What questions should I ask a restoration contractor?
Short answer: Ask what category and class the loss is, what will be removed versus dried and why, how dryness will be verified, how many equipment days are expected and how they are billed, what documentation you will receive, who performs reconstruction, what the timeline is, whether they carry liability and workers compensation coverage, and what warranty applies.
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Call Now for Emergency Help(720) 319-807324/7 Emergency Call HandlingKey Takeaways
- Ask how dry standard is defined and verified; vague answers are a warning.
- Ask what documentation you receive, and get it in writing.
- Ask whether reconstruction is in house or subcontracted.
- Ask about equipment billing before equipment is set.
- Ask what happens if odor or moisture is found after completion.
Scope and Method
- What category and class is this loss?
- What material is coming out, and what is drying in place?
- Will you use cavity drying or a flood cut, and why?
- How will you protect unaffected areas during the work?
- Will contents be moved, and by whom?
Verification and Documentation
- What is your dry standard and what reference readings do you use?
- Will I receive a moisture map and daily monitoring logs?
- How often will someone be on site?
- Will I get photo documentation of every affected area?
- What final documentation confirms completion?
Business and Money
- Are you carrying general liability and workers compensation? May I see certificates?
- How is equipment billed, and how many days do you estimate?
- Will you provide a written scope before non-emergency work?
- Do you handle the insurance documentation, and do you require an assignment of benefits?
- Who does the reconstruction, and what is that timeline?
- What warranty covers the work, including odor and moisture issues after completion?
Exceptions and Important Considerations
- During an active emergency, ask the safety and scope questions first and the rest after extraction is underway.
- For sewage and fire losses, add questions about containment, disposal, and clearance verification.
- For commercial losses, add business continuity, after-hours access, and tenant coordination.
Related Questions
No, it is standard. Any legitimate contractor produces them quickly.
That is a meaningful signal. Verification is the core of the work.
For emergency mitigation, speed matters more. For reconstruction, yes, get comparisons.
Yes. You control the scope, and any change should come with documentation.
Water Damage Restoration in Denver
Call (720) 319-8073 for 24/7 emergency response across Denver metro.