How does the restoration process work?

At MJ White, we're here to guide you through the home restoration process and provide clarity on what to expect as we begin repairing your property. Once you, the property owner, sign a work authorization, our restoration company collaborates with your insurance adjuster to establish the scope of necessary repairs. Upon approval from the insurance adjuster, we initiate the estimation process. This involves gathering detailed measurements and photographs to ensure accuracy.nnOur estimators then input this information into a standardized program used by the insurance industry to generate the estimate, which is subsequently shared with the insurance company. Once the estimate is approved, our project managers step in to coordinate the repairs. They'll work closely with you, overseeing selection meetings, scheduling repairs, managing on-site construction, and arranging building inspections. Throughout the process, your project manager will review all repairs and schedule any necessary finishing touches before conducting the final walk-through with you.

Do I have to pay money upfront?

Yes! MJ White is proud to be a full-service contractor that can handle your entire restoration and renovation project from start to finish. We have a full, in-house water mitigation department and a contents division on site to make sure your experience is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

What training certificates do you hold?

MJ White is certified by The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). To qualify for IICRC-Certified Firm status, businesses must demonstrate proof of insurance, maintain a written customer complaint policy with documented follow-up, and provide ongoing education and training leading to certification for all technicians.nnIICRC Certified Firms are also required to abide by the IICRC Code of Ethics. Services provided by IICRC-certified professionals range from flooring inspection and cleaning to mold remediation to water and fire damage restoration.

Is your restoration company Michigan-based?

Everything that can be done to keep business local to Michigan is of huge value to our economy and employment rates. MJ White is proud to be a Michigan-based business that supports our local communities.

Storm Damage Repair: DIY or Call a Professional in Michigan?

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April 15, 2025

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Featured, Storm

Spring in Michigan often comes with turbulent weather—heavy rains, strong winds, and the occasional thunderstorm severe enough to leave behind a mess of fallen limbs, waterlogged basements, or even structural damage. After the skies clear, the question many homeowners ask is simple: should we handle storm cleanup ourselves or call in professional storm damage restoration experts?

While it's tempting to pick up a chainsaw or shop vac and get to work, storm restoration isn't always straightforward. Some issues go far deeper than debris and surface damage. Let's break down the pros and cons of DIY cleanup versus hiring trained professionals, especially in light of how frequently spring storms impact homes across Michigan.

The Appeal of DIY Storm Cleanup

Cost Savings

One of the biggest reasons people choose DIY storm cleanup is cost. At first glance, avoiding labor fees seems like an obvious way to save money, especially if the damage appears manageable—clearing branches, drying out the carpet, or patching a few leaks.

Control Over the Process

Some homeowners prefer to be hands-on. DIY cleanup allows for immediate action without waiting for appointments or approval. You can start when you're ready and work at your own pace.

Small-Scale Damage

DIY can be sufficient in certain cases, such as removing a few tree limbs from a yard or using a wet/dry vacuum to clear standing water in a garage. If the damage is minor and doesn't threaten the structure or safety of the home, taking matters into your own hands may seem reasonable.

The Risks of DIY Storm Damage Repair

Despite the potential cost and timing benefits, going it alone often leads to bigger problems if you're not careful.

Hidden Water Damage

Water from storms doesn't always sit where you can see it. It seeps behind walls, under floors, and into insulation, creating long-term problems that won't show until it's too late. DIY water removal rarely includes structural drying or moisture detection tools, which are critical for proper storm damage repair.

Health Hazards

Floodwater can contain contaminants, mold spores, or bacteria. Without proper gear or training, you risk exposure to substances that affect air quality and health—especially when using makeshift cleaning solutions or failing to remove all moisture.

Inadequate Equipment

Professional storm damage restoration companies use commercial-grade equipment for water extraction, drying, and debris removal. Without these tools, DIY efforts are often slow and incomplete. What appears "dry" may still harbor moisture beneath surfaces.

Missed Structural Issues

Storms can weaken roofing, framing, or foundations. DIY efforts may overlook cracks, shifts, or leaks that lead to bigger problems down the road—especially during future storms.

Long-Term Costs

What starts as an effort to save money can quickly become expensive. Inadequate cleanup leads to mold growth, wood rot, and larger repair bills. Hiring a professional may seem costly upfront, but it often prevents more extensive restoration later.

The Value of Professional Storm Cleanup Services

Hiring professional storm damage restoration services in Michigan means putting your home in the hands of trained experts. Here's what you can expect:

Thorough Assessment

Before any work begins, professionals evaluate the damage, checking for both visible and hidden problems. They use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and other tools to pinpoint trouble areas early—before they escalate.

Comprehensive Cleanup

Storm cleanup often includes more than just picking up branches. It can involve storm debris removal, water damage restoration, and even full reconstruction. A professional crew handles everything, from emergency tarping to water extraction and drywall replacement.

Faster Response, Faster Recovery

When time matters—like in the case of a flooded basement or broken window—professional teams respond quickly. Most storm restoration services operate 24/7 to reduce delays and limit damage.

Proper Safety Protocols

Dealing with contaminated water, structural instability, or electrical hazards requires training. Restoration experts follow established safety procedures and use protective gear, minimizing risks to you and your family.

Insurance Help

Professionals document storm damage and provide detailed reports for insurance claims. This makes the process smoother and increases the chances of full reimbursement. Going the DIY route might delay claims or reduce your payout if damage is not well-documented.

Why Spring Storms in Michigan Require Swift, Skilled Action

Storms in Michigan during spring aren't rare—they're expected. Thunderstorms can roll in quickly and cause significant damage, particularly to older homes or properties with poor drainage. Tree limbs break under high winds, sump pumps fail under heavy rainfall, and roofs can lift or leak under pressure.

Given these risks, storm damage repair is about cleaning up and preparing for what could happen next. When you handle it professionally, you restore your space and reinforce it against future storms.

When to DIY & When Not To

If your storm cleanup involves:

Surface debris removal
Dry areas with no structural damage
Basic lawn and gutter cleanup

...you might be fine doing it yourself. But if you encounter:

Standing water inside
Mold or odors
Broken windows or roofing
Structural cracks or sagging
Downed electrical lines or exposed wiring

...it's time to call a professional. These pose serious safety hazards as well as long-term risks to your home's value and livability.

Protect Your Home the Right Way

Storms don't wait for convenience, and neither should your response. While it's understandable to want to clean up the mess yourself, storm damage restoration is too important to leave to guesswork. Hiring trained professionals gives you peace of mind, knowing the job will be done right the first time—with the tools, expertise, and speed your home deserves.

When Michigan storms hit, trust MJ White to handle storm cleanup with care, urgency, and unmatched expertise. With over 40 years of experience in storm damage restoration across the state, our team responds quickly and works thoroughly to restore safety and comfort.

Stay Ahead of Emergencies in Michigan with MJ White

For expert disaster preparedness and restoration services in Michigan, rely on MJ White. Call us at 888-992-4404 or reach out online today to create a custom emergency plan tailored to your business and ensure you're ready to face any challenge.