Reconstruction and Repairs After Restoration — Salt Lake City General Contractor
Reconstruction is the second half of every restoration project — the rebuild work that returns the property to pre-loss condition after mitigation is complete. Where mitigation stops (structural drying finished, mold remediation cleared, fire cleanup completed), reconstruction begins: replacing the drywall that was removed, installing the flooring that was demolished, rebuilding the cabinetry that couldn’t be saved, restoring the trim and doors and paint and every other finish detail that puts the space back together. Vivid Water Damage & Restoration performs reconstruction under Utah DOPL general contractor license #10894576-5501, coordinating all trades in-house or through licensed subcontractors to deliver the complete rebuild scope. This page covers what reconstruction involves and how Vivid manages the process.
Why the Same Contractor Should Handle Mitigation and Reconstruction
Splitting mitigation and reconstruction between different contractors is common on insurance claims — some carriers steer clients toward mitigation-only vendors, expecting the client to hire a separate general contractor for rebuild. This approach frequently produces problems:
- Scope gaps where the mitigation contractor and the rebuild contractor disagree about what was left in what condition at the transition, producing scope disputes with the client and carrier
- Timeline delays from the client having to source, vet, and coordinate a second contractor for the rebuild phase
- Warranty confusion where an issue after project completion (a leak in a replaced wall, a moisture reading elevated after rebuild) is claimed by each contractor to be the other’s responsibility
- Insurance coordination burden shifted to the client, who now must manage two separate insurance interactions
Vivid handles both mitigation and reconstruction on the same license, on the same project file, with the same insurance coordination throughout. Clients deal with one contractor, one warranty, one billing structure, and one point of accountability for the entire project.
Standard Reconstruction Scope Components
Framing Repairs
Where mitigation demolition removed compromised framing lumber (fire-charred framing, structurally weakened framing from prolonged water exposure), replacement framing is installed to match the original construction. Standard scope: matching lumber grade and dimension (2×4, 2×6, 2×8 as original), matching fastening pattern (nails or screws per structural specification), matching sheathing where exterior wall framing is involved.
Insulation Installation
Insulation removed during mitigation demolition is replaced to match or exceed the original R-value. Standard Salt Lake climate zone 5 recommendations: R-15 to R-21 for 2×4 or 2×6 exterior wall cavities, R-30 to R-49 for attic and cathedral ceiling applications, R-19 for basement wall applications. Mold-resistant kraft-faced fiberglass batt is standard on Vivid rebuilds in moisture-prone areas.
Drywall Installation
Full drywall replacement (see the drywall repair after water damage page for detailed protocol) including cut-to-fit installation, three-coat mud system, sanding, texture matching, primer, and paint. On kitchens and bathrooms where mold-resistant panels are appropriate, paperless drywall is standard.
Flooring Installation
Flooring installation matches or upgrades the pre-loss flooring type (see the flooring removal and replacement page). Standard scope includes subfloor preparation, underlayment installation (pad for carpet, foam underlayment for LVP/laminate, cement backer for tile), flooring material installation, transitions and thresholds, and baseboard replacement or reinstallation.
Cabinetry
Water-damaged and fire-damaged cabinetry that couldn’t be saved during mitigation is replaced during reconstruction. Standard scope options:
- Direct replacement with matching cabinet lines where the original manufacturer and style are still available
- Semi-custom cabinet lines for cases where original cabinets are discontinued but similar style and finish can be sourced
- Custom cabinetry from local Salt Lake fabricators for cases requiring exact matching or premium construction
- Client-selected upgrade where the client uses the reconstruction opportunity to upgrade cabinet style, and pays the difference above insurance-covered like-kind replacement
Countertops
Countertop replacement is coordinated with cabinet installation. Standard materials: laminate (Formica), solid surface (Corian), quartz (Silestone, Cambria, Caesarstone), granite, and butcher block. Vivid coordinates fabrication and installation through local Salt Lake fabricators.
Trim and Millwork
Baseboard, door casing, window casing, crown molding, and other trim work is replaced or repaired as needed. Standard scope includes matching profile and material to existing trim, precision cutting, installation with finish nailing or trim screws, caulking, and paint. Custom profile matching is available for older Salt Lake homes with historic trim details not available in stock product lines.
Doors and Windows
Interior doors, exterior doors, and windows damaged by fire, water, or restoration demolition are replaced during reconstruction. Standard scope includes rough opening verification, door or window installation per manufacturer specification, weather sealing (exterior openings), hardware installation, and finish work (paint or stain). Weather-sealing is critical on exterior openings; Vivid follows current best-practice weatherization (flashing, house-wrap integration, sealant selection) on every exterior door and window installation.
Plumbing Repairs
Plumbing work directly related to the underlying loss (repairing the leak that caused the water damage) or reconstruction (relocating fixtures during rebuild, installing new fixtures) is handled through Vivid’s licensed subcontractor plumbers. Standard scope includes fixture replacement (toilets, sinks, tubs, showers), supply line replacement, drain line repair, and water heater replacement where damaged.
Electrical Repairs
Electrical work damaged by water, fire, or restoration demolition is handled through Vivid’s licensed subcontractor electricians. Standard scope includes outlet and switch replacement, wire replacement where compromised, panel work where damaged, and fixture installation. Electrical work is inspected by Salt Lake County or Salt Lake City building department per jurisdiction requirements.
HVAC Repairs
HVAC system repairs from water, fire, smoke, or mold impact are handled through Vivid’s licensed HVAC subcontractors. Standard scope includes duct cleaning or replacement, AC coil cleaning, condensate pan replacement, filter replacement, and where damaged, furnace or air conditioner replacement. See related detail on the smoke damage cleanup page for HVAC-specific smoke restoration.
