Getting multiple quotes is usually the smart consumer move, but it works best for planned renovations.

Unfortunately, most water damage is an emergency that requires quick, decisive action.

In this blog, we’ll help you decide whether you have time to shop around or you need to act fast.

The Pros of Getting Multiple Quotes

1. You’ll get to compare pricing

Water damage repair services can vary significantly in labor, materials, and equipment costs.

Getting multiple quotes gives you a clearer picture of what water damage restoration should cost for your specific situation.

2. You’ll get to vet the contractors you’re considering

Getting multiple quotes is a great way to compare insurance and credentials, and make sure the contractor you choose is licensed.

This will also give you the chance to identify potential red flags like vague estimates or contractors who propose way more work than anyone else you’ve spoken to.

3. You can avoid unnecessary work

Different companies may propose different approaches to your water damage emergency.

When you get multiple quotes, you can avoid unnecessary work and identify important differences in scope, including but not limited to demolition, mold prevention, drying, reconstruction, and cleanup.

4. It may make the insurance filing process easier

In some cases, getting multiple quotes can provide useful documentation for your insurance company and actually make filing a claim more streamlined.

When Getting Multiple Quotes Actually Makes Sense

While it’s not always the right approach, there are some legitimate reasons to do your due diligence:

• The situation isn’t an emergency. Anytime you’re planning for preventative maintenance, like waterproofing, or fixing relatively minor issues like seepage, you can take your time to shop for the best price.
• You’re looking at a large reconstruction project. Even if there was a water emergency, you can start shopping around for quotes after mitigation is complete and the rebuild phase has begun.
• The damage is stable. If the damage you’re facing is contained and not actively getting worse, or if you’ve already started the mitigation process, you can afford to shop around for multiple quotes.

The Cons of Getting Multiple Quotes for Water Damage

Even though we all want a great deal, price shopping sometimes isn’t the best choice when it comes to water damage.

Here’s why:

1. Chicago’s climate can take damage from bad to worse

Water damage gets worse really quickly. What starts as a relatively manageable cleanup project can require total mold remediation if you leave it alone for even 24-48 hours.

The reason? Chicago’s wet, chilly climate.

Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles and aging plumbing make water damage especially unpredictable, while high humidity means damp areas stay damp unless they’re professionally dried.

This means that every hour spent scheduling and waiting for multiple estimates is an hour that mold spores spend growing, proliferating, and filling your home.

Say a homeowner in Des Plaines waits two days to phone around for three quotes after a pipe bursts. By the time they choose, mold has spread from the basement into the HVAC systems, which adds roughly $1,060–$3,355 in mold remediation costs.

2. Hidden damage usually isn’t visible in initial quotes

To get an accurate water damage estimate, you’ll need professional equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging. Sometimes, a team of professionals will even need to open walls to assess damage.

Unfortunately, the older homes throughout Chicago are pretty good at hiding water damage, thanks to thick walls, ceilings, and floors that don’t display the damage during a quick walk-through.

This means that companies providing “free estimates” often significantly underestimate costs and are forced to revise their initial quotes once they get into the work.

Here’s an example of how this could work:

Company A quotes $3,000 based on visible damage in a Rogers Park bungalow. Company B quotes $5,000 after moisture detection reveals a saturated subfloor and hidden pipe leaks. The “cheaper” quote wasn’t cheaper – it was just incomplete.

3. The “Low Quote” trap is a real risk

In emergency water damage situations, some companies offer low quotes to win jobs, then inflate the job cost once a customer is committed.

These “supplemental charges” could include equipment rental fees, disposal costs, and unexpected labor fees, which only appear after the job is in progress.

Here’s an example of how this could occur:

A Chicago homeowner chose a company quoting $2,500 less than competitors after a basement flood in Irving Park. They get a final bill that’s $4,000 higher than the original “expensive” quotes due to equipment fees and “discovered” damage.

4. There are storm chasers and opportunists everywhere

After major weather events, like Chicago’s harsh summer storms or winter freezes, out-of-town contractors usually come in and flood the market with low quotes.

Unfortunately, these companies usually lack local licensing, proper insurance, or even a physical Chicago address, and many disappear before warranty issues have a chance to crop up.

Here’s an example:

After a major flood event in Chicago, a homeowner in Berwyn hires a “too good to be true” contractor who vanishes after the payment has been made, leaving an unfinished job and a customer with no recourse for compensation.

5. Delayed mitigation may void your insurance coverage

Your homeowners insurance policy may require you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage to your property.

The Illinois Department of Insurance recommends making necessary temporary repairs as soon as possible, so don’t delay emergency water mitigation while you collect multiple estimates.

Waiting too long could allow the damage to spread and make your loss more extensive.

When You Shouldn’t Get Multiple Quotes

In some cases, shopping around will backfire.

