1. Look, protect, record
Note what's showing, hold off further damage wherever it's safe to do so, and gather whatever history on the house is relevant.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Before any Birmingham-area response gets planned, someone weighs the water category, how much time has passed, what's hidden in the cavities, electrical safety, and how porous the materials are -- this page never promises an emergency-speed reply.
3. Put the scope in writing
Spell out preparation, protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, exclusions, and how change orders get handled.
4. Compare providers
For Birmingham-area bids, verify credentials first, then compare the reasoning and boundaries behind each proposal, not just the bottom-line total.
5. Walk the closeout
Check off testing, cleanup, paperwork, warranty terms, and whatever maintenance duties are left on the homeowner.