Rebuilding after the loss is real construction, and it is priced that way.
Reconstruction is where restoration turns into building. Once the mitigation is done, you are framing, roofing, drywalling, and finishing, which carries a full construction exposure on top of the restoration one. That means completed operations for defects that surface years later, construction workers comp class codes, and builders risk on the open structure. A program written for cleanup alone does not cover the rebuild. We are independent and based in Eugene, so we cover both sides of the work.
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Restoration general liability commonly runs about $500 to $3,000 a year on its own, but reconstruction adds a full construction exposure on top, higher limits, completed operations, and construction class codes, which is why a rebuild program prices well above a cleanup-only one (industry ranges; your number depends on the trades and contracts).
Two different jobs under one roof
Mitigation and reconstruction are separate insurance problems that often live in the same company. Mitigation is contamination, water, and drying, and it leans on pollution, mold, and care-custody-control. Reconstruction is framing, roofing, and finishes, and it leans on completed operations, construction class codes, and builders risk. If you do both, the program has to answer for both, and the most common failure is a rebuild insured as if it were still cleanup.
The coverages that fit the work
General liability with completed operations is the anchor, because a reconstruction defect can surface long after the job closes. Workers compensation has to sit on the construction class codes for the trades you perform, not the lower cleanup codes. Builders risk protects the structure while it is open. Umbrella adds the limit larger contracts demand. Contractors pollution liability still covers the mitigation exposure. Commercial auto moves crews and materials. Together they cover the rebuild the way it actually runs.
What it costs, and what moves the number
Reconstruction is priced off payroll, revenue, the trades performed, and loss history. The construction class codes carry higher rates than cleanup, completed operations adds cost, and the higher limits reconstruction contracts require push the number up. As a reference point, the restoration base commonly runs about $500 to $3,000 a year for general liability, and the reconstruction exposure prices above that. The class-code split at audit is a major lever, so getting reconstruction payroll classified correctly matters as much as the quote.
Completed operations and the claims that arrive late
The reconstruction claim that hurts is the one that shows up after everyone has moved on: a roof that leaks a year later, framing that fails, a finish that traces back to your work. Those are completed-operations claims, and they only respond if that coverage is in force and there is no gap between policies. Reconstruction contracts also often require completed-operations additional insured that survives the job, which we make sure is actually endorsed, not just promised.
Licensing and standards, Oregon first
We are based in Eugene, so Oregon is where we start. Reconstruction beyond a limited scope generally needs a full CCB contractor license rather than a specialty endorsement, with the bond and general liability. Work in pre-1978 buildings needs the CCB lead-based paint renovation certification, and asbestos is regulated by DEQ. We match the coverage to the license class the rebuild requires, and your state page has the local detail.
Questions worth asking before you sign
Ask whether completed operations is included and how long it responds. Ask whether your reconstruction payroll is on the construction class codes or the cleanup ones. Ask who carries builders risk on each job. Ask whether your subcontractors carry their own coverage and name you as additional insured. If the rebuild is insured like cleanup, the defect claims will find the gap.
Coverages this work needs
The lines that make up a reconstruction program. Each has its own page with what it does, how it applies, and where the gaps hide.
General Liability with Completed Operations
Reconstruction is real construction, so a defect can surface years later. The completed-operations wording is what answers then.
General liability →Workers Compensation
Carpentry, roofing, and trades payroll priced to the construction class codes, not just cleanup.
Workers comp →Builders Risk
The structure under reconstruction, covered against fire, weather, and theft while the work is open.
Builders risk →Contractors Pollution Liability
The mitigation side of the job still carries water, mold, and soot exposure GL excludes.
Pollution liability →Umbrella
Adds limit above the program, which larger reconstruction contracts often require.
Umbrella →Commercial Auto
Trucks and trailers moving crews and materials to the rebuild.
Commercial auto →Restoration insurance by state
Mold licensing, the EPA lead rule, and construction licensing change at the state line. Pick yours for the local rules and what we can place there.
Go deeper in the Learning Center
Plain-language articles on the exact coverage questions restoration runs into. Straight answers, not sales pitches.
Reconstruction contractor insurance questions
How is reconstruction different from mitigation for insurance?
Why does completed operations matter on reconstruction?
Do I need builders risk on a reconstruction job?
Does my workers comp class code change for reconstruction?
How much does reconstruction contractor insurance cost?
What licensing does reconstruction need in Oregon?
How do subcontractors affect my coverage?
Will general contractors and owners require certificates?
Reviewed for insurance accuracy by Richard Sweet, Vantage Point Risk. Last reviewed July 16, 2026. How we review this.
Is your rebuild insured as construction, not cleanup?
Reconstruction defect claims arrive late and land on completed operations. We confirm the construction side is actually covered.
Cover both sides of the job: the loss and the rebuild.
Tell us about the trades you self-perform and the contracts you sign, and we will build a program that covers mitigation and construction together.