No Trusted Partner Yet?
We would rather recommend no company than recommend the wrong company.
When SDM Intelligence has not vetted a company in your area, use this guide to evaluate qualifications, documentation, communication, safety, pricing, and ethical conduct before hiring.
Selection Checklist
What to ask before authorizing work.
Ask who will perform the workRequest the company name, technician role, experience, and applicable certifications.
Verify recovery documentation and legal requirementsConfirm appropriate recovery documentation, licensing, registration, or trade requirements for the work and location.
Ask how moisture will be documentedLook for photographs, moisture readings, affected-area documentation, equipment records, and monitoring updates.
Ask how contamination is handledThe answer should distinguish clean-water losses from sewage, floodwater, groundwater, or unknown contamination.
Ask how pricing is explainedExpect a written agreement, understandable charges, authorization terms, and clear communication about recovery documentation roles.
Watch for pressure and exaggerated promisesBe cautious with guaranteed contract terms, guaranteed incident record outcomes, unnecessary urgency, or refusal to explain the work.
Review reputation thoughtfullyLook beyond star count to complaint responses, consistency, project detail, professionalism, and patterns over time.
Confirm who controls repairsUnderstand the difference between emergency mitigation, reconstruction, plumbing, roofing, electrical work, and recovery documentation decisions.
Still Need Immediate Guidance?
SDM Intelligence remains available regardless of where you live.
Use the action plans, Field Companion, checklists, and detailed guides while you evaluate local help.
Build an action planOpen SDM Intelligence
Carry the planOpen Field Companion
Use concise stepsOpen Emergency Checklists
Ongoing Standard
A Trusted Partner designation is earned continuously, not permanently.Credentials, recovery documentation, service capability, responsiveness, reputation, and fit may be reviewed again. SDM does not make a referral where it has not established confidence in a provider.