1. Observe and protect
Note what's visible, prevent additional damage where you safely can, and pull together any relevant history on the house.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Visible mold is a symptom, not a diagnosis. A plan built to last traces the water to its entry point, accounts for ongoing humidity, evaluates how far the affected materials go, contains the work area, and verifies the result once the job is finished.
3. Define a written scope
Pin down preparation, protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, exclusions, and the change-order process before signing.
4. Compare providers
Confirm credentials, then compare the reasoning and scope boundaries behind each bid, not just its total.
5. Inspect closeout
Before calling it finished, confirm testing, cleanup, documentation, warranty coverage, and any remaining maintenance responsibilities.