How This Site Works, and What to Ask Before Work Starts

Can I get a written estimate or scope of work?

Ask for a written estimate before work begins. A scope of work is a list of what will be done, room by room. Line items you can match to the work make the final bill easier to check later.

Is there a fee for the inspection, and is it in writing?

Ask whether the first visit costs anything, and get the answer in writing. In a sample of Google reviews we read for Antelope Valley restoration companies, one customer described an inspection fee that wasn't in the signed paperwork. A billing dispute followed that lasted months.

Will you take daily moisture readings and keep a drying log?

Ask how the company will prove the house is dry. A moisture meter measures how wet a wall or floor is. Readings taken each day and written in a drying log show when the drying equipment can stop.

Ask if you can see the log. It also helps if your insurer asks why the fans ran for a certain number of days.

Will I get a written scope before anything is torn out?

Ask for the list of what will be removed before demolition starts. That might be drywall, baseboards, carpet pad or cabinets. In one local review we read, a customer said they were billed for demolition that never happened.

A written scope also lets you ask whether a material can be dried in place instead of replaced.

Will you take photos as the work goes on?

Ask for photo documentation before, during and after the work. Photos help with an insurance claim. They also give you a record if there's a question about the bill.

When is the deductible due, and will you bill my insurance directly?

Ask both questions before you sign. Your deductible is the part of a covered loss you pay yourself. Some companies bill your insurance directly, and others ask you to pay and file the claim on your own.

Find out when the deductible is due and who collects it. Then you won't be surprised by a bill halfway through the job.

Will repair materials meet building code?

Ask whether new drywall, insulation and other materials will meet current code. One review we read for a company in the area complained about insulation thinner than required.

What happens if your crew damages something?

Ask how the company handles damage its crew causes, such as a scratched floor or a broken item. Ask who you should report it to and how quickly. Get the answer in writing if you can.

What warranty comes with the work?

Ask whether the company offers a warranty on its repairs. If it does, ask for the terms in writing, including how long it lasts and what it covers.