Emergency forms, in plain words
Boilerplate you can copy into any document. Not legal advice. Not a lawyer. Get a Texas attorney before money moves.
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These are starting templates, not counsel and not valid-for-every-job documents. Texas law, your policy, and your facts control. If the contractor will not put it in writing, that is your answer. Print two copies. Both sides initial every change.
1. Scope sheet
Contractor [legal name, license name and number] agrees to perform ONLY the following work at [address]: [list rooms and tasks]. Demolition depth: [e.g. drywall 2 ft above water line]. Drying equipment: [count and type] for [days]. Rebuild included / excluded [circle one]. Start date [date]. Substantial completion [date]. Daily supervisor contact [name, number]. Any work beyond this list needs a signed written change order with a price before it starts.
2. Payment schedule
Total price [amount] fixed / time-and-materials with cap [circle one]. Deposit [amount, never full price] due at signing. Draw 2 [amount] due when [trigger, e.g. demo and drying complete]. Final payment [amount] due only after [walkthrough passed, equipment removed, receipts delivered]. If insurance approves less than the total, the gap is handled by [write the rule here] before work starts. No cash-only demands. Every payment gets a dated receipt.
3. Insurance-billing authorization limit
I authorize [contractor] to discuss claim [number] with [carrier] for scheduling and scope questions only. This is not an assignment of my benefits and not permission to settle my claim. I may revoke this in writing at any time. Signed [name, date].
4. Completion sign-off
Work is complete when: all listed scope is finished, drying equipment is removed, the site is broom-clean, and I hold paid receipts plus the written warranty [terms]. Walkthrough date [date]. Owner signature [line]. Contractor signature [line]. Payment of the final draw follows this sign-off, not the other way around.
5. Same-day landlord notice
Date [date]. To [landlord/manager name]: Unit [address] took water on [date], about [depth] deep in [rooms]. I have photos. Please advise your repair timeline in writing. I am mitigating further damage and keeping receipts. Contact me at [number]. Signed [name].
Status, maps, and claim portals change by the hour. Open the org site. Do not trust a screenshot from last night.
- TDLR license search Check a contractor before you sign. Storm chasers skip this on purpose.
- Texas AG consumer complaint Contractor and FEMA-impersonation patterns. Keep contracts, texts, and plates.
- Texas Department of Insurance storm resources Claim FAQs and complaints. Help line 800-252-3439 if you cannot find your carrier.
Do this next
1. Run the vetting checklist on the company first.
2. Search the license on TDLR.
3. Keep everything with your claim packet.