Water damage restoration is expensive enough as it is. If a homeowner makes just one mistake, they can turn the water damage from bad to worse. Not only does this increase the total loss to the house, but it also dramatically increases the cost to repair it. 

Unfortunately, many homeowners end up making at least one mistake when they let their emotions control the situation. In fact, there are seven common mistakes that most people make before they start their search for “water damage repair near me.” 

As an experienced restoration company, The Homestar Group has witnessed these mistakes firsthand. Therefore, they’ve created this helpful list for homeowners hoping to avoid them.

Procrastination

One of the single worst mistakes that a homeowner can make when they discover water damage is waiting too long to address it. Though it can be overwhelming, it’s important that it be cleaned up right away. 

The longer water sits in a house, the more it can damage it. In fact, secondary problems like mold can appear in just 24 hours after the water damage event. To ensure the best results, homeowners should look for “water damage repair near me” as soon as they find signs of water damage.

Not Fixing the Root Cause

Sometimes, homeowners get so caught up in cleaning the mess that they forget to address the root cause of the water damage. While it’s hard to ignore a burst pipe, smaller leaks from the roof or appliances might get overlooked–especially if the leaking has temporarily subsided.

Unfortunately, ignoring the root cause generally means that the water damage will occur again. If homeowners want to avoid cleaning up the mess again, they should hire a contractor to find the problem and fix it.

Using the Wrong Tools

Small leaks might be easy enough to clean up with a mop or towels, but larger water damage jobs require specialized tools that the average homeowner doesn’t have access to. That doesn’t stop them from trying to use them anyway, however. 

It’s incredibly common for homeowners to use the wrong tools, and as a result, they end up pushing water deeper into materials like carpets and floors. To avoid making the problem worse, they should hire a restoration company with tools that can extract, dehumidify, and deodorize.

Ignoring Signs of Hidden Water Damage

Hidden water damage can usually go on for months before someone finally notices the signs. Therefore, it’s important that homeowners regularly inspect their homes for small stains on the drywall. They should also check for mold, peeling paint, or damp spots in the flooring. As soon as any of these signs appear, homeowners should reach out to a water damage restoration company for a professional inspection and repair. 

Improperly Sorting Personal Belongings

Water damage restoration companies also see too many homeowners making the wrong decisions when sorting through their personal belongings. Some people are so attached to their items that they attempt to salvage some things that are beyond repair. Doing so can leave their home vulnerable to mold and other bacteria.

On the other hand, some people are too quick to throw things out. Professional cleaning crews can usually salvage most items with their state-of-the-art equipment. In order to best sort through personal belongings, homeowners should work with a professional restoration expert. 

Failing to Take Safety Precautions

One of the most dangerous mistakes a homeowner can make is failing to take safety into consideration. While it might be tempting to just dive right into the cleanup, there are many risks involved. 

Not only do homeowners need to be wary of shock hazards, but they also could come in contact with harmful bacteria, mold, broken glass, and unstable building materials. While it’s best to leave these dangerous jobs to a team of professionals, homeowners should at least wear the proper protective equipment.

Forgetting to Document the Damage Properly

If a homeowner plans to turn their loss into their insurance, they can’t forget to document the damage. While it’s important to act fast with the cleanup, homeowners first need to set aside time to go through the house and take photos of the damage. They should cover the entire affected area as well as the source. Otherwise, their claim could be denied.

Contact a Professional to Learn More About How to Avoid Water Damage Repair Mistakes

Homeowners shouldn’t let these simple mistakes cost them more time and money! Instead, they should contact a professional for water damage repair near me so that the job gets done right the first time. The Homestar Group is easy to reach by phone for 24/7 emergency service, or homeowners can submit their online form to request a free quote.