When a fire strikes your commercial property, the impact is fast and devastating. At JGB Restoration, our team has seen firsthand how quickly flames tear through a building, leaving behind not only charred structures but also soaked floors, smoke-damaged walls, and major business disruption. It’s overwhelming, and we get it, but once the fire is out and everyone is safe, there’s one critical step that kicks off the road to recovery: understanding your commercial fire damage estimate.

If you're like many business owners in Irvine, CA, and beyond, you may not be sure what that estimate includes, what it means, or what to do next. This guide breaks it down for you in plain language so you can confidently move forward.

Why Acting Fast Matters

Commercial fires are more common than you may think. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2023, there were 118,000 fires in non-residential properties. These types of damages often cost a lot of money and time. 

The sooner you get a damage estimate, the sooner restoration can begin. Waiting delays everything—insurance processing, repairs, and getting your business back on its feet. Every day you’re closed is lost income.

What Is a Commercial Fire Damage Estimate?

Think of a fire damage estimate as the blueprint for your recovery. It gives you a detailed picture of the damage and the cost to restore everything to its pre-fire condition. At JGB Restoration, we take time to inspect the property thoroughly so nothing is missed. Here’s what we typically include in the estimate:

  • Initial emergency response costs (like boarding up broken windows or tarping the roof)
  • Water extraction and drying from firefighting efforts
  • Smoke and soot cleanup
  • Structural repairs (walls, ceilings, flooring)
  • Content cleaning or replacement (furniture, equipment, inventory)
  • Deodorizing and sanitizing to remove lingering odors

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We also assess safety issues, like compromised structural elements or potential mold growth because of water damage.

Who Prepares the Estimate and When?

After you call us, we aim to arrive the same day. That quick response is key to reducing damage and starting your recovery. Once on site, we do an initial assessment, take photos, and document everything for your insurance provider. Our detailed estimate is usually ready within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size of the property.

We work closely with your insurance company to streamline the process. We send the estimate directly to them, and once it’s approved, we get started immediately on emergency services.

What to Look for in Your Estimate

Not all estimates are created equal. A good one should be:

  • Detailed: Look for line-by-line costs. You want to know exactly what you’re paying for.
  • Transparent: There should be no hidden fees or vague descriptions.
  • Comprehensive: It should cover the full scope—from emergency cleanup to final reconstruction.
  • Guaranteed: Reputable companies like JGB Restoration provide pricing guarantees so there are no surprises.

If anything is unclear, ask. We encourage questions because the more you understand, the better you can make decisions.

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