Here’s when you should avoid it:

• You have active water intrusion. If water is still actively flowing into the home, every minute counts and you can’t afford to look for a great deal.
• There’s a sewage backup. Category 3 water (water with a high concentration of dangerous contaminants) poses significant and immediate health risks and requires a same-day response.
• There’s been a major storm event. When an entire neighborhood is affected, the best companies fill their books quickly. This means that the longer you wait, the fewer options you’ll have.
• There’s an insurance claim in progress. If an adjuster is already involved in the restoration, adding multiple vendors will only lead to confusion and delays.

How to Choose a Water Damage Company in Chicago

1. Check the company’s credentials

To make sure you’re working with a reputable vendor, look for someone with IICRC certification, Illinois licensing, and BBB accreditation.

2. Ask about insurance coordination

Companies that have experience filing insurance claims in Illinois and working with major providers can help make the claims process easier and more streamlined.

3. Verify a local presence

Make sure the company you’re considering working with has a Chicago-area address and local phone number. This keeps you from falling victim to storm chasers and other predatory companies.

4. Read reviews from actual customers

Search Google, Facebook, and BBB for recent reviews and look for feedback about the company’s communication, timeliness, and billing.

5. Find a company that offers emergency response and comprehensive service

Water damage gets worse the longer you wait, so it’s important to move quickly.

Look for a company that will prioritize your needs, such as ServiceMaster by Zaba. We offer 24/7 emergency response and a local Chicago presence, so you can always count on our teams to get your job done quickly.

We also offer full-service capability, from mitigation to reconstruction, with expertise in Chicago-specific issues like basement flooding, frozen pipes, and sewer backup.

Trust ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba With Your Chicagoland Water Damage Needs

While it’s smart to get multiple quotes for planned projects, most water damage situations are an emergency – especially in Chicago.

In most cases, delays only cause increased damage, higher costs, and potential insurance problems.

With this in mind, don’t wait – trust ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba for reliable water damage restoration services and ethical pricing.

Contact us today to learn more about our team, our locations, and how we can help you reclaim your space: (773) 647-1985.

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Whether from sewage backup or burst pipes, homeowners face significant repair expenses.

This blog outlines what goes into the cost of water damage repair in Chicago for both residential and commercial properties, and the factors that affect these costs.

Average Residential Water Damage Repair Costs in Chicago

Based on experience restoring over 5,000 Chicago properties, most homeowners spend $5,000 to $10,000 for water damage repairs.

Severe cases like flooded basements or extensive mold can cost $10,000 or more.

Cost Breakdown:

• Minor damage: $1,500 to $2500
• Moderate damage (one room): $2,500 – $3,500
• Severe damage: $5,000 – $10,000+

Average Commercial Water Damage Repair Costs

As for commercial properties, the costs for water damage restoration are not only varied but could be estimated at much higher due to additional square footage, complex systems, and the cost of business downtime.

For commercial cleanup and repairs, estimates range from $5,000 to $25,000+, based on the extent of damage.

Factors That Affect Costs

1. Category of Water Damage

Water damage is classified into three categories depending on the level of contamination:

• Clean Water (Category 1): Rainwater and water from broken pipes – Easier to clean, lower cost.
• Gray Water (Category 2): Water discharged from appliances like dishwashers or washing machines. This water has low-level contaminants.
• Black Water (Category 3): Includes sewage or floodwater. This water is highly contaminated and requires extensive cleanup and decontamination.

2. Extent and Location of the Damage

The mitigation process and related costs also depend on the extent of water intrusion.

A small ceiling leak in a bedroom will cost less than a basement submerged after a sump pump failure.

The greater the area that is affected, the greater the labor cost and the number of drying equipment and resources needed.

3. Damaged Structural Components

Water-soaked drywall, ruined flooring, and saturated insulation all add to the cost.

Chicago’s historic homes and commercial buildings in neighborhoods like Logan Square or Hyde Park may need specialty materials or custom repairs.

4. Mold Remediation

Mold starts to grow within 24-48  hours of water exposure.

If mold remediation is required, the additional costs can range from $500 to $6,000+, depending on the severity.

5. Emergency and After-Hours Services

Water damage can occur unexpectedly, at any hour.

If your basement floods on a Sunday or a pipe bursts on a holiday, you may pay more for immediate, after-hours service.

What to Expect from a Water Damage Restoration Company

When you call a restoration company such as ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, you can typically expect the following process:

• Evaluation & Inspection: Technicians assess the damage and also identify the type of water damage present.
• Water Extraction: We remove standing water using pumps and vacuums.
• Drying & Dehumidification: Industrial fans and dehumidifiers remove remaining moisture.
• Cleaning & Sanitizing: All contaminated and mold-prone surfaces are cleaned.
• Repair & Restoration: Damaged drywall and other affected material are then replaced or rebuilt.

