Should you fix your home’s water damage wall by yourself or hire some pros? It’s the age-old question that all homeowners end up asking at some point. So, what’s the answer and how do you find an expert if you need one? Don’t do anything until you read this article.
How to find the main water damage wall in your home
You have to stop moisture from becoming an expensive and dangerous problem. You don’t want have to replace the entire wall just because of some water. And you don’t want to experience health problems from mold growth. These are some common signs of water-damaged walls:
- Wetness
- Pooling water
- Foul odors
- Stains
- Cracking
- Flaked or bubbled paint
- Dripping or trickling sounds
Also, you can stop a leak more quickly by keeping track of your utility bills. Simply calculate your average usage and then be on the lookout for unusual meter changes and increased fees.
TIP: Put yourself on a yearly budget with the utility company to more closely monitor your water usage and save some money in the meantime.
What to do when the problem is too big
Being a proactive homeowner is a great start, but that’s all it is – a start. That’s because plumbing and mold remediation are both difficult tasks for trained experts. In other words, you won’t always discover the damage just by looking and you can’t prevent what you don’t know about.
When your water damage wall becomes too saturated to save, do this:
- Research local mold remediation companies. See who’s available in your area and read some customer reviews.
- Gather several quotes. Then, use them to compare prices and services until you find the best deal.
- Interview experts because you’ve got questions that need to be answered before you spend any money.
- Communicate your needs. After all, the company you choose will not know exactly what you’re looking for until you tell them.
- Ask for preventative maintenance tips and quick troubleshooting hints. That way the leak will stop while you search for help.
Keep in mind that many companies offer free on-site estimates. Moreover, most of them can take emergency calls or at least show you how to solve minor issues over the phone until help arrives.
How to find a pro to fix your water damage wall
There are plenty of companies in your area and that’s pretty convenient when you have water damage in your home. But that’s also why it can be so hard to find the right one for repairs. So, here are three ways to narrow down your search a little bit:
- Look for pros with licenses and insurance. Otherwise, you’ll pay the price if something goes wrong.
- Know your needs. Then, communicate those needs to the experts so they can give you an accurate quote.
- Come up with a budget because some companies will try to nickel and dime you into bankruptcy.
- Buy your own equipment. That means supplying the replacement pipes, fixtures, and drywall if they’re needed.
The takeaway
Plumbers are not the same as mold remediation specialists, pest control techs, or HVAC experts. However, they work together closely and that means they can refer you to reliable affiliates in your area if DIY doesn’t work for you.
