When water damage occurs, homeowners have a lot of decisions to make. One of these is whether to DIY or hire professional restoration services.
Many people do the work themselves because it seems cheap and easy. However, it would help if you considered a few things before making this decision.
Cost-Effectiveness
Hiring a Pure Restore Restoration Denver professional can sometimes be more cost-effective than attempting DIY water damage restoration. Typically, homeowners can obtain insurance coverage to pay for the services of a restoration company.
However, this is only sometimes the case. Many DIY blogs and guides on handling water damage cleanup don't mention crucial aspects such as removing carpet padding, keeping doors and drawers open or closed, completely decontaminating the area, replacing anything destroyed by moisture, and more.
Additionally, they need to provide information on how to spot further problems, such as rusted pipes or mold in walls and floors. These issues may be costly to repair or even dangerous to your health. If left unchecked, they can also lead to more water damage. Then you will need additional repairs and possibly mold remediation.
Safety
Water damage restoration is a serious home improvement project that homeowners should only tackle with the proper training. Doing so can lead to further structural issues, contaminated water, and even worse problems like mold.
The risk of injury and illness is another primary concern associated with DIY water damage restoration. Inexperienced homeowners may encounter electrical hazards, dangerously slippery surfaces, and mold spores that can be hazardous to the health of occupants.
Additionally, specialized equipment such as pumps, shop vacs, air movers, and powerful dehumidifiers are often required for water damage restoration. A homeowner must have this specialized equipment lying around for the drying and restoration process to be much more time-consuming than it would be for a professional water damage restoration company. This can cause further inconvenience and stress for homeowners with busy schedules.
Expertise
Professionals understand the intricacies of cleaning and restoring a home following water damage. They use specialized tools to quickly and thoroughly address the situation, including moisture meters, infrared cameras, and hygrometers. This allows them to identify hidden moisture pockets that may be causing structural damage or contributing to mold growth.
Moreover, they know to categorize different classes of water damage and provide comprehensive restoration services for each one. This ensures that the restoration process is efficient and that the property is restored to its pre-loss condition.
DIY cleanup and restoration are risky, particularly for homes with significant or severe water damage. Hiring a professional water damage company is the best way to prevent unnecessary loss and expense. They can work alongside your homeowner's insurance to get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Time
A restoration company can often finish a project much quicker than an average homeowner. They have the equipment and resources necessary to work surprisingly fast.
The longer water damage goes unaddressed, the more it can worsen. Standing water can peel paint off walls, swell wood floors, and cause many other issues. In addition, contaminated water (sometimes called black water) can contain dangerous organisms and bacteria that are a health risk.
Specialized equipment is necessary for water damage cleanup, including pumps and shop vacs for extracting moisture. It's also important to note that porous materials like drywall and wood must be replaced to ensure proper drying and prevent future complications, such as mold growth or rot.
Health
Water damage can lead to structural issues like rusting pipes and wood damage, which can be dangerous for your health. Additionally, water damage leads to mold growth, which can cause various health problems. Mold spores can cause respiratory illnesses and other severe conditions. A professional will ensure that the area is arid and mold-free.
Cleaning water damage can lead to many mistakes, from forgetting to disinfect contaminated items to missing critical spots in your home. Moreover, DIY water restoration lacks specialized equipment such as powerful pumps, air movers, and dehumidifiers, which help speed up drying and eliminate excess moisture. These are the main reasons why it's best to leave the cleanup and restoration of your home or business to a water damage restoration company.
