Not all restoration contractors are equal. Here's how to vet a company and avoid the mistakes that cost homeowners thousands.
When your home has been damaged by water, fire, or a storm, the decisions you make about who to hire are among the most consequential — and they need to be made quickly, often under enormous stress. Choosing the wrong contractor can mean shoddy repairs, a mishandled insurance claim, and months of frustration.
Here's how to evaluate a restoration contractor before you commit.
Check Licensing First
In both North Carolina and South Carolina, contractors performing restoration and construction work above certain thresholds are required to hold a state contractor's license. Ask for the license number and verify it with the state licensing board:
- South Carolina: SC Contractor's Licensing Board (LLR)
- North Carolina: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
A company that can't or won't provide a license number is a red flag. Unlicensed work creates liability for you as the homeowner and may not pass inspection.
Verify Insurance — Get Certificates, Not Promises
Any contractor in your home should carry two types of insurance:
General liability insurance — protects you if they damage your property during work. Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured for the project.
Workers' compensation insurance — protects you if a worker is injured on your property. Without it, you could be liable for a worker's medical bills.
Don't just take their word for it. Request the actual certificate from their insurance agent, and check the expiration date.
Look for IICRC Certification
The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) is the industry standard for restoration professionals. Certified technicians have completed formal training in:
- Water damage restoration (WRT)
- Applied structural drying (ASD)
- Fire and smoke restoration (FSRT)
- Applied microbial remediation (AMRT)
This matters because restoration is a technical discipline with specific protocols. A general handyman or painter doing water damage work without IICRC training won't follow proper drying protocols — and you'll have mold problems in your walls six weeks later.
Evaluate Their Claims Experience
If you're filing an insurance claim, your contractor's experience with the claims process is critical. Ask:
- "Do you use Xactimate for estimating?" (The industry standard — adjusters use it too)
- "Do you communicate directly with insurance adjusters?"
- "Have you handled claims with my insurance company before?"
A contractor who doesn't understand the claims process will create friction with your insurer, potentially costing you thousands in underpayment.
Check Reviews — and Where They're From
Google reviews are the most reliable. Look for:
- Overall rating (4.5+ is good; be skeptical of 5.0 with very few reviews)
- Reviews that mention specific types of work (water damage, roofing, insurance process)
- How the company responds to negative reviews — does management engage professionally?
Also check the BBB and any contractor licensing databases for complaints.
Ask About Their Process — Specifically
For water damage: "How do you measure moisture levels and confirm the structure is dry?" A legitimate company will mention moisture meters, thermal cameras, and IICRC drying standards.
For fire damage: "How do you address smoke odor?" A legitimate answer involves thermal fogging or hydroxyl generation, not just surface cleaning.
For roofing: "Do you get on the roof or assess from the ground?" Anyone quoting a roof without getting on it isn't inspecting it.
Be Wary of These Red Flags
Door-to-door solicitation after storms. Legitimate local contractors don't need to chase customers. Storm chasers travel from disaster to disaster, perform quick work, and are gone before problems surface.
High-pressure to sign immediately. Legitimate contractors will give you time to review a proposal. "Sign today or the price goes up" is a manipulation tactic.
Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreements. Be very cautious before signing any document that transfers your insurance claim rights to a contractor. This can complicate your claim and limit your options. Consult with your insurer first.
Cash-only and no written contract. Everything should be in writing — scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, warranty.
Estimates far lower than competitors. In restoration, extremely low bids usually mean shortcuts — inadequate drying, cheaper materials, unlicensed subcontractors.
Dark Sky Restoration is a licensed, insured, and IICRC-certified contractor based in Lake Wylie, SC. We've served hundreds of homeowners throughout York County, Lancaster County, Mecklenburg County, and Gaston County and welcome any questions about our credentials, process, or experience. Call 704-960-3922.