How to Choose a Water Damage Restoration Company

When water damage happens, you often have to choose a restoration company under pressure — while water is actively causing damage. That urgency makes it easy to end up with an unqualified contractor. Here's what to actually check before you let a company into your home or business.

Look for IICRC Certification

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the industry standard for training and protocols. Ask specifically whether technicians hold certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Applied Structural Drying (ASD) — these confirm the company follows established, science-based drying standards rather than guesswork.

Confirm Licensing, Bonding, and Insurance

A legitimate restoration company should be licensed by your state's contractor licensing board (in Arizona, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors), bonded, and carry liability insurance. Ask for proof — a reputable company will provide it without hesitation.

Ask About Actual Response Time

"24/7 emergency service" is a common claim, but response time varies enormously between companies. Ask directly: how quickly can a technician actually be on-site? Companies with local, dedicated crews typically respond faster than national franchises that dispatch through call centers.

Understand How They Handle Insurance

A good restoration company works directly with your insurance company, documents damage thoroughly, and prepares estimates using industry-standard software like Xactimate — the same platform adjusters use. This reduces disputes and speeds up your claim. Be cautious of companies that seem more interested in maximizing the bill than accurately documenting the actual damage.

You Are Not Required to Use Your Insurer's "Preferred" Vendor

Insurance companies often suggest a preferred vendor, but you have the legal right to choose your own licensed restoration company. A preferred-vendor relationship benefits the insurer's costs, not necessarily your outcome. Choose based on qualifications and trust, not just who's on a list.

Get a Written, Detailed Estimate

Before work begins beyond emergency mitigation, you should receive a written estimate outlining the scope of work. Be wary of companies that want to start extensive work without any documentation of what's included and what it will cost.

Ask About Their Equipment and Process

A qualified company should be able to explain their process clearly: how they detect hidden moisture (thermal imaging, moisture meters), what drying equipment they use, and how they'll monitor progress. Vague answers are a red flag.

Watch for These Red Flags

• Door-to-door solicitation after a storm — reputable companies rarely go door-to-door immediately following a weather event
• Demands for full payment upfront before any work has been assessed or scoped
• Pressure to sign a contract immediately without time to review it
• No local address or verifiable business history — a legitimate local company should have a real presence in your community
• Unwillingness to provide licensing or insurance documentation

Check Reviews — But Read Them Carefully

Look at recent reviews across multiple platforms (Google, BBB), and pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews — professional, solution-oriented responses are a good sign. A small number of negative reviews isn't necessarily disqualifying; how they're handled matters more.

Locally Owned vs. National Franchise

Both can do quality work, but locally owned companies typically offer faster response times, more direct communication with the actual owner or lead technicians, and pricing without franchise fee overhead. National franchises offer brand recognition but can involve subcontracted crews and call-center dispatch, which adds a layer between you and the people doing the work.

Dryout Masters is locally owned and IICRC-certified, with technicians who respond directly — not through a call center — and handle your insurance claim from documentation through final settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What certification should a water damage restoration company have?

Look for IICRC certification (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), specifically in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Applied Structural Drying (ASD). This certification means technicians are trained to industry-standard protocols for water damage mitigation.

Should I hire the restoration company my insurance recommends?

You are not required to use your insurance company's preferred vendor. You have the right to choose your own licensed, insured restoration company, and a reputable company will work directly with your insurance adjuster regardless of whether they're on a preferred list.