Hiring Trades After a Flood: What to Check First

Who might you need after a flood?

A flooded home can involve more than one kind of company: a restoration company to remove water and dry the building, and, depending on the damage, other trades for repairs. Which ones you need depends on your loss, so ask each company what they do and what they do not do. If you are unsure whether to call a plumber or a restoration company first, see burst pipe or flood: plumber or restoration company first, and for the first hours see the first 24 hours after water damage.

What should you check before you hire anyone?

Emergencies are when scammers appear. The FTC's advice after a weather-related disaster is to hire licensed, insured contractors: check with your state or county government to confirm a contractor's license, ask for proof of insurance and get a written contract. It also says paying by credit card offers some protections, and to pay in full only after the work is done (FTC Consumer Advice: Four ways to avoid scams after a weather-related disaster, February 7, 2025).

Where does the directory fit in?

Our directory lists restoration companies and describes each as its own website describes it. A listing is not an endorsement and not a certification, so still run the checks above. For what restoration companies themselves are advised to show, see IICRC and RIA certifications: what to show customers.

If you are told something that does not sound right, such as a demand for cash up front, say you need time to check and call another company. A reputable company will understand.

Researched and drafted with AI, then reviewed and edited by the site's editors.