1. Observe and protect
Write down what you're seeing, stop further damage if it's safe to do so, and gather any relevant history on the property.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Surface mold is a symptom, not a diagnosis. A plan built to last traces the water back to its entry point, accounts for ongoing humidity, evaluates how far the affected materials go, contains the work area properly, and verifies the result once the job is finished.
3. Define a written scope
Get clear on preparation, protection measures, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, what's excluded, and how change orders work.
4. Compare providers
Check credentials, and weigh the logic and boundaries behind each proposal rather than just the bottom-line number.
5. Inspect closeout
Make sure testing, cleanup, documentation, warranty terms, and any ongoing maintenance responsibilities are all confirmed before closeout.