Smoke and Soot Damage Repair Estimates in Houston
A small kitchen fire can put smoke in every room of the house. I’m Benny Mancillas, an independent Xactimate estimator in Houston. I walk the home, document where smoke and soot traveled, and write a room-by-room repair estimate with labeled photos and a Matterport scan.
Smoke goes further than the fire
Smoke follows air movement: through hallways, return vents, attic openings, outlets and closets. Rooms with no visible fire damage can still need cleaning, odor treatment, sealing and repainting. I document each room separately so the estimate shows what each one needs instead of one lump allowance.
Clean, seal or replace
Light residue on painted walls is usually written as cleaning, sealer and paint. Heavier soot, heat-damaged materials and porous items may need removal and replacement. Ceilings, cabinets, trim, doors, windows, light fixtures, insulation and ductwork each get their own lines. Where a specialist report or testing is needed, I note it rather than guess.
Kitchen fire rebuilds
Kitchen fires are the most common call: cabinets, countertops, backsplash, range hood, appliances area, ceiling and the smoke spread beyond. I write the rebuild with the detach and reset work it takes to do it right.
My role
Restoration crews are partners; I write the scope, they do the work. I’m an independent estimator, not a public adjuster or insurance adjuster. I don’t negotiate with insurance companies, interpret coverage or promise what a claim will pay. I document the damage and write the repair scope. I don’t do environmental testing or certify cleaning results.
Where I work
Houston and the surrounding metro. See the full service area. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Central. Spanish is available. Visits take place at the property. Fees are on one page: see pricing.
Common questions
There’s no fire damage in my bedroom, only a smell. Is that worth documenting?
Yes. I document odor and residue I can observe in each room, so the estimate reflects the whole house and not only the burn area.
Do you write contents?
I focus on the structure. I can note areas where contents were affected so your contents inventory has context.
Are you a public adjuster?
No. I’m an independent estimator. I write the repair estimate; I don’t represent you with the insurance company, negotiate the claim or promise a result.
How much does an estimate cost?
Fees are explained on one page. See how pricing works.
Call or text Benny
Call or text Benny Mancillas with the property address and what happened. You can also send an inquiry.