1. Observe and protect
Log where the issue is, avoid worsening it if it's safe not to touch, and collect anything relevant from earlier repairs.
2. Evaluate the house and site
In St. Petersburg that means checking foundations and window sills first, since the flat terrain gives water nowhere to drain on its own.
3. Define a written scope
Nail down prep, protection, materials, permits, testing, cleanup, restoration, exclusions, and how any change orders will work.
4. Compare providers
Rather than ranking by price alone, look at how each provider reasons through the job and where they've capped the scope.
5. Inspect closeout
Closeout means reviewing test results, cleanup, documentation, warranty terms, and whatever maintenance responsibility falls back to you.