our design-build remodeling process. Here are a few of the reasons why we have found that we are not typically a great fit for insurance restoration work:
Insurance Work Typically Requires Specific Estimating Software—Which We Don’t Use
Insurance companies require detailed, fixed estimates using specialized software (typically Xactimate or something similar). These systems are designed for restoration contractors who work on a fixed-scope, fixed-price basis in a fast-moving, transactional environment.
Our approach is different. We work collaboratively with clients through a design-build process that involves exploring design options, selecting materials, and refining the project scope. Our estimates are developed in tandem with the design process and are tailored to each unique home and vision—not mass-generated line items in insurance claim software.
With insurance work, the insurance company will typically require you to get three estimates. They will use the information from those estimates toward determining a payout on the claim. It often requires back and forth between the contractor and the insurance company. Because of the nature of design-build remodeling, we do not provide line items estimates which are required by the insurance company.
Restoration Timelines Don’t Match the Design-Build Process
We understand that when disaster strikes—whether from water damage, fire, or storms—homeowners want their space restored quickly. And rightly so, I have lived through a house flooding due to a broken pipe and I wanted it done right away!
However, our process is intentionally methodical. It’s built for clients who are remodeling by choice, not by necessity. From initial design through construction, our full-project timelines typically extend longer than what’s practical or acceptable for urgent restoration needs. Simply put: we can’t deliver the speed that insurance-related restoration demands without sacrificing the quality and attention to detail we’re known for.
Our Business Model Is Built for Full Remodels—Not Piecework
Our team, systems, and craftsmanship are all structured around delivering complete remodeling projects—kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and full-home renovations. Restoration work often requires addressing small, isolated sections of a home on a piece-rate basis (e.g., repairing just the drywall in one room or replacing only the flooring in another).
This kind of fragmented, insurance-driven work doesn’t align with how our team is set up to operate. We focus on the big picture—integrating design, functionality, and aesthetics throughout a cohesive space—not patchwork repairs.
What We Can Do
We have on occasion worked with homeowners that have experienced an insurance related incident. This has been with homeowners that understand that we will be working directly with them and not working with the insurance company. This typically means that the homeowner will accept payment for the work to be done by the insurance company and then use that toward working with us. In our experience, the payment from the insurance company rarely comes close to the actual costs for a full remodel but it can be used towards a remodeling project that you may have been previously (or now) considering before the unfortunate incident.
While we don’t take on insurance restoration jobs, we’re always happy to refer homeowners to qualified restoration contractors who specialize in this type of work. And once your home has been stabilized and you’re ready to think about long-term improvements, we’re here to help with full remodel planning.
Whether you’re dreaming of a modern kitchen or a whole-home refresh, our team is ready to partner with you to bring your vision to life—on your timeline, and on your terms.
Have questions about our process or want to explore a remodeling project?
Contact us today—we’d love to work with you to make beautiful changes to your home!