Fire Damage Restoration in Highland Park: What’s Covered by Insurance?
Fire Damage Restoration in Highland Park

A fire in your home is one of the most devastating events you can experience—physically, emotionally, and financially. If you’re a homeowner in Highland Park, TX, dealing with fire damage, the first step is understanding your insurance coverage and choosing a trusted local restoration specialist.
At Specialty Contractors, we’ve been helping Highland Park families and property owners recover from fire damage for over 40 years.
As one of DFW’s top-rated insurance restoration contractors, we specialize in working directly with insurance companies to ensure your claim is handled fairly—and your home is restored with care and quality.
Whether the fire was caused by an electrical issue, lightning strike, cooking accident, or nearby wildfire smoke, this blog will help you understand what’s typically covered, what’s not, and what to do next.
Why Highland Park Homes Are Especially at Risk
Highland Park’s beautiful, older homes often feature intricate woodwork, older electrical systems, and limited fire-blocking infrastructure—making fire events more complex.
Common fire scenarios we see in Highland Park include:
- Electrical fires in older wiring systems
- Kitchen fires from gas appliances
- Lightning strike fires during Texas storm season
- Chimney and attic fires
- Smoke and soot damage without visible flames
At Specialty Contractors, we’re equipped to handle all of the above—and more—with rapid response and unmatched expertise in insurance-covered fire restoration.
What’s Typically Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
The good news? Most homeowner insurance policies in Texas do cover fire damage—including both the structural damage and much of the contents loss.
Here's a breakdown:
✅ Covered by Insurance:
- Structural damage (walls, ceilings, roof, framing)
- Smoke and soot damage cleanup
- Water damage from firefighting efforts
- Odor removal and HVAC system cleaning
- Emergency board-up and securing of property
- Temporary relocation (ALE – Additional Living Expenses)
- Damaged contents (with proper documentation)
❌ Not Usually Covered:
- Pre-existing damage
- Upgrades beyond code requirements (unless you have code upgrade coverage)
- Intentional acts or gross negligence
Each policy is unique, which is why Specialty Contractors offers free insurance consultations. We’ll read your policy with you and help you understand exactly what’s covered.
Why Highland Park Homeowners Trust Specialty Contractors
As one of DFW’s longest-standing restoration specialists, Specialty Contractors has earned a reputation for excellence—especially in high-end neighborhoods like Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, and Lakewood.
Why Choose Us?
✅
Insurance Claim Experts
We use Xactimate estimating software and speak directly with your adjuster—so you don’t have to.
✅
Comprehensive Fire Restoration
From emergency board-up and demolition to full interior rebuilds, we manage every phase.
✅
Smoke & Odor Remediation
We use advanced ozone treatments and duct cleaning to fully remove smoke smells.
✅
Contents Inventory & Pack-Out
We catalog and document all damaged items for insurance reimbursement and can store salvageable items off-site.
✅ DFW-Based, Family-Owned, Fully Licensed & Insured
We don’t just restore homes—we restore peace of mind.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Process in Highland Park
Here’s what to expect when you work with Specialty Contractors:
1. Emergency Response & Board-Up
We secure your home to prevent further damage and begin documenting everything for insurance.
2. Damage Assessment & Insurance Estimate
Our team conducts a room-by-room analysis and creates a detailed Xactimate estimate—matching your carrier’s format.
3. Smoke, Soot & Water Cleanup
We handle all debris removal, water extraction, soot cleaning, and deodorization using IICRC-certified techniques.
4. Structural Repairs & Interior Rebuild
From drywall and insulation to cabinetry, tile, flooring, paint, and trim—we rebuild to your exact preferences.
5. Final Walkthrough & Warranty
We do a detailed quality check and leave you with a finished space backed by our industry-leading warranty.
Real Reviews from Highland Park Fire Restoration Clients
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“When our upstairs wiring caught fire, Specialty Contractors showed up within hours. They walked us through the entire claim process, got insurance to approve a full rebuild, and even upgraded our electrical. Highland Park homes require a special touch, and they delivered.”
— Rachel M., Highland Park, TX
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Specialty rebuilt our smoke-damaged kitchen and removed all the odor from the HVAC. They coordinated everything with our adjuster, and we barely lifted a finger.”
— Tom D., University Park, TX
Do You Need a Public Adjuster?
Not necessarily. When you work with Specialty Contractors, we handle everything you’d expect a public adjuster to do—but we also rebuild your home. We fight for fair insurance payouts while staying accountable to you, not your carrier.
Common Fire-Related Insurance Questions
Q: Do I need to use the contractor my insurance company recommends?
A: No. You have the right to choose any licensed contractor. Specialty Contractors meets and exceeds all carrier requirements—and we’re local and trusted.
Q: How long will repairs take?
A: Depending on the extent of the damage, most fire restoration jobs take between 4–12 weeks. We provide a detailed timeline after inspection.
Q: What if smoke is my only issue?
A: Smoke and odor damage is fully covered under most fire policies, and we offer full smoke remediation—even when no flames were present.
What to Do Immediately After a Fire
If you’ve had a fire in your Highland Park home, here’s your checklist:
- Ensure your family is safe and call 911 if needed
- Contact your insurance provider and file a claim
- Call Specialty Contractors for a free, no-obligation inspection
- Avoid entering the home until cleared by fire authorities
- Don’t throw anything away—we document everything for coverage
Let Specialty Contractors Help You Rebuild—Better Than Before
Your Highland Park home is too valuable to trust to just anyone. Choose a restoration partner that understands the neighborhood, works seamlessly with insurance, and delivers top-tier craftsmanship from start to finish.
📍 Local to Dallas County | Serving Highland Park & Beyond
📞 Call Now for Emergency Board-Up or Free Inspection: 214-389-5130
🌐 Visit
www.callspecialty.com
to schedule your consultation today.