1. Note it, then contain further damage
Note the symptoms, prevent further damage where safe, and gather relevant background on the property.
2. Take stock of the house and property
Visible growth rarely tells the whole story. A dependable plan tracks the water source, weighs humidity and material condition, contains the work zone, and verifies the result.
3. Nail down a written scope
Lay out prep work, protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, exclusions, and change orders in writing.
4. Set proposals side by side
Verify credentials, then look past the total price to compare the reasoning and scope boundaries behind each proposal.
5. Confirm before signing off
Wrap-up should include confirmed testing, cleanup, documentation, warranty terms, and remaining maintenance duties.