Dealing With Water Damage in Chicago? We Can Help

If you’re dealing with water damage, every second counts.

Call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba now at (773) 647-1985 for a fast, professional response.

We’ll provide a clear scope of work outlining all expected water damage repair costs – so that there won’t be any surprises.

We’ll also work directly with your insurance company to process your claim, so that you have one less thing to worry about.

The post How Much Does Water Damage Repair Cost in Chicago? appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

Somehow, we’re always amazed at how severe our winter storms can be.

As the city’s leading storm cleanup contractors, we stay busy this time of year helping property owners recover from storm and water damage.

The combination of high winds, snow, and sleet takes a serious toll on area homes.

Besides slick steps and frozen sidewalks, what kind of damage do blizzards cause to Chicago homes?

10 Ways That a Blizzard Can Wreak Havoc on Your House

Winterizing your home is an important seasonal routine. It makes a big difference in how well the house weathers freezing temperatures.

Still, it’s unsettling to experience first-hand just what damage blizzards can cause.

1. Frozen Pipes Burst

Even when you’ve done your best, plunging temperatures can freeze insulated pipes.

As the water inside plumbing turns to ice and expands, it causes problems ranging from small cracks and leaks to complete system failures. The resulting water damage can be severe.

2. Ice Dams Form on the Roof

Accumulated snow on the roof begins to melt and then freezes into layers of ice along roof edges.

The process forms a thick ridge of ice dams putting additional strain on already-stressed roof edges, fascia, and eaves.

3. Roof Runoff Soaks the House

Often, the damage from accumulated snow and ice on the roof can’t be seen. As temperatures rise and fall through the day, the snowpack on top of your house melts and then refreezes.

The process causes water to seep into brickwork, siding and even ceiling joists causing hidden structural problems.

4. Snow Causes Roof Collapse

Just 1 cubic foot of wet snow on the roof can weigh 12 pounds. Multiply that by your overhead square footage, and it’s easy to understand how the massive weight can cause a roof to collapse. This type of dangerous snow damage results in extensive structural repairs.

5. Tree Branches Break and Fall

Blizzards soak trees with freezing rain that turns into heavy coatings of ice. The weight pulls down small branches and shears heavy limbs. Large, falling branches damage the roof, tear up siding, and crush outdoor fixtures.

6. Gutters and Downspouts Split

What kind of damage do blizzards cause inside your roof’s drainage system?

When winter storms wash debris through gutters, plunging temperatures slow down the water flow.

Eventually, frozen water inside gutters and downspouts expands causing splits, and its weight buckles the system.

7. Outdoor Things Become Airborne

Chicago’s 2011 blizzard shut the city down for several days with wind gusting between 30 and 50 miles per hour.

That kind of force turns ordinary objects like lawn chairs and trash cans into airborne projectiles that smash windows, damage roofs, and dent cars.

8. High Winds Rip Off Shingles and Flashing

That same wind velocity tears up loose shingles and peels back flashing. Its force leaves your home vulnerable to water damage ranging from small leaks in the attic to breeches in roofing underlayment.

Blizzard conditions also wear down the protective granulation on roof shingles.

9. Melting Snow Floods the Basement

When things finally begin to thaw out, heavy snow and ice runoff quickly soak yards and fill up street gutters.

The soil around your foundation becomes saturated with moisture that seeps into the basement through small cracks. In a matter of hours, you have water flooding downstairs.

10. Power Outages Complicate Everything

Technically, an outage doesn’t damage your home, but it can be responsible for serious problems. A house without heat sets the scene for frozen burst pipes.

If you don’t have a backup system for the sump pump, you face basement flooding. Both situations result in extensive water damage.

Dangers of Blizzard Cleanup

When pipes rupture and sump pumps fail, you need professional water damage cleanup as soon as possible.

Standing water soaks and weakens floors and walls, and freezing outdoor temperatures don’t stop mold from taking hold in the damp materials inside.

We know that you can handle some of these problems on your own, but always be careful. The dangers of cleanup after a blizzard include electrical hazards, backed-up sewage, and unstable infrastructure.

If you feel like the project is too big or you have any doubts at all about your personal safety, bring in a professional restoration company right away.

Call Us First 24/7

While our list covers 10 common types of blizzard storm damage, we’d like to hear about your experiences.

Tell us what you’ve dealt with at your home during our worst winters. Just post your input through our Comments Section.

In our years of experience as storm cleanup contractors, we know you can’t prepare everything. If blizzards or freezing temperatures damage your home, we’re ready to help with a 24/7 response.

ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba stands as one of the most trusted storm cleanup companies in Chicago and the suburbs, so call us first.

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