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After a storm, flood or wildfire, many contractors are genuinely needed. Some people will exploit urgency by offering an instant repair, demanding a deposit or claiming an insurer has already approved the work. The right first purchase is verification and a written scope, not a rushed signature.
This guide owns contractor due diligence. For deciding which systems are safe to repair in the first place, see the flood repair priority gates and the general home improvement preparedness guide.
Verify the company before comparing prices
| Evidence | How to confirm it | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Full business identity | Written legal/company name, address and contact number | Door-to-door contractor gives only a phone number |
| License for this trade | Look up current status directly with state/county authority | Says a license is unnecessary without checking law |
| Insurance | Obtain proof directly and understand the coverage | Refuses to document coverage |
| Written scope | Compare same inspection, materials, permits and tests | Vague “restore property” line item |
| Permits and inspection | Verify which local authority and trade handles them | Suggests skipping required building permits |
| Payments and completion | Written milestone schedule, dispute terms, change orders | Full payment demanded before work or pressure to sign |
| Claim coordination | Written insurer instructions and owner approval | Requests an insurance check endorsed to the company |
The FTC’s disaster-repair guidance recommends licensing and insurance verification, multiple written estimates, and skepticism about false relief fees and high-pressure demands. A nice-looking certificate or website is not direct verification.
Request comparable scopes
For a flood restoration, ask what contaminated material is removed, who evaluates electrical and structural systems, how drying is verified and what inspection is included. For wildfire cleanup, ask about proper debris handling, protective methods and disposal requirements. Bids with different scopes cannot be ranked by headline total alone.
Keep the insurer or homeowner in control of approvals. A contractor should not tell you to invent damage, sign blank forms, falsify the claim or transfer checks without understanding the consequences.
Payment discipline matters
The FTC consumer alert recommends written contracts, avoiding cash-only transactions and withholding final payment until satisfactory completion. Exact deposit limits, cancellation rights, mechanic’s lien rules and permit procedures vary by state. Check your relevant government agency or independent legal support; do not apply another state’s rules automatically.
Urgent temporary safety work may be necessary, but it still needs authorized qualified people and documentation. Never allow an unverified worker to energize submerged electrical systems or open utility piping.
Disaster contractor verification card
| Candidate / trade | License verified (agency/date) | Insurance/contact evidence | Exact scope and permits | Payment schedule | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company A | |||||
| Company B | |||||
| Company C |
Next action: get the license number and proposed scope in writing; check the official license record before requesting detailed bids.
Can someone charge a fee to help me apply for FEMA disaster assistance?
The FTC warns that FEMA does not charge application fees. Verify all aid requests through official government channels rather than paying a solicitor for guaranteed approval.