Choosing a Restoration Contractor: A DMV Homeowner's Checklist
The wrong contractor turns a two-week job into a six-month nightmare. Use this checklist to pick the right one.
After a loss, homeowners often pick the first business card that shows up at the door. That is exactly how bad outcomes happen. Use this checklist instead — every item takes less than five minutes to verify.
Credentials that matter
IICRC certification (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) is the industry standard for water and fire restoration. Ask for the firm's certification number and check it on the IICRC website. State contractor license for the jurisdiction where your home sits (DC, MD, or VA) is non-negotiable.
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Call NowInsurance the contractor carries
General liability, workers compensation, and pollution/mold coverage. Ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) naming you as certificate holder. A contractor without workers comp puts you personally at risk if a worker is injured on your property.
Contract red flags
Never sign an assignment of benefits (AOB) that gives the contractor direct claim rights against your insurance. Never pay more than a small deposit up front. Never sign a blank contract with amount 'to be determined.' Require a written scope of work with itemized pricing.
A legitimate contractor will explain the scope, provide references, and give you time to review the contract. Pressure to sign on the spot — 'today only,' 'before the adjuster comes' — is a red flag.
How to verify a company
Check state contractor license lookup (each of DC, MD, and VA has an online lookup). Check Better Business Bureau. Check Google reviews for pattern issues (not just star count). Ask for three references from jobs of similar type and size in the past 12 months and call them.
During the job: expectations
Daily moisture readings for water losses. Weekly written progress updates. Photographs of hidden work (before drywall goes up). Change orders in writing before work proceeds. Final walkthrough with punch list and signed close-out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use the contractor my insurance company recommends?
You are not required to. Carrier-preferred vendors are often good, but you can pick any qualified contractor. Get a second opinion for major losses.
What's an assignment of benefits and why does it matter?
An AOB transfers your rights against your insurance carrier to the contractor. It removes your control over the claim and payment. Avoid AOBs on residential losses.
How do I know if the price is fair?
Restoration pricing is normalized by industry software (Xactimate is the most common). Ask whether the estimate uses local Xactimate pricing — most carriers require it and it makes comparison possible.
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