Verify Real IICRC Certification
Ask whether the technicians coming to your home hold individual IICRC certification, not just a company-level claim. You can verify certifications directly at iicrc.org before committing to anyone.
Check for a Written Estimate Before Work Begins
A company that won't provide a written estimate before starting work is a red flag. Verbal authorization during an active emergency is reasonable, but you should still get documentation of the scope and pricing as soon as possible.
Ask About Insurance Documentation Practices
A company experienced with insurance claims will describe a clear documentation process: moisture readings, photos, and a scope narrative formatted for your adjuster. Vague answers here often mean delays or disputes later in your claim.
Confirm Licensing for Mold Work Specifically
If your job involves any mold remediation, Texas requires a TDLR Mold Remediation Contractor license for jobs over a certain scope. Ask directly whether the company holds this license, since it's a separate requirement from general IICRC certification.
Look for Local Operation, Not Just a Local Phone Number
A company that's genuinely locally operated, rather than a national lead-generation service routing calls to subcontractors, tends to have more direct accountability for the work performed. Read our guide on independent vs. franchise restoration companies for more on this distinction.
Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring
Our companion guide on questions to ask before hiring a contractor covers the specific questions worth asking once you've narrowed down your options.
Trust Your Gut, But Verify First
A company can sound great on the phone and still fall short on paper. Run through this checklist even when a company seems trustworthy, since a few minutes of verification protects you far more than a confident voice on the other end of the call. The companies that hold up under this checklist are usually the ones worth calling back, and the ones that dodge a question or two are worth crossing off your list entirely. A reliable crew won't mind being asked, since these are the same standards they hold themselves to anyway.
Want to see how we measure up? Call (972) 630-6656 and ask us directly.