Choosing a restoration company when your home is already damaged is stressful, and it’s easy to hire the first company that answers. A few checks can help you find a provider who does good work and communicates clearly. Use this as advice for evaluating any provider — including any we help connect you with.
Look for IICRC-certified technicians
The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) sets widely recognized standards for water damage restoration and drying. Technicians certified against those standards have trained in the methods the industry considers good practice. It’s a reasonable signal of competence to look for — not the only one, but a meaningful starting point.
Confirm licensing and insurance
Ask whether the company carries:
- Proper state and local licensing for the work they perform, including any general contractor licensing if they handle repairs and rebuild.
- Liability insurance and workers’ compensation, so you’re not exposed if something goes wrong on your property.
A reputable provider won’t mind being asked, and should be able to show proof.
Insist on written estimates and scope
Get the plan in writing before work begins:
- A written estimate or scope of work describing what they’ll do.
- Documentation of what they found, including moisture readings and photos where relevant.
- Clarity on what’s mitigation (drying and cleanup) versus repair and rebuild.
Written scope protects you, makes providers easier to compare, and supports your insurance claim.
Ask about the moisture source and the drying plan
Good restoration addresses why the home got wet, not just the visible water. Ask how they’ll find and stop the moisture source, how they’ll dry the structure, and how they’ll confirm it’s actually dry before closing things back up. For mold specifically, the source matters as much as the visible growth.
Check experience with your damage type
Water, sewage backups, mold, fire and smoke, and storm damage are related but not identical. Ask whether the provider regularly handles your specific situation, and ask for references or reviews from similar jobs.
Clarify insurance billing
If you’re filing a claim, ask whether the provider works with insurers and can bill yours directly, and get that arrangement in writing. Keep your own copies of estimates and documentation. Our insurance claims guide covers what to expect from the claim side.
Questions worth asking a provider
- Are your technicians IICRC-certified?
- Are you licensed and insured for this work? Can you show proof?
- Can I get the scope and estimate in writing before work starts?
- Do you handle both drying and the repairs, or just the drying?
- How will you find and address the moisture source?
- Do you work with insurance companies and bill them directly?
- Can you share references or reviews from similar jobs?
Take the next step
Knowing what shapes the work and the bill helps too — see what shapes a restoration quote and what to do in the first hours. When you’re ready to be connected with providers serving your area, request restoration help.