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DIY vs Professional Water Damage Restoration: Which Is Better?

DIY vs Professional Water Damage Restoration: Which Is Better?

March 6, 2023

When water damage strikes a house, there is a lot of work to be done to restore the property. Not only does the water need to be removed, but the affected area and its contents also need to be cleaned. While this might sound easy enough to DIY, this isn’t always the case. There are many circumstances that require professional water damage restoration. 


When a homeowner is trying to decide between a DIY or professional restoration, they need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of both options. This guide will cover the specific advantages of each method and the disadvantages that may impact a homeowner's final decision.


DIY Water Damage Restoration: Weighing the Advantages & Disadvantages

For most homeowners, it’s a natural instinct to start water damage cleanup on their own. They are eager to get their house back to normal, and some underestimate the true extent of the destruction. However, it’s better to stop for a moment and consider the advantages and disadvantages of a DIY water damage restoration.


Advantages of DIY Water Damage Restoration

  • Cost-Effective: One of the biggest reasons that homeowners choose to clean their houses without professional assistance is the cost. Certainly, they won’t have to pay the cost of labor, but they often underestimate the expense of buying the proper tools and cleaning products. 
  • More Control: Many homeowners also choose to DIY the job because they want to have control over the process. They feel more comfortable knowing that the house was cleaned to their standards, and they believe they have more time to dedicate to a thorough restoration. 


Cons of DIY Water Damage Restoration 

  • Lack of Knowledge: The average homeowner does not have the training to understand how complex restoration is. They don’t know which areas require special attention, and they don’t understand which chemicals are most effective for cleaning different contaminants. 
  • Health & Safety Risks: Unless a homeowner is dealing with clean water, there is always a health risk of handling contaminants, including biohazards and mold. Most people don’t have immediate access to the proper equipment to protect them while they clean. They also have a risk of electrical shock if standing water is touching electrical outlets. 
  • Time-Consuming: It’s nice to be thorough, but many homeowners don’t understand how time-consuming the restoration process is. They could take weeks or months to get their house back to its pre-loss condition. Not to mention, it’s physically demanding and can leave a person physically and mentally exhausted. 


Professional Water Damage Restoration: Weighing the Advantages & Disadvantages

Homeowners also have the option of hiring professional water damage restoration companies like Superior Cleaning & Restoration. There are many benefits to leaving a restoration project to a team of experienced contractors, but there are a few disadvantages to consider, as well.


Advantages of Professional Water Damage Restoration

  • Knowledge & Skills: A professional water damage specialist has access to the knowledge and experience that the average homeowner lacks. They have undergone extensive training in the most effective methods and how to execute them. 
  • Equipment: Water damage restoration specialists have access to industrial-grade pumps, heavy-duty wet/dry vacuums, and many other powerful and effective tools that allow them to restore a home efficiently. 
  • Insurance Coverage: A trusted water restoration company should have insurance coverage to protect homeowners in case anything goes wrong. 
  • Full-Service Solutions: Homeowners can not only save themselves a lot of time, but they can also reduce the stress of a home restoration when they hire a company that offers full-service solutions.
  • Reduced Health & Safety Risk: Professionals know the risk involved with cleaning up a home impacted by water damage. In addition to having the right safety equipment, they also no know how to mitigate risk with bacteria, mold, electrical shock, and other hazards.


Cons of Professional Water Damage Restoration 

  • Cost: One of the biggest reasons that homeowners choose to DIY is to save money. However, many times they can get insurance coverage to help cover the cost. Water damage companies can even assist with the claims process to help homeowners get the most coverage.


Learn More About Professional Water Damage Restoration Services

Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of professional water damage restoration services? If so, you should get in touch with the experts of Superior Cleaning & Restoration. They have years of experience as reliable water damage specialists, so you can count on them to get the job done right. 


Their crews can be contacted by calling their emergency line at (715) 804-2340. Homeowners can also submit their questions through the online contact form.

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