Some homeowners wonder why they should pay professionals to handle water damage restoration. This mindset guides many homeowners toward decisions that cost them far more in the long run than working with a professional from the start. Professional water, mold and fire damage companies like Red Truck Disaster Response have access to specialized equipment and proven techniques. Our exceptional experience creates the difference between proper restoration and persistent moisture problems associated with DIY home mitigation.

The Hidden Financial Burden of DIY Home Mitigation Attempts

DIY water damage restoration costs usually end up much higher than you’d expect. You might think fixing water damage yourself will save money. But the numbers tell a different story.

Original vs Actual Costs Comparison of DIY Home Mitigation vs Professional Service

What seems like savings at first can turn into an expensive mistake.  DIY repairs gone wrong can cost much more once you consider corrective repairs. Poor drying leads to structural damage, mold, and poor air quality.

Equipment Rental and Purchase Expenses

Water damage requires specialized equipment, unavailable to members of the public:

• Commercial-grade water extractors and dehumidifiers
• Moisture detection devices
• Professional-grade drying equipment
• Safety gear and protective equipment

Buying your own equipment might look doable. But successful restoration requires more than just access to the right equipment. To be done correctly, restoration requires expertise. Even with professional equipment, wrong usage leads to incomplete drying and potential further damage.

Time Investment and Lost Productivity Costs with DIY Home Mitigation

Your time is valuable. And DIY restoration takes a lot of it. Drying times vary greatly. You’ll need to check and adjust everything constantly. This can disrupt your work schedule and daily life. Professional teams work faster because of our experience and team-based approach.

DIY Home Mitigation & Property Value Impact and Long-Term Depreciation

DIY water damage repairs can hurt your property’s long-term value. The financial fallout goes way beyond the original repair costs.

Effect of DIY Home Mitigation on Future Home Appraisals

Your home’s appraisal value takes a direct hit from water damage. Professional appraisers look at structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, and market desirability. The property’s history of water-related issues might raise red flags during appraisals, even after repairs. Your property value could take a big hit without proper professional documentation of repairs. But we know how to mitigate the damage so effectively that repairs are nearly impossible to detect. In fact, we often leave every home we work on better than new! (That said, it is required that you report the work.)

Impact of DIY Home Mitigation on Resale Potential

If it is not done right, water damage could make your home harder to sell and affects its market value. Potential buyers worry about:

• Structural issues with foundation and support beams
• Hidden moisture problems
• Mold and health hazards

Future Insurance Premium Implications

Without proper repair and/or documentation insurance companies could potentially label homes with water damage as high-risk properties. This often leads to higher premiums or limited coverage options for future owners.

Documentation and Disclosure Requirements

The law now requires you to report any past water damage when selling your property. You need to gather and share:

• Detailed records of water damage incidents
• Documentation of repair dates and damage extent
• Professional assessment reports
• Proof of proper restoration work

Legal trouble could follow if you fail to disclose water damage. Buyers can sue for financial compensation if they find undisclosed water damage after purchase. Professional restoration companies like Red Truck provide detailed work documentation. These records are a great way to protect your property’s value during sales.

Insurance Claim Complications with DIY Home Mitigation

Water damage insurance claims get more complex with DIY repairs. You can avoid pricey claim denials and coverage gaps by knowing how your restoration choices affect coverage.

Policy Coverage limitations for DIY Home Mitigation

Your homeowners insurance usually covers sudden and accidental water damage. However, DIY repairs can make this coverage tricky. Most policies need professional evaluation and proper documentation to approve claims. You risk voiding coverage or getting less money if you handle repairs yourself.

Documentation requirements and professional assessment needs. (We provide them all.)

• Detailed photographs of damage before and after repairs
• Professional assessment reports
• Receipts for materials and services
• Documentation of the water source and damage timeline
• Proof of proper restoration techniques

Risk of Claim Denial Due to Improper DIY Home Mitigation Restoration

Insurance companies can deny claims for several DIY-related reasons. Claims often get rejected if:

• Damage worsens due to improper restoration techniques
• You do not address damage in a timely manner
• Repairs fail to meet professional standards
• You lack proper documentation of the damage and repair process

Your claim might get denied if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster’s assessment. What’s more, your insurance might not cover secondary damage like mold growth from incomplete drying if your DIY efforts cause these problems.

Prevention of Secondary Damage Expenses Associated with DIY Home Mitigation

For good results, avoid DIY

Poor DIY restoration can lead to much higher costs from secondary damage. Professional services help avoid these extra costs through:

• Detailed moisture detection and removal
• Structural damage prevention
• Mold growth protection within the vital 24-48 hour window

DIY does not turn out the way it does if you hire a professional team like Red Truck!

DIY water damage restoration might look easy. But the financial risks are not worth the money you might save. A failed DIY attempt could lead to additional structural damage, lower property values, and rejected insurance claims. What’s more, water damage mitigation is often covered by insurance. So, don’t try to go it alone!

Professional restoration teams show up with specialized equipment and proven expertise. We back our work with detailed warranties to protect your investment. Also, our quick response prevents additional damage that could negatively impact your property value. Furthermore, we document everything properly to help with insurance claims.

About Red Truck Disaster Response in Boise, Idaho

Before starting Red Truck Disaster Response in 2016, owner Patrick Coppi spent more than 30 years working in the restoration industry. Through his experience working for a national franchise, he saw first-hand how larger companies fail to provide the level of customer service their clients need and deserve when we are going through a loss to their home. He started Red Truck and made the conscious decision to put service first. Our clients are our highest priority. With a focus on professional and supportive service and open communication, we help our clients restore both their homes and their lives after a disaster. We will work with any insurance company and can handle any size loss. If you face a loss of any kind, 24/7, call our hotline (208) 336-3853 and we’ll be happy to help!