For all projects, covered by insurance or not, you will be issued a draw schedule post-mitigation or prior to structural repairs. If mitigation is called for, it cannot be typically estimated prior to work being completed as things such as dry time can vary greatly from structure to structure. Dry time may be impacted significantly by both internal and external humidity and other weather related factors. Once mitigation is complete and paid for in full, a draw schedule for the repairs of the property will be issued. There will be a deposit requested and subsequent payments assigned based on stages of completion. Small repair projects may only have a deposit and the full balance due at the end of repairs. Larger projects may have multiple draws throughout the course of the repairs.

No, as the policy holder, you are legally allowed to use any contractor for the work you choose so as long as that contractor is in business legally. Some insurance carriers may imply or attempt to force you to use their preferred vendor. In most all cases, with some exceptions, this is done because the carrier knows this vendor will undercut their price to satisfy the carrier. If you fear a low rate may diminish the quality of work, you would almost always be correct.