Hiring a professional water restoration company can make all the difference.
Given the tough economic times since the pandemic, the last thing home and business owners need is an unexpected out-of-pocket expense, such as a costly water damage loss. Consumers have been squeezed by inflation, and their incomes aren’t keeping up. As a result, many cut expenses and delay essential maintenance on their homes and commercial buildings. When disaster strikes, they often look for ways to cut corners—opting for DIY solutions or relying on undertrained and under-equipped staff in commercial settings to manage the damage. However, hiring a professional water restoration company can make all the difference in preventing long-term damage and costly repairs
Meanwhile, insurance companies have been pummeled by historic hail losses in Minnesota. Some carriers have left the state, while others have stopped taking on new policies. In response, insurers are raising premiums and deductibles, forcing property owners to shoulder more of the financial burden. Unfortunately, when disaster strikes—whether water, storm, or fire damage—homeowners and business owners can find themselves facing a perfect storm of financial hardship.
Take, for example, a young couple returning home from a weekend getaway to find their basement flooded due to a burst frozen pipe. Feeling confident and eager to save money, they decide to handle the situation themselves rather than call a professional water restoration company. They rally family members, borrow dehumidifiers and fans, and spend hours extracting water, pulling up carpets, and attempting to dry out their home. Their motivation? Avoiding a $2,500 insurance deductible they can’t afford.
The next day, they reach out to their insurance agent, who delivers advice they weren’t expecting: “You should call a professional to ensure everything is thoroughly dried to prevent mold problems.” Shortly after, a concerned parent informs them that, when they eventually sell the house, they’ll be legally required to disclose the water damage. Panic sets in. Have they taken on more than they can handle?
With growing concern, they call their agent again, who advises them to have a vetted water restoration company inspect the damage before deciding whether to file a claim. She provides three reputable options. After some quick research, they choose one and make the call.
The restoration company’s representative reassures them, explaining the company’s experience and qualifications. They emphasize that their team consists of IICRC-certified technicians—trained professionals in water damage mitigation. The couple learns that IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) is a globally recognized nonprofit that sets industry standards, ensuring that certified firms provide expert service. Certified firms handle complex restoration projects daily, offering consumers peace of mind that the job will be done right the first time.
Impressed by the company’s expertise, the couple schedules an immediate appointment. Within minutes, a professional arrives with sophisticated equipment to assess the situation. The verdict? The basement isn’t dry. Moisture levels in the wall cavities remain dangerously high. The technician stresses the urgency of the situation: mold spores can begin developing within 72 hours, depending on factors like temperature, air movement, and humidity. If addressed quickly, however, professional-grade equipment and expertise can fully dry the structure.
Realizing the severity of the situation, the couple agrees to move forward. Their agent, after reviewing the details of the loss, advises them to file a claim. The water restoration company dispatches a plumber to fix the broken pipe, while technicians begin the drying process with industrial-strength equipment.
The next day, the insurance adjuster arrives, approves the emergency mitigation costs, and determines that additional repairs—including carpet replacement, drywall repair, and repainting—are necessary. Once drying is complete, work begins. While the couple must cover their deductible, their insurance covers the rest of the claim. In the end, their home is restored to pre-loss condition—if not better. The walls have been freshly painted, and the carpeting is new. Thanks to an informal low-interest loan from the husband’s parents, they manage the deductible cost without financial strain.
Reflecting on the ordeal, they roll their eyes at the hours spent on their DIY efforts but take comfort in knowing that professionals handled the restoration. They now have proper documentation, ensuring no future legal issues when selling their home. They’ve also taken steps to prevent future frozen pipe incidents.
When water wreaks havoc on your home, unless the damage is minor and manageable, don’t attempt to handle it yourself. It’s simply not worth the time, effort, or risk. If drying isn’t done correctly, mold can develop, leading to far greater expenses and potential health issues. Plus, selling a house with a lingering mold smell? Good luck.
Instead, call Lindstrom Restoration—your trusted water restoration company—24/7/365 at 763-544-8761. Our IICRC-certified professionals have been restoring homes and businesses since 1953. We work with all insurance companies and are vetted by top insurance agents, adjusters, and property managers. Utilizing the latest technology and best practices, we ensure your home is restored efficiently, safely, and to the highest industry standards.
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