Choose a company that shows you its IICRC certifications and insurance and gives you a written scope before work starts. Avoid any company that offers to cover your deductible. Texas’s licensing agency doesn’t list a fire or water restoration license, so these checks matter.
We can connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your area. Call (855) 727-0147, then use the questions below when they come out.
Does Texas license fire restoration companies?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) licenses trades such as electricians, air conditioning contractors and mold assessors and remediators. Its list of regulated programs doesn’t include fire or water restoration (TDLR).
That means:
- Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician.
- Mold jobs over 25 contiguous square feet generally need TDLR-licensed mold professionals (TDLR mold FAQ).
- For the restoration work itself, rely on certifications, insurance and references.
Which certifications should I ask about?
The IICRC certifies individual technicians and lists IICRC Certified Firms (IICRC). Certifications relevant to fire and water jobs include:
| Certification | Relevant for |
|---|---|
| FSRT | Fire and smoke restoration |
| OCT | Odor control |
| WRT | Water damage restoration |
| ASD | Applied structural drying |
| AMRT | Applied microbial (mold) remediation |
Ask which certifications the lead technician on your job holds, not just the company owner.
What questions should I ask?
- Which IICRC certifications does the lead technician hold?
- Do you carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance? Can I see the certificate?
- Will I get a written scope and itemized estimate before work starts?
- Who will talk with my adjuster, and what will you send them?
- How will you document my belongings, and where will they be stored?
- If mold is found, which licensed mold assessor and remediator will be involved?
- What happens if the adjuster’s estimate is lower than yours?
What are the red flags under Texas law?
- Offering to cover your deductible. Contractors can’t offer to waive, rebate or absorb it (TDI).
- Offering to negotiate your claim. A contractor that does the work can’t act as your public adjuster or advertise that it will.
- Pressure to sign on the spot, or a contract with blank spaces.
- Demanding full payment upfront. TDI advises against paying in full in advance.
- No written scope before work starts.
What should a good written scope include?
| Section | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Emergency work | Board-up, tarping and water extraction, with dates |
| Cleaning | Rooms, surfaces and methods for soot and smoke |
| Odor | Methods and whether you must leave the home |
| Contents | Inventory method, cleaning and storage location |
| Rebuild | What is replaced, with materials and quantities |
| Documentation | Photos, readings and reports for your adjuster |
| Price | Itemized lines, not one lump sum |
Should I use the company my insurer suggests?
You can, but you don’t have to. Ask your insurer or adjuster about your policy before choosing. Compare scopes, ask the same questions and choose the company you trust.
Need help now?
Call (855) 727-0147 and we’ll connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your area. The referral is free, and you decide whether to hire them.
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