1. Observe and protect
Photograph what's showing up at the Fort Wayne property, limit further damage where it's safe to do so, and gather what history exists on the house.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Given the two-moraine layout of Fort Wayne, this step means figuring out which till the house sits on and how close it is to the three-river confluence before touching a single crack.
3. Define a written scope
Put in writing: preparation, protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, exclusions, and change-order rules for the Fort Wayne job.
4. Compare providers
Weigh the reasoning behind competing Fort Wayne bids, not just the total, and check credentials before choosing one.
5. Inspect closeout
Closeout on a Fort Wayne job means testing, cleanup, documentation, warranty paperwork, and maintenance responsibilities all confirmed in writing.