Tell us what happened.
Start with the suburb, the affected rooms and what you can see from somewhere safe. Mention a ceiling changing shape, water near electrical fittings, continuing leaks and any professionals already on site. Confirm availability, access and any attendance charges before a visit.
Contact the teamCheck safety and the source.
Access comes before cleanup. An unstable ceiling, electrical hazard or suspect material may need a suitably qualified specialist. A plumber or roofer may need to stop the source before restoration can proceed. Keep people out of an unsafe room; do not disturb a bulging ceiling.
Make-safe enquiriesAgree what needs attention.
The visible patch is only part of the picture. Discuss the ceiling, insulation, walls, carpet, underlay and any rooms below. Ask what the proposed work includes, what is outside the scope and which decisions depend on further inspection.
Moisture assessmentRemove water and plan the drying.
Where safe and appropriate, extraction removes free water. The drying plan then depends on the materials, how far moisture has travelled and whether they can be retained. Equipment needs to suit the space and be checked as work progresses.
How structural drying worksCheck progress before closing up.
A surface that feels dry does not tell the whole story. Discuss what readings and observations are being recorded, which areas can be reached and when the plan will be reviewed. Restricted access or concealed materials can affect the next decision.
Restoration recordsScope repairs and handover.
Replacing plaster or repainting comes after the relevant safety, source and drying decisions. Confirm the repair area, insulation, finishing, exclusions and who is responsible for each trade. Keep the agreed scope and restoration records with the property documents.
Ceiling repairsBefore you agree to the work.
Ask who is attending, what the first visit covers and how a change in scope will be approved. For a managed building, have the authorised contact and access arrangements ready. Insurance cover and approval remain decisions for the insurer under the policy.
Questions to ask about a ceiling damage quote