How to Vet a Dallas Water Damage Company: 10 Checks

Safety notice: This guide provides general information, not a professional inspection, medical, insurance or legal opinion. For immediate danger call 911 or the utility. Independent provider availability is not guaranteed.

1–2. Who is doing the work, and are they insured?

Ask for the legal business name, who will be on site, and whether any work will be subcontracted. Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance and, if they have employees, information about workers' compensation or alternative coverage. A referral service, lead site or call center is not the company doing the work; make sure you know who is.

3–4. The right licenses for the job

Texas does not issue one general license for water damage drying, but some related work is licensed. Plumbing repairs must be done by plumbers licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Mold assessment and remediation above certain thresholds are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Ask which licenses apply and verify them on the state websites. Industry training certifications can be helpful, but ask what they cover.

5–6. A written, itemized scope and moisture records

A good provider explains the source, the category of water, which materials will be removed and why, and what equipment will be used. Ask for an itemized written scope or estimate. Ask for moisture readings at the start, daily during drying and at the end, with photos. These records help you, your insurer and any rebuild contractor understand what happened.

7–8. Contract terms and insurance payments

Read the contract before signing, especially terms about payment, cancellation, and any assignment of benefits or direction to pay your insurer. Ask whether you will owe the deductible and any amounts the insurer does not pay. Avoid paying large sums upfront for work that has not started. The Texas Department of Insurance suggests not paying in full upfront for repairs.

9. Safety and contamination handling

Ask how they handle sewage or floodwater, electrical hazards, and older materials that may need testing for asbestos or lead. Ask what protective measures they use for occupants, children and pets during demolition and drying.

10. Communication and completion

Ask who your point of contact is, how often you will get updates, how they decide drying is complete, and whether rebuild work is included or handled separately. Get the final moisture readings and photos when the job ends. If something seems unclear, ask for it in writing before work continues.

Practical checklist

Confirm the business name and who will be on site
Ask for proof of liability insurance
Verify plumbing or mold licenses where they apply
Get an itemized written scope
Ask for daily moisture readings and photos
Read payment, cancellation and insurance terms before signing
Avoid large upfront payments
Ask how contamination and older materials are handled
Agree on a point of contact and update schedule
Get final readings and photos at completion

Frequently asked questions

Does Texas require a license for water damage restoration?

Texas does not have a single general water damage license, but plumbing work requires a licensed plumber and many mold assessment and remediation jobs require a TDLR license. Verify any license on the state website.

Should I sign an assignment of benefits?

Read it carefully and ask questions first. It can change who deals with your insurer and how payments flow. You can ask for time to review any contract.

Is a referral service the same as a restoration company?

No. Veterans Water Restoration is an independent referral and information service. Independent providers do the inspection, pricing and work, and you should vet them using checks like these.

Public safety references

External public-health and safety resources used for general guidance; they do not endorse this referral website.