The Real Cost of “Cheap” Restoration vs. Doing It Right the First Time
Derrick Fredendall
You’re facing a water or mold disaster in your home, you’ve made the calls, and now you have a few estimates in hand. One of them is significantly cheaper than the others. It’s tempting, isn’t it? In a stressful situation where money is tight, going with the lowest bid feels like a smart move.
But as your Oklahoma neighbors who have seen the aftermath of jobs done on the cheap, we want to pull back the curtain and talk about what that low price often means. In the restoration industry, the cheapest quote is rarely the best value. In fact, it can end up being the most expensive decision a homeowner can make.
This guide will walk you through the corners that “cheap” contractors cut and the real, long-term costs of not getting the job done right the first time.
Is the lowest restoration quote really the best deal? Learn the hidden costs of cheap repairs and why hiring an IICRC-certified pro is the best value for your OKC home.
The Common Shortcuts of a "Cheap" Quote
An unusually low bid isn’t magic; it comes from cutting corners on process, equipment, and training. Here are the most common shortcuts we see:
- Incomplete Drying: An unqualified person might place a few household fans, run them for a day, and call the job “dry.” They lack the professional moisture meters and thermal cameras to find hidden water trapped behind walls, under floors, or in insulation.
- Improper Mold Cleanup: Many will simply spray bleach on visible mold and paint over it. This is a huge red flag. Bleach isn’t fully effective on porous surfaces like drywall, and without proper containment, this process can spread millions of mold spores throughout your entire home.
- No Real Disinfection: After a sewage backup (known as Category 3 “black water”), every affected surface must be thoroughly cleaned and treated with an EPA-registered disinfectant to kill dangerous bacteria. A cheap quote often skips this vital public health step.
Ignoring The Source: They might clean up the visible damage but never investigate why it happened. They’ll dry the carpet but won’t find the slow pipe leak that caused it, guaranteeing the problem will return
The High Price of Cutting Corners
Choosing the lowest bid might save you a few hundred dollars today, but it can cost you thousands tomorrow.
- Recurring Mold Growth: This is the most common consequence. If moisture is left behind, mold is almost certain to come back, often worse than before. A “deal” on water cleanup can turn into a massive, expensive mold remediation project just a few months later.
- Structural Rot and Decay: Lingering moisture will rot the wood framing and subfloors of your home. What was once a simple drying job can become a major structural repair, compromising the safety and integrity of your house.
- Insurance Claim Problems: Insurance companies know the difference between professional work and a cheap fix. If a job is not done to industry standards, they may refuse to pay the full claim or deny a future claim if the same problem reoccurs due to improper work.
- Devalued Property: A history of mold or unresolved water damage can significantly lower your home’s value and become a major issue when you try to sell.
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Doing It Right: The IICRC-Certified Difference
So, what’s the alternative? The key is to hire a company that is IICRC-certified. The IICRC is the global, non-profit organization that writes the rulebook for our industry.
An IICRC-certified firm is professionally obligated to follow a strict Standard of Care. This means:
- We Use Science, Not Guesswork: We follow the IICRC S500 Standard for water damage and the S520 Standard for mold. We use calibrated equipment to measure moisture and ensure your home is verifiably dry.
- We Are Professionally Trained: Our technicians have passed rigorous exams and are required to take continuing education to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and safety protocols.
- We Protect Your Home and Family: We use proper containment to prevent cross-contamination and the right safety gear to ensure the job is done safely.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) often warns homeowners to be wary of “storm chasers” or unusually low bids after a disaster, as they frequently lead to scams or incomplete work. Choosing a certified, reputable company is your best protection.
When you get an estimate from a company like 4D Restoration, the price reflects the investment in professional training, advanced equipment, and a commitment to doing the job right—the first time. You can see our qualifications and what our customers have to say on our Reviews & Certifications page.
While we might not always be the cheapest quote you get, we will always provide the most value. We offer the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home, your biggest investment, is truly clean, dry, and safe. If you need help with water damage or mold remediation, give your neighbors a call for an honest, transparent assessment.
Meet the Author:
Derrick Fredendall
Hey, I’m Derrick — co‑founder of 4D Restoration, former Oklahoma Army National Guard (13D), and a currently active RN working right here in our local hospital systems. I carry IICRC’s WRT, ASD, and AMRT credentials (plus an OSHA‑30 card), so whether I’m running triage on a flooded living room or a patient bedside, you’re in steady, certified hands. My mission is simple: keep Oklahoma families safe, healthy, and back in their homes—fast.
Your Top Restoration Questions—Answered by Local Experts
Will insurance pay for drying equipment?
Yes—if the water loss is covered, the carrier pays for certified drying gear we install.
Is floodwater ever covered under homeowners insurance?
No. You need separate NFIP or private flood insurance for rising groundwater.
Does a small ceiling stain count as sudden damage?
Usually not. Stains suggest a slow leak, which insurers label maintenance, not an insurable peril.
How long do I have to file a water‑damage claim in Oklahoma?
Most policies require notice “promptly” or within 60 days—file as soon as you discover damage.
Will a claim raise my premium?
Possibly. One claim often has little impact, but multiple water claims in three years can trigger surcharges.