Introduction
When water damage strikes your Chicagoland home—whether from a burst pipe, a flooded basement in Evanston, or a storm surge along the North Shore—your first instinct might be to handle it yourself, or what we refer to as DIY water damage cleanup in Chicago. After all, cleaning it up yourself seems faster, cheaper, and more convenient.
But here’s the reality: DIY water damage cleanup in Chicago often leads to hidden dangers, skyrocketing costs, mold infestations, and even insurance claim denials.
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve seen firsthand how seemingly small mistakes during DIY water damage cleanups cause major, expensive problems later. Whether you live in a historic Wilmette home or a newer Glenview development, understanding the hidden risks is crucial before you tackle water damage yourself.
Why DIY Water Damage Cleanup Seems Like a Good Idea
It’s natural for homeowners to think about DIY solutions when faced with water damage.
Common motivations include:
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Saving money: Professional services can seem expensive upfront.
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Speed: Immediate action feels necessary to prevent more damage.
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Availability of tutorials: A quick YouTube search offers thousands of “simple” cleanup videos.
However, Chicago homes—especially older brick houses or finished basements—present complex hidden risks that DIY videos simply don’t account for.
A Common Scenario:
You notice water pooling in your North Shore basement. Armed with a wet/dry vacuum and box fans, you start removing water. It seems dry after a day or two—so you move on.
Three months later, you discover black mold behind drywall, a musty odor in your HVAC vents, and warping hardwood floors.
Insurance now denies the claim because proper mitigation wasn’t done, and remediation costs skyrocket to $10,000 or more.
The Hidden Costs of DIY Water Damage Cleanup
1. Mold Growth and Health Risks
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure (CDC source).
Chicago’s humid summers, combined with water-saturated drywall or insulation, create the perfect storm for hidden mold colonies.
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Health impacts: allergies, asthma, sinus infections, respiratory issues
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Common hidden mold spots:
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Behind baseboards
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Under laminate floors
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Inside HVAC ductwork
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Average mold remediation cost in Chicago: $3,000–$8,000 depending on the extent and location.
2. Structural Damage
Water seeps into places you can’t see—behind plaster, under hardwood, within your home’s framing—and continues causing damage even after surfaces feel dry.
Risks include:
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Warping and rotting wooden beams
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Swollen, crumbling drywall
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Foundation cracks (common in Evanston, Skokie, and other older suburbs)
Once structural integrity is compromised, repairs can climb into the tens of thousands.
3. Electrical Hazards
Chicago homes often contain aging electrical systems. Water + outdated wiring = serious danger.
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Risk of electrical fire
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Risk of electrocution during DIY cleanup
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Risk of insurance denial if damage worsens due to DIY attempts
According to FEMA, water-exposed wiring should only be inspected and repaired by licensed professionals (FEMA source).
4. Insurance Claim Denials
Insurance carriers, including major companies serving Chicagoland, may deny or reduce payouts if:
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Cleanup wasn’t performed professionally
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No moisture mapping or drying logs were submitted
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Mold spread because of inadequate early response
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides documentation accepted by insurance companies, greatly improving your claim’s chances.
5. Decreased Home Value
Poorly executed DIY repairs leave visible signs—water stains, warped floors, lingering odors—that buyers’ inspectors spot immediately.
Especially on Chicago’s North Shore (Lake Forest, Winnetka, Wilmette), visible water damage issues can:
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Delay sales
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Lower sale price
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Require major last-minute repairs to close deals
Chicagoland’s Unique Water Damage Risks
DIY cleanup is even riskier here because of local environmental factors:
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Basement Flooding | Heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage, particularly in older suburbs like Evanston and Skokie. |
| Lake Michigan Effect | Increases humidity; slows drying. |
| Aging Plumbing | Decades-old pipes, sewer backups, sump pump failures common in older homes. |
| Clay Soil Issues | Poor drainage around foundations, leading to water intrusion. |
DIY methods (like rental fans or dehumidifiers) usually aren’t enough to tackle these deeper risks.
DIY vs. Professional Water Damage Cleanup: Cost Comparison
| Category | DIY Cleanup | Professional Restoration (ServiceMaster) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $150–$800 (equipment rental, supplies) | $1,000–$5,000+ depending on scope |
| Mold Risk | ✅ High | ❌ Prevented |
| Hidden Moisture | ❌ Often missed | ✅ Detected with infrared and meters |
| Insurance Documentation | ❌ None | ✅ Provided |
| Long-Term Costs | 💸 High | 💰 Lower |
Fact:
DIY water damage cleanup often costs homeowners 3–5x more over time because of missed moisture and mold (Insurance Information Institute source).
What Professionals Like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Provide
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Industrial-grade water extraction
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Moisture mapping with thermal imaging
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Mold prevention treatments
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HEPA air filtration
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Safe structural drying
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Full insurance-compliant documentation
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Emergency 24/7 availability across Lake, Cook, and DuPage counties
Plus: IICRC-certified technicians trained specifically for Chicago-area homes (IICRC source).
What to Do Instead of DIY Water Damage Cleanup (Immediate Steps if You Have Water Damage)
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Turn off electricity to affected areas immediately.
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Stop the water source (shut-off valves, sump pumps).
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Take photos and videos for insurance documentation.
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Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons immediately (we respond 24/7 across Chicagoland).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How quickly can mold grow after DIY Water Damage Cleanup?
A1: Mold can start within 24–48 hours according to the CDC.
Q2: Will insurance cover DIY water damage repairs?
A2: Often no. Insurers typically require professional mitigation.
Q3: What if my basement looks dry?
A3: Hidden moisture in walls, floors, or crawlspaces often remains without professional drying.
Q4: Can I use rental fans and dehumidifiers?
A4: Basic units may help temporarily but are not strong enough for deep drying needed to prevent mold and rot.
Why Choose ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons?
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30+ years of Chicagoland disaster restoration expertise
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IICRC Master Certification in Water and Fire Restoration
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Winner of the BBB Torch Award, SB100 Best of Small Business Award
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Multiple locations across the North Shore and Chicago
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Trusted by insurance companies across Illinois
Conclusion: Don’t Let DIY Water Damage Cleanup Cost You Everything
DIY water damage cleanup in Chicago might seem like a quick fix — but it can lead to massive expenses, dangerous mold, health risks, and denied insurance claims.
Protect your home, health, and wallet by calling ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons immediately.
Lake County: 847-316-9145
Chicago & DuPage: 773-376-1110
Or visit: ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Water Damage Services »