Before the restoration process begins, adjusters should consider the following steps:

Wear proper personal protective equipment before entering any fire-damaged building. Keep in mind that you have no idea what chemicals or toxins may be present or that the fire may have created.
Document the damages with a Matterport. This will provide a clear image for all interested parties on the severity of damage and help support your recommendations on what can be restored and what should be replaced.
Manage the insured's expectations. Inform them of what restoration processes may be used and have the contractor explain what their smoke deodorization guarantee includes or does not include.
Be mindful of the air temperature and humidity. Cold temperatures, especially in the winter months, can cause certain materials to retain smoke odor, which can later release when the temperature rises. In some cases, the use of electric heaters may be necessary to raise the indoor temperature, which can help open pores in materials and release odors.
Have an independent laboratory conduct air and surface sampling to determine what chemicals, heavy metals and other toxins may be present. When these types of tests are conducted, a remediation protocol should be included (providing that the testing lab understands the methods of proper smoke odor and particulate remediation). This is similar to what hygienists create for mold remediation or asbestos abatement projects.
If you don't think certain materials can be restored or if the cost of restoration exceeds the materials or items' value, then consider replacement.
Once the deodorization process is complete, have an independent testing laboratory conduct a clearance test prior to beginning repairs or installing new materials. If this test passes, then you have scientific proof that during the slice of time that the remediation work was done and tested, the affected areas passed and were deemed safe for use or occupancy. Without a clearance test, the proof of a successful deodorization may end up in a battle of the senses — the adjuster's sense of smell versus the insureds.

Sean Scott is a licensed general contractor in California who has spent over 43 years in the construction and restoration industry. Throughout his career, Sean has worked with all the major insurance carriers that underwrite residential and commercial policies and has worked directly with claims adjusters, independent adjusters, third-party administrators, public adjusters and attorneys. He has written and co-written a number of books on disaster preparedness and insurance, including "The Red Guide to Recovery – Resource Handbook for Disaster Survivors."

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