1. Observe and protect
Document what's visible, limit further water intrusion where safe, and note any recent storm tied to the timing.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Deck condition, underlayment quality, flashing at valleys and penetrations, ventilation, and how the site drains under tree cover all belong in the evaluation before repair-versus-replace gets decided.
3. Define a written scope
Get protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, and exclusions down in writing before work starts.
4. Compare providers
Verify credentials, then compare how each proposal reasons through the job, not just its total.
5. Inspect closeout
Confirm testing, cleanup, and documentation, and collect warranty paperwork before calling it finished.