Water Mitigation Contractor Checklist

Hiring a water damage company under stress is hard. The good news is that most of the right questions are simple. The list below is built around what reputable mitigation companies expect to be asked. If a company gets defensive or vague when you ask these questions, treat that as useful information.

Before you call

Five minutes of preparation makes every conversation with a water mitigation company faster and the quotes you receive easier to compare. Review the water mitigation services guide so you know what to expect in a written scope.

• Walk through the affected area with your phone. Take wide shots of each room and close-ups of damaged materials, electronics, and furniture.
• Note the approximate start time. "Sometime overnight" is fine if you do not know exactly.
• Identify the water source if it is safe to do so. Supply line, appliance, roof, foundation, sewer.
• Decide what is non-negotiable. A safe bedroom for tonight. A working kitchen by the weekend. Pet access to certain rooms.
• Have your insurance policy number ready if you plan to file a claim.

Questions to ask every company

These ten questions cover the basics. Ask them in any order. The goal is not to interrogate the contractor but to understand whether their process is professional and documented.

1. Are you licensed or registered where required?

   Licensing rules vary by state and city. Ask for the contractor's license number or registration and confirm it on your state or local licensing board. If a license is not required in your area, ask what training or certifications the company holds instead.

2. Are you insured for general liability and workers compensation?

   Reputable companies carry general liability and, where required, workers compensation. Ask for a current certificate of insurance and confirm the dates and coverage amounts. Hiring an uninsured contractor can leave you exposed if a worker is injured on your property.

3. Do you provide a written estimate?

   A clear written estimate protects both sides. It should list the rooms and materials affected, the work to be performed, the equipment to be used, and how change orders will be handled.

4. Do you document moisture readings?

   Reputable mitigation companies record moisture readings on affected materials before, during, and after drying. Ask whether daily readings are recorded and shared with you and your insurance company.

5. What drying equipment will be used?

   Typical setups include air movers, dehumidifiers, and air scrubbers when needed. Ask how the equipment is selected for the size and category of the loss, and how progress will be monitored.

6. How long may drying take?

   Most drying takes a few days, but the timeline depends on materials, construction, and the size of the affected area. Ask for an expected range and what would extend it.

7. What is included and what is not?

   Clarify whether the estimate covers water extraction, drying, demolition, sanitization, content moving, antimicrobial application, and reconstruction. Reconstruction is often a separate scope of work.

8. Do you help with insurance documentation?

   Many companies provide photos, moisture logs, and a written scope to your insurance adjuster. Ask what they share and how they communicate with adjusters, but remember the policyholder is responsible for the claim.

9. Do you handle sewage or mold-risk situations?

   Sewage backups and existing mold growth involve additional safety steps and may require specialized training or licensing. Ask whether the company handles those scenarios directly or refers them out.

10. Can I see the scope before work starts?

    You should always review and approve a written scope before demolition or major drying work begins. Avoid signing broad authorization forms that allow unlimited work without your sign-off.

Estimate checklist

When a written estimate arrives, read it line by line. A complete estimate should include:

• The rooms and materials affected, listed by location.
• Water category (clean, gray, or black) and source.
• Extraction, drying, and dehumidification equipment to be used.
• An expected drying timeline with a range, not a single day.
• Daily monitoring and moisture documentation expectations.
• Demolition scope, if any, with the materials to be removed.
• Sanitization or antimicrobial steps, where appropriate.
• Content moving, packing, or storage if needed.
• How change orders are documented and approved.
• Payment terms, deposit, and final invoice timing.

Insurance documentation

Even when a contractor coordinates with your adjuster, you remain the policyholder. Keep your own copy of every document.

• Pre-work photos and video, organized by room.
• The signed scope of work and any change orders.
• Daily moisture logs, drying charts, and progress photos.
• The certificate of insurance for the contractor.
• Receipts for any out-of-pocket emergency expenses.
• All written communications with the contractor and the adjuster.

For more on the insurance side of the process, see our insurance checklist.

Warning signs

• Pressure to sign immediately without a written scope.
• Refusal to share licensing or insurance information.
• Estimates with no line items or no equipment plan.
• Promises that "insurance will cover everything" before any inspection.
• No daily moisture documentation or progress photos.
• Door-to-door solicitation immediately after a neighborhood event.
• Requests to sign a broad assignment of benefits before the scope is defined.
• Cash-only pricing with no written agreement.

Final decision checklist

Before you sign, confirm each of these.

• The license and insurance details have been verified.
• The scope of work matches what you discussed verbally.
• The price reflects an itemized estimate, not a flat unknown.
• The change-order process is in writing and requires your approval.
• You have an understanding with your insurer about coverage and preferred contractor rules.
• You have a copy of every document you signed, not just the contractor's copy.
• You know the lead person on the job and how to reach them during work hours.

Frequently asked questions