Cost vs. Value in Restoration FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS
5 Reasons the Cheapest Bid Isn’t Always the Best Choice
When water damage strikes, time is always of the essence. What you may not know is that as soon as water starts, the conditions for structural damage and mold growth are amplified, which means early bids can quickly become outdated without the right restoration professional in your corner.
What complicates this is that, as a residential or commercial property manager, you’re under pressure to act fast, stay within budget, and keep your board or building owner satisfied – all during a quickly escalating emergency. But here’s the tough truth: chasing the cheapest bid can often cost you more in the long run, in dollars, reputation, and trust.
At ACR, we don’t just show up with equipment. We show up with a strategy that saves your property from deeper damage, keeps your costs from ballooning, and helps you navigate insurance with an experienced advocate on your side. And, we do it all with compassionate care and top-notch customer service.
1. Water waits for no one and neither should you
Delays in mitigation don’t just risk more damage, they guarantee it. The longer water sits, the more extensive the damage becomes, leading to bigger problems like mold, structural damage, and insurance claim complications.
We approach losses with a mitigation-first mindset, bringing the people, systems and experience needed to restore your property, while reducing loss of use and operational expense. A traditional restorer may tell you that a tear-out and replacement solution is immediately necessary. ACR opts to examine projects more carefully to offer a proven dry-in-place solution to getting these projects done more quickly AND cost-effectively.
Acting immediately can mean the difference between restoration and full-blown reconstruction.
“ACR was instrumental in helping us secure a full insurance payout for a property that suffered significant water damage due to a broken pipe, as well as additional damage from vandalism.
Initially, the insurance company was not willing to pay the full claim. However, ACR’s deep expertise in handling complex insurance claims made all the difference. Their team knew exactly how to navigate the process, advocate effectively, and present the necessary documentation to ensure the community received the full compensation it deserved.
Throughout the process, ACR was extremely responsive and communicated every step clearly and professionally. Their dedication, transparency, and commitment to results were outstanding.
I highly recommend ACR-10 out of 10 for any community association management company seeking a reliable, knowledgeable, and communicative vendor partner.”
2. Proactively understanding the bid landscape is critical to a successful outcome
Most property managers receive bids from a mixed bag of contractors — some licensed restoration experts, some handymen, some general construction crews. The problem is, not all bids are created equal.
Restoration contractors specialize in drying, remediation, and working within insurance policy guidelines.
Construction companies focus on rebuilds, not prevention or mitigation first.
Handymen may lack certifications or insurance advocacy experience altogether.
So when you're comparing costs, make sure you’re comparing the same scope, skill set, and service. If you’re not, you’re purely comparing prices, not value, which can lead to devastating consequences.
3. Having the right people defining the scope matters
With restoration jobs, the scope should be defined by a qualified professional with a toolbelt of credentials and resources to serve individualized use cases. When property managers or boards define the scope without that expertise, they may unintentionally undercut what’s actually needed to protect the property AND meet insurance standards. These should be examined separately and together to determine the best chance for success.
At ACR, we take that burden off your shoulders. We define the scope based on industry standards, communicate it clearly to all stakeholders, and advocate for it with your insurance provider.
While ACR is one company I never wanted to have to call, it is greatly reassuring to know that you are there whenever disaster strikes. From my experience, I know why ACR is listed on Sudler Property Management’s Client Advantage program, as you greatly exceed the high standards required to be a vendor.
– William Bennett, CMCA
4. Your reputation is part of the outcome
Boards rely on property managers to make smart and sound decisions, not just cost-effective ones, but decisions that show foresight and protect the property long-term. Choosing a restoration company that communicates clearly, documents thoroughly, and delivers quality work reflects favorably on you. It builds trust and positions you as the true professional you are.
5. Our goal is always that value as a service far exceeds price
When you hire ACR, you're not just paying for a job well-done, you're paying for:
Immediate response that prevents damage escalation
Transparent communication with you and the board
Proper documentation for insurance claims
Highly-skilled & credentialed technicians who know restoration inside and out
Advocacy on your behalf to get the outcome you deserve
That’s the true difference between a transaction and a partnership.
If you’re managing properties and want a restoration partner who’s more than just a line item on a budget, give ACR a call. We’re here to protect your property, your time, and your reputation.