After a fire, flood, or big structural emergency, you might be staring at a wrecked home or business and thinking — do I really need to call another contractor after the restoration crew leaves?
At Bravo Restoration & Construction (BRC), we get asked this a lot. So, we want to give you honest, straightforward answers.
Let’s walk you through when grabbing a separate contractor actually makes sense… and when it’s totally unnecessary (and sometimes even counterproductive). By the end, you’ll see why having a licensed general contractor doing both restoration and reconstruction can save you a whole lot of headache.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
Not sure if you need a second company after disaster? Here’s a quick version of what you should know:
- Many restoration companies can clean up damage, but not all are setup (or licensed) to rebuild.
- Licensed general contractors — like BRC — are certified to handle full reconstruction after damage.
- Hiring a single company to do both cleanup and repair/rebuild usually saves you time, money, and avoids stress.
- BRC offers start-to-finish service — from emergency response, cleanup, to final rebuild — so you don’t have to juggle multiple vendors.
- You don’t have to use your insurance company’s “preferred contractor.” It’s your call.
- If you already want to use your own contractor, BRC is totally fine coordinating with them — we’ll support the process.
The Bottom Line
Working with a licensed general contractor like Bravo Restoration & Construction keeps things simple. You get peace of mind from start to finish — with one team handling everything.
Understanding the Restoration vs. Construction Gap
When disaster hits, you usually call a restoration company first. Their job: clean up the mess, stabilize what’s left, and keep further damage from happening. That often includes things like:
- Extracting water and thoroughly drying the place
- Dealing with mold if it showed up
- Removing smoke, soot, ash — all that nastiness
- Structural drying and deep cleaning
But after that cleanup? Someone still needs to step in and rebuild — take down damaged walls, replace drywall, reinstall flooring, fix structural issues, etc.
That’s where confusion frequently shows up. Some restoration teams stop at cleanup. They leave you with a report (if you’re lucky) and tell you to go find a contractor to finish the rebuild.
Others — like us at BRC — are fully licensed general contractors. That means we can pick up where cleanup ends and legally keep going through rebuilding, framing, finishing — all without missing a beat.
So, if a flood wrecks havoc in your basement or a (storm damages your roof, we’re you’re one-stop-shop [LINK TO JAN BLOG 1])!
What Is a Licensed General Contractor and Why It Matters
A licensed general contractor is someone certified by the state (in California, that means through the California Contractors State License Board, CSLB) to oversee all phases of residential or commercial construction. That includes plumbing, framing, roofing, and finishing work — basically from foundation to final touches.
At BRC, we’re proud to hold a full general contractor’s license, plus we’ve got Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) credentials and advanced microbial remediation training. So, you’re not just getting a cleanup crew. Instead, you get an experienced team that can handle everything: restoration, repair, full rebuild — from start to finish.
Why Does Licensing Matter?
Because if someone does unlicensed work, that can cause a bunch of headaches:
- Code violations that may get you in trouble
- Repairs done poorly or unsafely
- Insurance claims that get denied
- Surprise out-of-pocket costs later on
The Problem with Hiring Separate Contractors
Imagine you hired a restoration company for water damage cleanup. Once that’s done, now it’s on you to:
- Track down another contractor
- Explain all over again what damage happened and what needs to be done
- Try to sync timelines between two separate teams
- Handle permit applications, inspections, scheduling, etc.
That’s a ton of extra work — especially when you’re already dealing with the stress and emotional load of property damage.
Even worse? Miscommunication between your restoration team and construction crew can lead to:
- Hidden damage that gets missed behind walls
- Materials that don’t match or work well together
- Delays before rebuild can even start
- Conflicts over who’s responsible for what
(Why juggle two separate crews [LINK TO JAN BLOG 3]) when one solid, licensed company can handle it all smoothly?
Benefits of Choosing a Full-Service Restoration Contractor Like BRC
At BRC, we cover every phase — from emergency response to final walk-through. One team, one point of contact, one stop. Here’s how that helps you:
✅ Single Point of Contact
You don’t keep switching phones or emails. One dedicated project manager stays with you the entire time and keeps you updated.
✅ Faster Timeline
Because restoration and reconstruction are all handled in-house, we shift from drying to rebuilding without delays or weird handoffs.
