What Should a Restoration Contract Include Before Signing?

The contract should describe exactly what the pros will do in your home. That means the rooms they will work in, the equipment they will set up, and the steps they will take to dry, clean, and repair the damage. A vague description leaves room for extra charges later.

Ask for a written list of materials, such as the type of drywall, flooring, or paint they plan to use. If the pros need to remove personal property for cleaning or storage, the contract should say which items and where they will go. You should also see a clear start and end date for the work.

• Rooms and areas included in the work
• Drying and cleaning steps listed
• Materials and finishes specified
• Personal property handling details
• Start and completion dates

Water damage often reveals hidden problems, like saturated insulation or corroded pipes. The contract should explain how the pros handle changes to the original plan. A change order is a written amendment that lists the new work and any cost difference before it happens.

Never rely on verbal agreements for extra work. If the pros find something unexpected, they should stop and give you a written change order for approval. This protects you from surprise charges and keeps the project on track.

The contract should include a section about insurance claims and liability. It will often say that you are responsible for filing the claim with your insurer, and the pros will provide documentation to support it. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Ask for proof of general liability coverage and workers' compensation, but do not rely on that alone. Read the contract to see who is responsible for damage to your property during the work. You should also know how the pros handle disputes, such as mediation or arbitration.