Give the complete address and the actual condition
Include the street address, quadrant, unit and property type when arranging an assessment. Identify the rooms or structures affected and any entry restrictions. A detached garage, a basement suite and an attached home can raise different scope questions; the neighbourhood name alone does not explain the job. Keep the fire event reference and the owner or manager’s contact with the same brief.
Make temporary protection a separate scope
If doors, windows, the roof or services are affected, ask the responsible contractor to explain the protection needed while the property is vacant. Record who checks it, what a change in weather or site condition would trigger, and how concerns are reported. Do not improvise heating or restart disconnected equipment. The person responsible for utilities and the appropriate trades should resolve what can operate and under what conditions.
Bring a defined repair question to the City
Use Calgary’s permit guidance to establish the applicable path for the proposed work. A useful enquiry describes what is being removed or reinstated, whether the layout or use will change, and whether structural or trade work is involved. Ask the project professional to identify required drawings and inspections before a promised construction date depends on them. Keep optional upgrades separate from the loss repair.
What to include in a useful assessment request
| Include | Keep it specific |
|---|---|
| Location and building | Full address, unit, municipality and property type. |
| Known condition | Affected rooms, visible issues and what has not been assessed. |
| Current restrictions | Who controls access and which services or areas are unavailable. |
| Decision needed | The particular assessment, scope question or repair discussion you want. |
Share observations, not guesses about hidden damage. Keep medical records, identification numbers, banking details and unrelated personal information out of an initial enquiry. Use the project worksheet if you need help preparing the brief.
Questions to resolve before authorizing the next stage
0 of 3 checked
If the answer is unknown, name the person who will resolve it and record a follow-up date. A checked list organizes the conversation; it is not permission to enter, a technical assessment or a municipal approval.
Find the right next page
For direct public links and a contact preparation guide, open Calgary recovery resources. For the work itself, use the restoration overview, water and drying guide or rebuilding guide.
Sources and further reading
- Calgary · property projects and permits
- Canadian Red Cross · returning after a house fire
- Insurance Bureau of Canada · making a claim
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Follow the source’s current guidance and the instructions for the actual property.