1. Document, then stabilize
Record what's visible, stop further damage where it's safe, and collect whatever history on the house is relevant.
2. Size up the house and the site
The mold you can see is only part of what's happening. A solid plan chases the moisture back to its source, weighs humidity and material condition, contains the work, and confirms results afterward.
3. Write the scope down
Define preparation, protective measures, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, exclusions, and change-order handling.
4. Stack up the proposals
Confirm credentials first, then compare how each proposal reasons through the job and where its boundaries sit—not just the total.
5. Verify at closeout
Closeout should confirm testing, cleanup, paperwork, warranty terms, and any maintenance responsibilities left to the homeowner.