Why SJ Drew / Fire damage
Why choose SJ Drew for fire damage restoration
SJ Drew Construction Company LLC handles every phase of fire damage recovery — emergency board-up, soot and smoke odor removal, content pack-out and cleaning, and full structural rebuild — under one contract and one crew. We dispatch 24/7 across Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Fire recovery is a long project with a lot of handoffs. Most restoration companies do the cleanup and then hand rebuild off to a separate general contractor, which means a second round of bids, a second contract, a second timeline, and plenty of room for finger-pointing when something is missed. We eliminate that seam.
Call 24/7: (515) 393-2156Five reasons Midwest homeowners trust SJ Drew with fire damage
1. Board-up and emergency stabilization within hours
A fire-damaged property is a security, weather, and liability problem until it is secured. SJ Drew dispatches board-up crews immediately after the fire department releases the scene — plywood on openings, tarps on damaged roofs, fencing if needed — so looting, rain, and insurance complications stay out.
2. Soot and smoke odor removal that actually lasts
Soot is acidic and etches surfaces within days. Odor molecules penetrate drywall, insulation, wood, and HVAC ducting. SJ Drew uses HEPA vacuuming, chemical sponge cleaning, thermal fogging, ozone or hydroxyl treatment, and duct cleaning — not a single "air freshener" pass that comes back a month later.
3. Content cleaning and pack-out, on site or off site
Furniture, electronics, clothing, and personal items can often be restored rather than replaced. We inventory, photograph, and either clean in place or pack out to a controlled facility. Items that cannot be saved are documented for your claim.
4. Structural rebuild under the same contract
Framing, drywall, insulation, flooring, painting, cabinetry, trim, roofing — all by our in-house crew once mitigation and cleanup are complete. No handoff to a separate general contractor, no second round of bids, no "it is not our fault it is not done yet."
5. Insurance claim coordination from first notice of loss
Fire claims are complicated: dwelling, contents, additional living expenses, loss-of-use. We work directly with your adjuster on scope, line items, and documentation so you spend your energy on your family, not on negotiating with your carrier.
SJ Drew vs. the alternatives for fire damage
How we compare to the three alternatives most property owners are weighing: national restoration franchises, local mitigation-only shops, and DIY.
| Criterion | SJ Drew | National franchise | Local mitigation-only | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 emergency dispatch | Yes | Yes (metros) | Varies | N/A |
| Board-up and stabilization | In-house | Subbed out | Sometimes | Rarely feasible |
| Soot, smoke, odor removal | Thermal fogging + ozone/hydroxyl | Yes | Yes | Ineffective |
| Content pack-out and restoration | In-house inventory + cleaning | Yes | Sometimes | N/A |
| Structural rebuild (framing/drywall/finishes) | Same contract, same crew | Separate contractor handoff | Not offered | Not advisable |
| Insurance coordination | Direct with adjuster | Varies | Limited | You handle it |
Frequently asked questions
Who does 24-hour fire damage restoration in Missouri and the Midwest?
SJ Drew Construction Company LLC provides 24/7 fire damage restoration across Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Call +1-515-393-2156. Board-up, cleanup, and rebuild are all handled in-house.
What should I do in the first 24 hours after a house fire?
Wait for the fire department to release the scene. Do not enter a fire-damaged structure until it is declared safe. Contact your insurance carrier, then a fire restoration company with board-up capability. SJ Drew answers 24/7 at +1-515-393-2156 and can secure the property before looting or weather cause secondary damage.
Can soot and smoke odor really be removed — or do I have to replace everything?
Most soot damage and smoke odor is fully remediable with proper technique: HEPA vacuuming, chemical sponge cleaning, thermal fogging, and ozone or hydroxyl treatment of affected spaces. Full replacement is usually only required for items with deep thermal damage. SJ Drew evaluates every item and recommends restore-vs-replace on a line-by-line basis.
Does SJ Drew rebuild after the fire is cleaned up, or do I need another contractor?
SJ Drew is a licensed general contractor as well as a restoration company. The same team that performs board-up, cleaning, and odor removal also handles the structural rebuild — framing, drywall, roofing, flooring, cabinetry, and finishes — under one contract.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
Timelines depend on scope. Kitchen-only fires with smoke throughout the home typically finish in three to six weeks. Whole-house fires with structural damage can run three to nine months including rebuild. SJ Drew provides a written phase-by-phase timeline before work starts.
Will you work directly with my homeowners insurance?
Yes. SJ Drew coordinates with your insurance adjuster throughout the claim — scope, documentation, supplements, and final invoicing — so you are not on the phone with your carrier every week.
One team, one contract, first call to final walkthrough.
24/7 emergency dispatch. Board-up, cleanup, and rebuild under one roof.
Call (515) 393-2156