Why Professional Disaster Restoration is Less Expensive Than DIY

When a disaster strikes your Chicago-area home, whether it's a flooded basement in Wilmette or a kitchen fire in Evanston, it’s tempting to think DIY solutions will save money. But more often than not, tackling the restoration yourself leads to bigger bills, longer timelines, and more stress.

The Only Source of Knowledge Is Experience

That’s part of a quote by Einstein—and it applies directly to disaster restoration. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we bring over 40 years of local experience and trained professionals who know how to handle everything from water extraction to soot removal.

Most homeowners lack the experience to assess the full extent of damage accurately. That’s how minor issues become significant—and expensive—problems. For example, hidden mold from a leaky pipe in Northbrook or water trapped under flooring in Lake Forest can go unnoticed in DIY efforts, but are quickly flagged by our certified crews.

The Right Equipment for the Job

Restoration takes more than towels and fans. We invest in industry-grade tools—like commercial dehumidifiers, thermal imaging cameras, and HEPA air scrubbers—that allow us to work faster and more thoroughly than any DIY approach.

From storm-damaged homes in Highland Park to burst pipes in Skokie, we arrive with the gear to get it done right, the first time.

Our Expert Plan Saves You Money

ServiceMaster By Simons starts every job with a thorough assessment and a strategic plan to prevent further damage. DIY often skips this crucial step, leading to incomplete fixes. That’s why what seems cheaper upfront often results in:

• Repeat repairs
• Lingering odors
• Structural deterioration

Think of it like this: the earlier we’re involved, the less you’ll spend correcting mistakes later.

Time is Money in Disaster Recovery

Whether you live in Glenview or Lincoln Park, every hour counts after a water or fire disaster. The longer the damage sits, the more likely it is to spread or worsen. Our crews are available 24/7 for rapid response, so you’re not waiting days (or weeks) while juggling work and YouTube tutorials.

DIY delays can also increase displacement time and insurance headaches, making your home unlivable for longer.

Safety First — Always

From potential asbestos exposure to collapsing ceilings, disaster sites can be dangerous. We’re licensed, insured, and trained to mitigate risk, especially in older homes across neighborhoods like Rogers Park, Edgewater, and Oak Park.

Trying to cut corners on safety can cost you physically and financially.

The Real Cost of DIY

It’s easy to underestimate the true cost of doing it yourself:

• Equipment rental fees
• Hours (or days) off work
• Missed damage
• Personal safety risks

Add it all up, and professional restoration is not just more efficient—it’s more affordable.

Choose ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

With decades of experience in Cook and Lake Counties, we restore more than property—we restore peace of mind. Our services include:

• Water damage restoration
• Fire and smoke damage cleanup
• Mold remediation
• Specialty cleaning

If you're dealing with a disaster in Chicago, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette, or Evanston, skip the DIY stress—call us first.

Visit our homepage or contact us to schedule an inspection.

We’re ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons. We fix homes—and protect your wallet while we’re at it.