Owning a home comes with many joys, but it can also come with several headaches. For example, water damage can be one of the most troublesome events. Not only can it lead to structural issues, but it can also end up with toxic mold growth. Therefore, it’s crucial that homeowners take special care to make sure a flood is cleaned up quickly.
There are two options for flood cleanup: DIY and professional services.
Though many homeowners are tempted to immediately start the cleanup on their own, that may not be the best choice. Check out this guide to learn more about what factors can influence a homeowner’s decision, as well as the pros and cons of each option.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a DIY Flood Cleanup
While many homeowners are eager to jump into a DIY flood cleanup, there are a few factors they should consider first:
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- The Amount of Water: Small leaks are relatively easy to handle, but a massive flood that requires major extraction should be handled by a team of professionals for the best results.
- The Equipment Needed: The average person doesn’t have the professional equipment needed to remove and dry water. They can rent or buy wet/dry vacuums, air movers, and dehumidifiers, but it will increase the cost of the job.
- Homeowners’ Insurance Coverage: Homeowners may not have to pay a penny out of pocket for their professional flood restoration if they have insurance coverage for the event.
- Risk of Mold: If the water has sat for more than 24 hours, it could have already started to grow mold that will require professional cleaning and remediation services.
Benefits of DIY Flood Cleanup
Time is one of the biggest reasons that homeowners opt for a DIY cleanup. They often don’t want to wait for a professional cleanup crew to arrive, so they simply get started at the first sign of water damage.
Homeowners who want to have greater control over the cleanup also prefer to do it on their own. They can take as much time as they need to focus on every area of the home.
Disadvantages of DIY Flood Cleanup
While it might seem like a DIY flood cleanup is cheaper upfront, there are many hidden costs a homeowner could accrue. One of the biggest is equipment rentals. Since most people don’t have the right tools to handle this level of water damage, they have to purchase or rent heavy-duty pumps, dehumidifiers, and fans.
Another reason that homeowners should reconsider a DIY project is that they simply don’t have the knowledge and experience. They may not know the most effective methods for drying a house or removing dangerous mold spores.
Benefits of Professional Flood Cleanup
Homeowners should choose a professional flood cleanup if they want faster results. While it might be quicker to start a DIY cleanup, it will take more time in the long run. Expert flood restoration crews can work efficiently to get the job done. This allow homeowners to get back to their daily routines faster, and it can also reduce the risk of mold growth.
Another benefit of working with professionals is that they often offer full-service solutions. That means that they can handle the entire flood cleanup process from start to finish. They can even assist with content cleaning and reconstruction, so homeowners don’t have to worry about hiring and managing multiple contractors.
Finally, the contractors have access to the right training and tools. Not only do they have extensive knowledge in dealing with flood damage, but they also come equipped with all of the fans, truck-mounted pumps, and dehumidifiers that they will need. They even have safety equipment to protect them from contaminants and other hazards associated with flooding.
Disadvantages of Hiring a Professional
The main reason that homeowners avoid hiring a professional flood restoration company is that they believe they can’t afford their services. While it is certainly more expensive than a DIY option, customers can usually get assistance with insurance. In fact, many contractors can handle the claims process, so homeowners don’t have to stress over the cost at all.
Find out More About Choosing Between DIY or Professional Flood Cleanup Services
Still not sure whether a professional flood cleanup is the right option? Homeowners should reach out to Pride Restoration of NC, Inc. to learn more about the specific advantages their crews have to offer.
The water damage contractors are available 24/7 for fast emergency responses when customers call (910) 597-3750. Homeowners can also submit their project details through the company’s online form to request a free quote for their services.