Painting and Final Finish
Final paint, stain, and finish work on all repaired surfaces. Standard scope includes primer application (PVA drywall primer standard, oil-based or shellac primer for stain-blocking on residual damage), color matching to pre-loss condition through Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, or Kwal Paint spectrophotometer services, and two-coat topcoat application by roller with brush cut-in at edges.
Permits and Inspections
Reconstruction work requires permits and inspections depending on scope and jurisdiction. Standard Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City requirements:
- Minor repair work (drywall replacement, flooring, paint, trim) — typically no permit required
- Structural work (framing repairs, sheathing, structural changes) — building permit required, inspection at rough-in and completion
- Plumbing work beyond fixture-only replacement — plumbing permit required, inspection at rough-in and completion
- Electrical work beyond outlet/switch replacement — electrical permit required, inspection at rough-in and completion
- HVAC work involving system installation or major duct changes — mechanical permit required, inspection at rough-in and completion
Vivid pulls all required permits under license #10894576-5501 and coordinates inspections through the appropriate jurisdiction. Permit costs are typically included in the reconstruction scope and covered by insurance as part of the covered rebuild.
Timeline and Sequencing
Reconstruction sequencing follows a standard order to allow each phase to complete without being disrupted by subsequent work:
- Framing and structural repairs — days 1–3 typical for standard water damage rebuild
- Rough-in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC — days 3–5, coordinated with inspections
- Insulation installation — day 5–6, after rough-in inspections pass
- Drywall installation — days 6–7 for installation, 8–15 for mudding cycles
- Drywall texture, primer, and paint — days 15–18
- Flooring installation — days 18–22 depending on flooring type
- Cabinetry, countertops, and trim — days 22–28
- Fixture installation and final electrical/plumbing — days 28–30
- Final paint touch-up and cleanup — days 30–32
- Final walk-through and pack-back — days 32–35
These are typical timelines for medium-scope reconstruction (kitchen or bathroom rebuild, or single-room water damage rebuild). Smaller projects run shorter timelines; larger projects (full basement reconstruction, whole-home fire rebuild) run substantially longer with more complex trade sequencing.
Warranty on Reconstruction Work
Vivid provides a 1-year workmanship warranty on all reconstruction scope. If issues appear during the warranty period (drywall crack from settlement, paint touch-up needed, trim joint that opened up), Vivid returns to address them at no charge. Manufacturer warranties on installed products (flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, HVAC equipment) apply per each manufacturer’s terms — typically 1–25 years depending on the product. Warranty documentation is provided at project completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Vivid handle the entire project from mitigation through reconstruction?
- Yes. Vivid is a licensed general contractor under Utah DOPL #10894576-5501, holding IICRC certifications for mitigation (WRT, ASD, AMRT, FSRT, OCT, HST) and managing all reconstruction trades in-house or through licensed subcontractors. Single-contractor handling of both phases is the recommended approach for the reasons described above (scope continuity, timeline compression, unified warranty, single insurance coordination point). Most Vivid projects run this way from initial emergency call through final walk-through.
- How long does full reconstruction take after mitigation is complete?
- Depends on scope. Small single-room reconstruction (bathroom water damage rebuild, kitchen sink flood rebuild): 2–4 weeks after mitigation completes. Medium reconstruction (whole-basement rebuild, multi-room fire loss): 4–12 weeks. Large reconstruction (whole-home fire loss, large commercial project): 3–9 months. Timeline is driven by the scope of work, product availability (cabinetry lead times can be 4–12 weeks for custom orders), and permit/inspection scheduling with the jurisdiction.
- Do I need to move out of my home during reconstruction?
- Depends on the scope and whether the affected area is essential to daily living. Single-room reconstruction (guest bathroom, spare bedroom) typically allows clients to remain in the home. Kitchen or primary bathroom reconstruction often makes remaining in the home impractical; temporary relocation may be needed. Whole-home fire or flood rebuild always requires relocation. Insurance policies typically include Loss of Use coverage (also called Additional Living Expense) that covers temporary housing costs during the reconstruction. Vivid coordinates with the client and adjuster on realistic timeline estimates for temporary housing planning.
- Does insurance cover the reconstruction, or just the mitigation?
- Both, on a covered loss. Insurance policies (homeowner and commercial property) cover the full scope of restoring the property to pre-loss condition — mitigation, reconstruction, and contents cleaning. The distinction between mitigation and reconstruction is a project-management distinction, not an insurance coverage distinction. On some large claims, the mitigation portion is paid first (as it completes) and the reconstruction portion is paid separately (as it completes); on smaller claims, both are typically paid in a combined settlement.
- Can I make upgrades or changes during reconstruction, or do I have to rebuild exactly what was there?
- Client choice, with cost-sharing appropriate to the scope changes. Insurance covers like-kind and quality replacement of what was damaged. Upgrades (better cabinetry, upgraded flooring, new fixtures, layout changes) are the client’s responsibility for the cost above like-kind. This is a common approach because reconstruction is a rare opportunity to make improvements during a project the insurance is already funding. Vivid coordinates pricing so the covered and out-of-pocket components are clear before work begins on any upgrade scope.
Contact Vivid Water Damage & Restoration — Salt Lake County Emergency Response
Vivid Water Damage & Restoration performs full reconstruction as the second half of every restoration project across Salt Lake County, under a single license and unified project management.
- Emergency Line (24/7): (385) 289-3885
- Address: 7084 S 2300 E #170, Salt Lake City, UT 84121
- License: Utah DOPL general contractor license #10894576-5501
Office Hours
- Emergency Service: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Office Staff: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Sundays and major holidays (emergency line always active)