1. Watch, protect, log it
Record the symptoms, hold back further damage wherever it's safe, and gather whatever history on the property matters.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Before a Mobile-area response gets planned, water category, elapsed time, hidden cavities, electrical safety, and material porosity all get weighed -- and no emergency response is promised here.
3. Get the scope on paper
Nail down preparation, protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, exclusions, and change-order rules.
4. Compare providers
Look past the total on Mobile proposals -- verify credentials, and compare the reasoning and boundaries each provider used to get there.
5. Close it out properly
Verify testing, cleanup, documentation, warranties, and whatever maintenance responsibilities remain.