Coordinating with the Insurance Adjuster Through Reconstruction
Reconstruction scope changes during the rebuild are normal — sometimes we open a wall and find conditions that were not visible during mitigation (galvanized supply line behind the affected drywall, knob-and-tube wiring in older {{city}} homes, structural damage from a long-ago repair that was hidden behind the now-removed material). These conditions become supplemental scope items.
The way we handle supplements determines whether the project stays on schedule or stalls for weeks. Our protocol: photograph the discovered condition immediately, write a supplemental scope item with line-item pricing in Xactimate format, submit to the adjuster with the photos, request approval before proceeding. Most carriers approve straightforward supplements within 2-5 business days. We continue with non-supplement work in parallel so the project doesn't sit idle waiting on approvals.
For supplements involving structural concerns (load-bearing wall changes, electrical service updates, plumbing system upgrades), we may need to bring in a licensed structural engineer or specialty trade for an opinion. That extends the supplement timeline but is the right call when conditions warrant it.