✅ Insurance Expertise
We know how to talk to insurance companies. With our general contractor status, we ensure your claim covers cleanup, repair, and rebuild — leaving less for you to worry about.
✅ Quality Control
You’re not getting random subcontractors. You get seasoned professionals — techs and carpenters — who stick to high standards in craftsmanship and safety.
✅ Local, Trusted Team
We live and work around Sonoma and Marin Counties. We’re not some out-of-town crew dropped in for one big job — we’re your neighbors.
When You Might Need a Separate Contractor
We’re honest people. Sometimes bringing in an outside contractor is totally valid. A few situations where that might make sense:
1. Major Remodel Beyond Restoration
Maybe you want to take advantage of the rebuild to redesign your kitchen layout or add a new wing to the house — more complex remodels or design-heavy projects might benefit from a specialty remodeler or architect.
At BRC, we can do additions and remodels fine — but if you’re going full-custom or have a big design vision, we’ll gladly team up or refer you to the right folks.
2. Insurance Limitations
Sometimes insurance only covers specific repairs tied to damage — like replacing water-damaged flooring in just one room. If you want upgrades beyond that, or want to expand scope, you might involve another contractor. That said — BRC will still handle any restoration‑related rebuilds that fall under coverage.
3. Owner Preference
Maybe you have a trusted contractor you’ve worked with before and want to stay with them. That’s totally okay. We’ll coordinate, make sure our restoration work is complete, then step aside and let your contractor handle their thing.
How BRC Protects You with Full Licensing and Experience
Look — not all restoration companies are licensed general contractors. And that can be risky for you.
If a company isn’t licensed for structural rebuilds, they might:
- Outsource to questionable subs
- Skip necessary permits entirely
- Disappear on you if something goes wrong
With BRC, you’re covered. We are:
- A licensed general contractor in California (CSLB)
- An IICRC‑Certified Firm
- Certified in microbial remediation
- Proud recipients of awards (like the Restoration & Remediation Ladder Award and North Bay 40 Under 40)
We’ve earned a solid reputation by blending hands‑on care with professional-grade construction work. When disaster hits — we don’t just clean up. We rebuild with heart, precision, and real expertise.
FAQs: Contractor vs. Restoration Company
Below are some (common questions we hear from homeowners and business owners [LINK TO JAN BLOG 2]) wondering if they need a separate contractor — or if it’s avoidable:
Can my insurance company force me to use a separate contractor?
Nope. Even if they suggest “preferred vendors,” you decide who works on your property. You’re totally allowed to hire a licensed general contractor who offers both restoration and reconstruction — like BRC.
Does hiring a single company cost more?
Actually, usually it costs less. You avoid double project‑management fees, reduce overlapping timelines, and get one clear estimate upfront — no surprises.
How do I know if my restoration company is licensed for construction?
Just ask to see their CSLB license. BRC is fully licensed and insured to handle all general contracting needs tied to restoration.
What happens if I hire a restoration-only company first?
Chances are you’ll need to find and coordinate with a separate contractor to finish repairs and rebuild — which can lead to miscommunication, delays, and unexpected expenses.
Can BRC still work with my preferred contractor or designer?
Absolutely. If you’ve got someone in mind — a contractor or designer you trust — we’ll support that. Our goal is to restore your property exactly how you want it, whether we lead the rebuild or collaborate with your team.
What if additional hidden damage is found after restoration begins?
That’s another big reason to go with a full‑service team. Because BRC is a licensed general contractor, we can pivot and adjust plans fast — no need to pause and hunt for third‑party bids or approvals.
Bottom Line: Restoration and Rebuild Should Be Seamless
When your property gets hit with damage, the last thing you need is confusion, miscommunication, or costly delays. Hiring a restoration-only company can leave you stuck — waiting for a separate contractor while living in a half-finished place.
That’s exactly why BRC was built differently.
We’re your full-service solution — from cleanup to construction — backed by real hands‑on experience, local roots, and a licensed general-contractor team that truly knows how to get it done right.
Need Service Now? Call BRC
If you’re facing water damage, fire damage, or storm destruction — don’t wait. Call Bravo Restoration & Construction — we’re ready 24/7. We’ll take care of your property… and you, every step of the way.
📞 Call now at (707) 837-0675 or contact us online now.