Guide
Before you hire a water damage contractor
Anyone you hire is an independent contractor. This page lists what to ask and what Texas does and does not license.
Questions to ask
- Who is the company?
Ask for the legal name, a street address and proof of insurance. Check the details on the insurance certificate yourself.
- Is the work licensed?
Ask which trades are involved and who holds the license for each. See the next section.
- What is in writing?
A written scope that names what will be removed, dried and rebuilt, with moisture readings at the start and finish.
- What is the deposit?
The Texas Department of Insurance advises caution with a large or full down payment, and says to avoid paying the full amount up front.
- Are there blanks?
TDI warns against signing a contract with blank spaces to be filled in later.
- Who pulls permits?
Water heater replacement needs a City of Kyle permit. Ask who applies for any permit the repairs need.
What Texas licenses
The state pages reviewed for this site name licenses for plumbing and for mold work. None of them names a state license for water extraction and drying by itself.
- Plumbing
Plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Look up the Responsible Master Plumber's license number on the board's search. Master Plumber numbers begin with the letter M. The written estimate and invoice should show that number.
- Mold
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation licenses mold assessors and remediators. TDLR says areas of visible mold under 25 contiguous square feet can be cleaned by people who are not licensed. This line does not connect mold-only calls.
- Claims
Public adjusters are licensed by TDI. A public adjuster cannot also be your contractor on the same claim.
Deductibles
It is illegal in Texas for a contractor to waive your deductible or help you avoid paying it, according to TDI. A contractor who offers to is a reason to look elsewhere. TDI says to report the offer to the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508.
The homeowner is responsible for verifying a contractor's license and insurance. That is stated in the disclaimer in the footer of every page.
If the repairs need a permit in Kyle
The City of Kyle's permit page says a permit application needs the applicant and every subcontractor listed as permit contacts, each with a current registration with the city. Ask a contractor whether the firm is registered there before it quotes work that opens walls or changes plumbing.
The same page says a homeowner doing the work personally must show proof of homestead, so a plan to do part of the repair yourself still goes through the permit desk at 512-262-3911.
Water is still moving. Call now.
One call connects you with an independent restoration contractor who serves the Kyle area. Then you decide what happens next.