1. Observe and protect
Take note of what you're seeing, stop any further damage if you safely can, and gather the home's relevant history — age, past leaks, prior repairs.
2. Evaluate the house and site
What's visible on the surface rarely tells the whole story. A sound evaluation traces how water is getting in, checks humidity levels, assesses the affected materials, and considers how the work area will be contained.
3. Define a written scope
Get it in writing: what prep work happens, how the rest of the house is protected, which materials are used, how the crew accesses the space, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, what's excluded, and how changes get priced.
4. Compare providers
Look past the bottom-line number — check credentials and compare how each provider explains their approach and what they will and won't include.
5. Inspect closeout
Before calling it finished, confirm the final testing results, that cleanup is complete, get documentation in hand, understand the warranty, and know what upkeep is left to you.