Before you call
Have a rough description ready: how the water got in, how deep it was, how many rooms are affected, and whether power is off. Contractors can give a better answer about timing and approach when they know what they are walking into. Have your insurance policy number nearby too.
You do not need to ask every question below on the first call. Focus on safety, timing and paperwork first. Questions about methods, documentation and rebuild can come at the first visit, before you sign anything beyond emergency work.
Questions to ask
- Do you regularly handle outside floodwater and mud, not only clean-water pipe leaks?
- Does anyone on your staff hold IICRC certification in water damage restoration or applied structural drying?
- Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and can you send certificates?
- Have you worked in Castle Rock or nearby Douglas County neighborhoods, and can you share references?
- How do you decide how much drywall and flooring to remove?
- What do you use to clean and disinfect after floodwater?
- Will I get a daily moisture log and photos?
- What paperwork will you ask me to sign, and can I read it before work begins?
- Do you ask for an assignment of insurance benefits, and is it required?
- Who pulls any permits needed for electrical, HVAC or rebuild work?
- If I hire someone else for the rebuild, will you provide final dry readings and photos?
Reading the answers
- Answer you hear
- "Everything can just be dried in place"
- What it may mean
- May not account for contaminated floodwater
- Follow-up
- Ask how they handle Category 3 water
- Answer you hear
- "The paperwork can be sorted out later"
- What it may mean
- Scope and terms may be unclear
- Follow-up
- Ask for a written scope before non-emergency work
- Answer you hear
- "Sign now to hold your spot"
- What it may mean
- Pressure tactic common after storms
- Follow-up
- Ask what the document authorizes
- Answer you hear
- "Billing goes straight to your insurer"
- What it may mean
- Could be helpful, could limit your control
- Follow-up
- Ask whether you still approve the scope
- Answer you hear
- "Logs and photos go out every day"
- What it may mean
- Good documentation practice
- Follow-up
- Ask the format and who receives them
Common questions
- How many contractors should I talk to?
- For emergency extraction, one reputable contractor who can come soon is often the right call. For the larger scope and the rebuild, comparing two or three written estimates is reasonable when time allows.
General information for Castle Rock, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.