1. Document and stabilize
Start by documenting what you are seeing, take reasonable steps to stop the problem from getting worse if it is safe to do so, and pull together any relevant background -- past leaks, renovations, or previous treatment attempts.
2. Look at the whole property
What is visible on the surface rarely tells the whole story. A sound evaluation looks at how water is entering the structure, humidity levels in the crawl space and attic, the condition of affected materials, how the work area will be contained, and how results get confirmed once work wraps up.
3. Get the scope in writing
Before work starts, spell out what prep work happens, how the rest of the house gets protected, which materials are being used, how access is handled, what permits apply, what testing occurs, cleanup responsibilities, finish restoration, what is excluded, and how change orders are priced.
4. Weigh the proposals
Check each provider's credentials, and read past the bottom-line number -- compare how they explain their reasoning and where each proposal draws its boundaries.
5. Confirm the finish
Before calling it finished, confirm that post-work testing was done, the site was cleaned up properly, you have documentation in hand, warranty terms are clear, and you know what ongoing maintenance, if any, falls to you.