Guide
Before you hire a water damage contractor in Texas
Anyone who answers a referral call is an independent business. The disclaimer on this site puts the checking on the homeowner, so here is how to do it.
What Texas licenses and what it does not
Mold assessment and mold remediation are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
The state pages checked for this site do not list a general water damage drying license. A firm can still be properly insured and experienced without one, so ask about insurance and prior work.
How to check
Mold license
Ask for the number and search it on TDLR's license search.
Plumber
Look the plumber up through the plumbing board.
City registration
Missouri City says contractors working in the city must register first. Ask whether the firm is on the city's registered contractor list.
Insurance
Ask for a certificate of insurance and read the dates.
Permits
If the work needs a permit, the city's portal shows active permits by address. See the permit FAQ.
Questions for the contractor
- Who will be on site, and are they employees or subcontractors?
- What does the written scope include and exclude?
- Which readings will you take, and will I get a copy of the daily logs?
- Which materials will be removed, and what is the reason for each?
- How will you handle the permit, if one is needed?
- Who does the rebuild, you or someone else?
Get it on paper
Ask for the scope, the equipment list and the payment terms in writing before work begins. Keep the contract with your insurance papers.
Read anything you are asked to sign. Some forms assign your claim rights to the contractor, and that is a decision to make on purpose.
Water is still moving. Call about it now.
Describe what happened, give the street address, and the call is routed to an independent restoration contractor.