An assessment should explain what is wet, what caused it and what work is proposed. It should also distinguish what is known from areas that need access or further investigation. Use this guide to prepare questions; do not enter an unsafe space to gather measurements.
What to tell the assessor
Share the discovery time, source of the water if known, affected rooms and whether the source has been stopped. Describe odors or contamination concerns, the flooring and wall materials, and any inaccessible cavity or built-in cabinet. Photographs are useful when taken safely.
What to ask the assessor to document
- The affected rooms and materials, with moisture findings explained in context.
- Which materials may be dried in place and which need closer evaluation or removal.
- The equipment plan, monitoring visits and any access or electrical requirements.
- The proposed completion criteria and what repair work follows mitigation.
Understand scope changes
An estimate may change when a wall or floor assembly becomes accessible. Ask how additional findings will be documented, who authorizes further work and how revised costs will be supplied. Avoid signing a scope that leaves the affected area or approval process unclear.
Compare the same work
Compare quotes by rooms, materials and included tasks rather than by total alone. Confirm equipment duration, visit frequency, removal, disposal, protection of belongings and rebuilding exclusions. Ask whether the assessment itself is charged separately.
The EPA’s moisture guidance explains the importance of correcting water problems and drying affected materials. It does not prescribe an estimate or establish that a particular property is dry.