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Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Contractor

A contractor's confidence on the phone isn't the same as actual qualification. These are the specific questions that reveal whether a Wilmington restoration contractor is prepared to handle your job correctly.

By Brandywine Water Damage & Restoration Team · 2026-05-18

"Which Technicians on My Job Are IICRC Certified?"

A company-wide certification claim doesn't tell you who's actually showing up at your door. Ask for the specific credentials of the crew assigned to your job, WRT at minimum, ASD for more complex jobs.

"What Equipment Will You Be Using?"

Listen for specifics: LGR dehumidifiers, commercial air movers, FLIR thermal imaging, truck-mount extractors. A vague answer about "professional equipment" without naming anything specific is a signal to ask follow-up questions. Our structural drying page lists exactly what we run on every job.

"Will I Get a Written Estimate Before Work Starts?"

This should be a yes, without hesitation. A contractor reluctant to commit to pricing in writing before starting work is one to be cautious about.

"How Do You Document the Job for My Insurance Claim?"

Ask whether they provide moisture readings, photos, and drying logs, or just a basic invoice. The quality of this documentation directly affects how your adjuster processes the claim.

"How Do You Determine When the Job Is Actually Dry?"

The correct answer references IICRC S500 drying standards and measured moisture readings, not a fixed number of days regardless of conditions. Our water extraction process always verifies completion with moisture meters before drying equipment comes down.

"Are You Familiar With Delaware's Specific Insurance Requirements?"

A contractor who's worked in Delaware should be able to speak to the state's claims-handling timeline under 18 Del. C. ยง 2304, not just generic insurance language that could apply anywhere.

"What Happens If You Find Additional Damage Once Work Starts?"

Ask how scope changes are communicated and approved. A contractor should explain additional findings and get your authorization before expanding the work, not surprise you with a bigger invoice.

"Can I See Your Local Address?"

A verifiable local address matters. We operate from 810 N Market St, and we're happy to have you visit if you want to confirm we're real before you hire us.

"What Happens If the Drying Equipment Damages My Floors or Walls?"

Professional drying equipment is designed for in-place use and shouldn't cause damage on its own, but ask how the contractor handles any incidental damage that does occur during the job. A clear answer here, rather than a dismissive one, tells you something about how they'll handle problems generally.

"Do You Subcontract Any Part of the Work?"

Some companies subcontract extraction or drying to a third party while managing the client relationship themselves. There's nothing inherently wrong with this, but you should know who's actually doing the hands-on work and whether that subcontractor carries the same certifications you've already asked about.

Ready to ask us these questions yourself? Call (302) 267-7950 any time. We'll give you straight answers before you decide anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it rude to ask a contractor for their certifications?

Not at all. A legitimate, qualified contractor expects this question and answers it readily. Hesitation or vagueness in response is itself useful information.

Should I ask about pricing before or after the assessment?

A real, written estimate should come after an in-person assessment, not as a phone quote sight-unseen. A contractor quoting a fixed price without seeing the damage is guessing.

What if a contractor can't answer these questions confidently?

That's a meaningful signal. A qualified contractor with proper training, equipment, and documentation practices should be able to answer all of these without hesitation.

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