What to ask, and why
Will the cleanup company and the rebuild contractor blame each other?
That's a common frustration when two companies split the job. Hiring one company for both, or making sure both contracts reference the same documented scope, helps the scope carry through to the finished repairs.
What if the insurance estimate is too low?
Conditions found during demolition can justify a supplement. Ask the restoration company to document those conditions with photos and line items for your adjuster.
How do townhome shared walls get handled?
Shared walls and roofs often involve your HOA and a neighbor's insurer. Ask for documentation that separates your unit's damage from common elements.
Will the rebuild drag on for months?
Large fire rebuilds do take time. Ask for a schedule that shows permit, inspection, and material lead times so delays aren't a surprise.
Will I still smell smoke after the walls go back up?
Only if the studs and sheathing were cleaned and sealed before the new drywall went up. Ask to see that stage before the walls close.