1. Observe and protect
Start by writing down what's happening at the Clearwater home, keeping further damage in check where it's safe to do so, and pulling together whatever history exists on the house.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Because Clearwater properties sit on sandy soil over porous, occasionally unstable limestone, this step maps grading, drainage, framing, and foundation type together rather than treating the visible crack as the whole story.
3. Define a written scope
For a Clearwater project, get preparation, protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, exclusions, and change-order rules down in writing.
4. Compare providers
Look past the bottom-line number on each Clearwater-area proposal to the reasoning and scope boundaries behind it, and verify credentials while you're at it.
5. Inspect closeout
Before calling a Clearwater project done, confirm the test results, cleanup, paperwork, warranty terms, and whatever maintenance remains on you.