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GastoniaWater Damage Help(704) 935-4883

Guide

Before you hire a water damage contractor in North Carolina

The call connects you with an independent contractor, and you decide whether to hire them. These questions help you decide. The disclaimer on this site says it is the homeowner's job to verify the contractor's license and insurance.

(704) 935-4883

Tap the number to call. The line connects you with an independent restoration contractor, not with this website.

What North Carolina requires

The NC Licensing Board for General Contractors says a general contractor must hold a state license once a project reaches the value listed on its website. Below that, the board says nothing on its public pages about a license, so ask the contractor what applies.

Plumbing, heating and fire sprinkler work fall under a different state board, the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. It has its own public license search.

This site found no North Carolina rule that limits who may advertise water extraction or drying. It therefore describes itself as a referral line, claims no license of its own and names no contractor.

Ask these questions

  1. What is your license number, and which board issued it?

    Then look it up yourself using the board's search.

  2. Can I see a certificate of insurance made out to me?

    The NC Department of Insurance advises asking for one issued to you.

  3. What readings will you take, and when?

    A moisture meter reading at the start and end of drying should be shared.

  4. What does the written scope say?

    It should list rooms, materials to be removed and equipment to be used.

  5. What happens if the scope grows?

    Ask how changes are approved and documented.

  6. Do you work directly with my insurer?

    Be wary of anyone who promises that a claim will be approved. Coverage is the insurer's decision.

Red flags

  • Pressure to sign before anyone has looked at the house.
  • A demand for the full amount in cash up front.
  • A refusal to give a license number or insurance certificate.
  • A promise about what the insurance company will pay.
  • Door-to-door offers right after a storm.

If something goes wrong

The licensing board takes complaints through an online form. It says it can investigate unlicensed contracting only on projects at or above that same value. For insurance problems, the NC Department of Insurance accepts complaints through its assistance page.

Official sources

Keep reading

Water is still spreading while you read

Call the number and describe what happened. The line routes your call to an independent restoration contractor who serves your ZIP code. Early calls leave more of the home dry.