* Prepare a written description of the water damage repairs that need to be done in your home or office building. Try to be as detailed as possible as this will help contractors to make correct initial estimations of cost and time needed to complete the work.

* Arrange interviews with at least three separate potential contractors.

* Do not hire a contractor who is not willing to provide you with a written agreement clearly stating the water damage restoration tasks to be completed, the timeframe in which they will be completed, and the price per task listed. Look out for "hidden" charges or expenses.

* Remember to protect your home and your belongings; you don't need to suffer any more losses! Make sure the contractor or company has liability insurance and that it is valid. Call the insurance provider yourself. The contractor should provide you with a copy of his insurance certificate. If no telephone number is listed on the certificate, look it up yourself. Do not ask the contractor to give you a phone number.

* Find out whether there are any lawsuits being filed against your potential contractor /company.

* Also, verify whether the water damage restoration company is bonded. This is an important protective measure.

* Validate the contractor / company's certification. Two of the most popular water damage restoration certifications in most U.S. states are the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the Water Loss Institute (WLI) certification.

* The contractor should provide you with references from clients for whom he has completed water damage restoration projects. Make sure to call at least three of them.

* Enquire whether the company / contractor intend to hire sub-contractors to undertake the work. Do not employ the services of a contractor who will not being doing the work himself, with his employees.

* If heavy furniture needs to be moved out of your house during the restoration process, find out whether the restoration company has storage facilities you may use.

* Ideally, you should like, or at least get along with, the contractor you select. Most water damage restoration projects are time-consuming, and you will have to be able to comfortably communicate with your contractor over a significant period of time.

* Be extra cautious when hiring a water damage restoration company online or over the phone. Check the company's performance record and be sure your expectations will be met once the company takes the responsibility of restoring your water-damaged restoration home or business.

Addressing your water damage restoration needs immediately is very important, but it does not mean employing the services of a water damage restoration professional who may, be unqualified and incompetent at best or a professional swindler at worst.