DIY vs. Professional Water Damage Repair: Pros, Cons, and When to Seek Help

Water and flood damage can cause immense devastation to property. Despite this, many property owners, both residential and commercial, are often tempted to handle the cleanup process themselves.

While it may seem safe and straightforward to tackle the cleanup without professional help, restoring a property after water damage requires a significant amount of effort. It involves not only removing the water but also cleaning the affected area and its contents, as well as carrying out necessary repairs. Moreover, all of these tasks need to be completed while up against the clock.

Unfortunately, DIY flood restoration often leads to further damage due to a lack of experience and the absence of proper tools. That’s why it’s important to take a step back and carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of embarking on a DIY water damage restoration project.

Here are four areas to consider when deciding to hire a professional or to take the DIY approach.

1) The expertise required

While the idea of undertaking a DIY water remediation project instead of hiring a professional may be tempting, the unfortunate truth is that an amateur will likely lack the necessary expertise to safely and effectively clean up the damage. Restoring a property after flood and water damage is a complex task that requires specialist knowledge.

There are numerous factors involved in achieving optimal restoration results, such as identifying the source of the water, determining if it’s clean or contaminated and selecting the best tools for drying.

Typically, home or business owners don’t have the training required to grasp the intricacies of the restoration process fully. They may struggle to identify hidden water damage or choose appropriate treatments and chemicals for different materials. 

Without proper proficiency in flood restoration techniques and access to the right equipment, there is a risk of exacerbating the damage to the property. It’s therefore crucial to recognize the limitations of one’s abilities and consider the potential consequences.

2) Access to professional equipment

While DIY techniques are often considered a cost and time-saving option, they can prove disastrous when dealing with serious water damage. Not only can they result in further damage, but they also pose a risk of personal injury. Opting to hire a professional water restoration company that uses state-of-the-art equipment is a safer and more comprehensive choice.

Water damage restoration professionals have easy access to advanced tools, such as high-quality pumps, heavy-duty wet/dry vacuums and other robust and efficient equipment. This allows them to restore a property quickly and effectively. Additionally, they possess humidity and moisture meters that are crucial for detecting hidden moisture and ensuring that the job is carried out accurately.

By entrusting the task to professionals, customers can be confident that all water and moisture will be thoroughly removed, minimizing any further risks to both a property and its occupants.

3) Processing insurance claims

Not only is water damage difficult to clean up, but it can also be a costly process. The cost of restoration can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the extent of the damage.

While saving money is often the primary motivation for attempting DIY water damage restoration, it’s important to note that most water damage incidents are covered by insurance.

That said, there is a chance that insurance may not cover the costs if it’s not left to professionals. In fact, many professional restoration services have established relationships with insurers. They can work directly with them to expedite the claims process and ensure their clients receive the full entitlement they deserve.

4) The ability to act fast

Once a property experiences a flood, a countdown begins: within 48 to 72 hours, mold can start to spread throughout, regardless of whether the water was clean or contaminated.

This emphasizes the importance of rapidly drying the affected areas to a specific moisture content level to prevent mold growth. A professional restoration company can efficiently dry the water-damaged areas within a few hours of being on-site and can also apply a mold inhibitor to mitigate any potential growth.

This level of speed is crucial and likely not achievable if carried out by amateurs without the required training.

Professional water damage repair in Natick, MA

While it’s possible to handle small water damage restoration jobs without the help of professionals, the likelihood of a DIY approach resulting in additional damage and the potential for an expensive mold infestation is much higher for bigger jobs.

Opting to hire professionals with the expertise to thoroughly clean, dry and disinfect in a timely manner will save time, money and stress in the long term.

So don’t hesitate! If water has been detected, contact the professionals at A.W. Puma Restoration & Remodeling. We can take care of it quickly without any concerns.

Get in touch now by calling (508) 300-9747 or by filling our online contact form.