how it works

How to Hire a Water Damage Restoration Company

· Updated April 14, 2026

Water damage restoration is urgent work, which is exactly the kind of situation where it’s easy to hire the wrong contractor. Here’s how to evaluate companies quickly and confidently so you’re not just hiring whoever shows up first.

What IICRC Certification Means

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the industry’s primary credentialing body. Look for companies with:

  • WRT (Water Restoration Technician): Core certification for water damage work
  • ASD (Applied Structural Drying): More advanced certification focused on drying science
  • AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician): Required for mold work often associated with water damage

These certifications mean technicians were trained in IICRC standards (specifically the S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration), which governs how drying is documented and what constitutes a complete job. Certified firms are also more likely to carry adequate insurance and follow protocols that hold up to insurance adjuster scrutiny.

You can verify a company’s IICRC certification at the IICRC’s online directory.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Before signing anything, ask these questions:

  1. Are your technicians IICRC-certified? Ask for the specific credentials and the names of certified staff.
  2. What equipment will you use? A credible contractor can describe their air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture monitoring process.
  3. How will you document drying progress? Daily moisture logs are standard. If they can’t explain their documentation process, that’s a problem.
  4. Do you handle reconstruction, or is that subcontracted? Know who you’re dealing with for every phase of the project.
  5. What’s your estimate based on? A detailed written estimate with line items is essential. Vague quotes invite disputes later.
  6. Are you on my insurance company’s preferred vendor list? This can simplify the claims process, but preferred vendors aren’t always the best choice — ask either way.
  7. Do you have general liability and workers’ comp insurance? Get certificate copies, not just verbal confirmation.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • High-pressure tactics to sign immediately. Emergency situations create pressure, but a legitimate contractor won’t demand a signature before you’ve reviewed the estimate.
  • No written estimate. Any verbal-only commitment is a liability.
  • Unusually low bids. Cutting corners on drying time or equipment leads to hidden moisture and mold. Low bids usually mean inadequate drying.
  • No IICRC certification. This isn’t a guarantee of quality, but absence of it is a warning sign.
  • Door-to-door solicitation after a storm. Out-of-town storm chasers often disappear before work is properly completed. Hire local.
  • Demanding full payment upfront. A deposit is reasonable; full payment before work is done is not.

Understanding the Estimate

A professional water damage estimate should itemize:

  • Equipment type and quantity (number of air movers, dehumidifiers)
  • Daily equipment rental or usage fees
  • Labor hours and rates
  • Demolition scope if applicable
  • Antimicrobial treatment
  • Reconstruction scope and cost (if included)
  • Timeline and milestones

If an estimate just says “water damage restoration — $4,500,” ask for a full breakdown. You should understand what you’re paying for at each phase.

Working with Your Insurance Adjuster

File your claim as soon as possible. Take photos and video before cleanup begins — document everything. Then:

  • Don’t wait for the adjuster before starting mitigation. Your policy likely requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Waiting for an adjuster to arrive before beginning extraction and drying can invalidate part of your claim.
  • Get your contractor and adjuster talking. A good restoration company has experience working with adjusters and can help ensure the full scope of damage is captured.
  • Review the adjuster’s scope line by line. If their estimate excludes items your contractor identified, ask them to justify each exclusion in writing.
  • Supplement your claim if needed. If additional damage is found during work, it can be added. Supplementing is normal — don’t feel like the first estimate is final.

For a step-by-step overview of what restoration work involves, see our how water damage restoration works guide. For handling the insurance side, see how to file a water damage insurance claim.

Find certified water damage restoration contractors near you to start getting quotes →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does water damage restoration cost?

Water damage restoration costs typically range from $1,500 to $8,000 for most residential projects, though severe flooding or sewage backups can exceed $20,000. The final cost depends on the water category (clean, gray, or black water), square footage affected, materials involved (drywall, hardwood, carpet), and how long the water sat before remediation began. Insurance covers most water damage claims, so always file before cleanup begins.

How long does water damage restoration take?

Structural drying typically takes 3–5 days with industrial dehumidifiers and air movers running continuously. However, full restoration — including repairs to drywall, flooring, and finishes — can take 2–4 weeks depending on the extent of damage. Contractors will monitor moisture levels daily and cannot close walls until readings are within acceptable limits. Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours, so starting remediation quickly shortens total project time.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage restoration?

Homeowners insurance typically covers sudden and accidental water damage (burst pipes, appliance failures, roof leaks from storms) but excludes flooding from outside the home and damage from long-term neglect. Flood damage requires a separate NFIP or private flood insurance policy. Always document damage thoroughly with photos before cleanup, contact your insurance company before authorizing major work, and get a written estimate from the restoration contractor. Most insurers work directly with IICRC-certified contractors.

Find Water Damage Contractors Near You

Browse certified restoration professionals in your area.

Browse Cities →