Questions to Ask a Water Damage Restoration Provider
Before agreeing to any water damage restoration work, it is reasonable to ask about the provider's license and insurance, the scope of work, pricing, payment terms, and the expected timeline, in addition to verifying the information independently.
Licensing and insurance
Ask whether the provider is licensed to perform the specific work involved in your state, and whether they carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Ask for the license number and insurance carrier so you can verify this information yourself rather than relying solely on the provider's word.
Scope of work and process
Ask for a written description of the work to be performed, including what will be removed, dried, cleaned, or replaced. Ask how drying progress will be measured and confirmed, and ask what happens if the initial assessment changes once work begins.
Pricing and payment terms
Ask for pricing in writing before work begins, including how charges are calculated (for example, per day, per square foot, or a flat estimate), and ask about payment terms, deposits, and what happens if the final cost differs from the initial estimate.
Timeline and documentation
Ask how long the work is expected to take and what could extend that timeline. Ask whether the provider will document the process with photos, moisture readings, or other records, which can be useful for your own files or for insurance purposes.
Warranty and cancellation terms
Ask whether any warranty applies to the work performed, what it covers, and for how long. Ask about the provider's cancellation policy in case your circumstances change after work is scheduled.
A note on independent providers
Providers connected through this website are independent businesses, not employees or representatives of this website. This website does not perform the work, does not set pricing, and does not guarantee licensing, insurance, or work quality. Homeowners are responsible for verifying a provider's credentials before agreeing to any work. See the contractor verification checklist for a more complete list of items to review.
This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for an on-site professional assessment. It was written by the Home Damage Connect editorial team, not by a licensed contractor. Providers connected through Home Damage Connect are independent businesses; Home Damage Connect does not perform restoration or remediation work.
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Home Damage Connect is a connection service and does not perform restoration or remediation work. Providers are independent. Availability is not guaranteed.
Disclaimer: Home Damage Connect is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service providers. All contractors/providers are independent and Home Damage Connect does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on Home Damage Connect.