You usually hire a restoration contractor under stress, fast, right after something has gone wrong. That's exactly when bad operators take advantage. This checklist helps you choose well even when the clock is ticking.
The essentials to verify
- Licensed & insured. Confirm a valid contractor's license and current liability and workers' comp insurance. Ask for proof.
- Certifications. Industry certifications (such as IICRC) show trained, standards-based technicians.
- 24/7 emergency response. Restoration emergencies don't wait for business hours — neither should your contractor.
- Local & established. A real local presence and track record beats a storm-chasing company that appears after disasters and vanishes.
- Insurance experience. They should document damage properly and work fluently with claims (see our insurance guide).
- Written scope & estimate. Detailed, itemized — not a vague number scribbled on the spot.
- Real reviews & references. Recent, specific, local reviews and references you can actually call.
Questions to ask
- Are you licensed and insured here, and can I see documentation?
- What certifications do your technicians hold?
- Do you provide a written, itemized scope of work?
- How do you handle the insurance claim and documentation?
- Will you put the drying/monitoring plan in writing?
- Who is my point of contact throughout the project?
Red flags — walk away if you see these
Major red flags
- Offers to waive or "eat" your insurance deductible (often illegal)
- Demands large cash payment up front
- High-pressure tactics or "sign now" urgency
- No written estimate or contract
- No verifiable license, insurance or local address
- Appeared door-to-door right after a storm
Green flags
- Transparent, itemized written scope
- Verifiable credentials and reviews
- Patient, educational communication
- Documents everything for your claim
- Established local reputation
- Clear point of contact
After major storms, out-of-area "contractors" flood the area, collect deposits, do shoddy or no work, and disappear — leaving you with no recourse and a voided insurance claim. Stick with established local companies you can find again next year.
On deductibles and "free" work
If a contractor promises the job will cost you "nothing" by waiving your deductible or inflating the claim, that's insurance fraud you could be implicated in. A legitimate restoration contractor bills fairly and expects you to pay your policy's deductible.
Verify licensing, insurance and certifications; insist on a written itemized scope; and walk away from deductible-waiving, high-pressure or storm-chasing operators. The few minutes of due diligence protect both your home and your claim.
Want a contractor who checks every box? Get in touch — we'll give you documentation, not pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a good restoration contractor?
Verify they are licensed, insured and certified (e.g. IICRC), offer 24/7 response, have a real local track record, document for insurance, and provide a written itemized scope. Check recent local reviews and references.
What are red flags when hiring a restoration contractor?
Offers to waive your insurance deductible, large upfront cash demands, high-pressure "sign now" tactics, no written estimate, no verifiable license or local address, and door-to-door solicitation after a storm.
Should a restoration contractor waive my deductible?
No. Promising to waive or absorb your deductible is illegal in many states and a sign of fraud. A legitimate contractor bills fairly and expects you to pay your policy deductible.
What are storm chasers?
Out-of-area operators who appear after major storms, collect deposits, do poor or no work, and disappear. Choosing an established local company protects you from this and keeps your insurance claim valid.
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