Water damage is no small issue, as it can cause devastating consequences to both residential and commercial properties. So, taking immediate action when water damage occurs is crucial if you want to get the property back to normal ASAP. Also, prompt repairs will help you keep the costs of repair down. But how much is the cost of water damage restoration?
The price can definitely vary depending on multiple factors and your specific situation. But we know how important it is to get a good idea of potential expenses to prepare you for this process. That’s why we’re about to prepare you. Let’s explore the average cost of water damage restoration services so you know what to expect if you ever face such a stressful situation – keep reading to learn more.
What Is Water Damage Restoration?
In a nutshell, water damage restoration is the process of repairing and restoring areas of your property that have been damaged by water. Whether it’s due to a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or a natural disaster, water damage can be devastating and lead to long-term issues if not dealt with properly.
Understanding the different categories of water damage will help you understand the restoration process and the cost. So, if you ever find yourself dealing with water damage, these are the three categories of damage to be aware of.
- Clean water damage – caused by water from a clean source (e.g., a broken pipe or overflowing sink). It’s usually considered the least harmful type of water damage.
- Grey water damage – caused by water from a slightly contaminated source, such as a washing machine or dishwasher. It’s not immediately harmful to humans, but it can still cause damage and potentially become a health hazard if left untreated.
- Black water damage – caused by water from a highly contaminated source, a sewage backup or floodwater, for example. Black water is extremely dangerous and can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that can pose serious health risks.
The type and severity of the damage will determine which services you need and how much the repairs will cost.
Types of Water Damage Repairs
Depending on the scope of the damages, you will need services that are meant for your specific situation. That might include a few different services or just a simple cleanup. These are the common repairs you might need when faced with water damage.
- Water extraction: This involves removing standing water from the affected area with specialized equipment like pumps, vacuums, or water extractors.
- Drying and dehumidification: Once the standing water has been removed, it’s time for drying and dehumidification. This will remove the remaining moisture from the air and the damaged surfaces. This is a critical step for preventing mold growth and further damage.
- Cleaning and sanitizing: In this phase, the damaged areas are cleaned and sanitized to eliminate dirt, debris, and contaminants that the water may have brought on.
- Repairs and restoration: Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs, and restoration may be required to restore your property back to its pre-damaged state. In addition to fixing any structural damage, this may entail replacing drywall, flooring, etc.
- Mold remediation: Mold cleanup may be required if water damage has caused mold. Addressing the root source of the water damage entails eliminating any existing mold growth and avoiding its regrowth in the future.
Factors that Impact the Cost of Water Damage Restoration Services
How are water damage restoration costs calculated? Well, there are multiple factors determining the total cost of water damage repairs, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. However, having an idea of all the things that can impact the price of the services might help you work out how big of a budget you’ll need for the repairs. Here’s what you should pay attention to.
- The scope of the damages
- Damage category
- Type of water damage
- Size of the affected area
- Location of the damage
- Necessary materials
- Required time and labor for the restoration
- Cost of equipment and tools needed for restoration
- Level of expertise and experience of the restoration company
- Insurance coverage and deductibles
- Additional services
For example, if your entire property has been severely damaged by black water, the repairs are bound to be way more expensive than in less serious cases of water property damage.
Average Cost of Water Damage Restoration Services
As we’ve mentioned, there is no universal answer here. However, to help you estimate your budget, we will tell you the average cost of water damage repairs.
Usually, the restoration costs will range from $450 to $13,000, depending on the damage severity, category, and other factors. The national average repair cost is $3,290. Let us give you some examples.
- Average clean water damage cost: $3 – $4 per square foot
- Average grey water damage cost: $4 – $7 per square foot
- Average grey water damage cost: $7 – $7.50 per square foot
- Hardwood floor replacement cost: $10 – $15 per square foot
- Drywall damage repair cost: $1 – $3 per square foot
Other than the factors we mentioned above, another thing you should keep in mind is that not all restoration companies charge the same. So, you’ll need to shop around and ask multiple companies for their estimates. That way, you can make sure you’re getting the best value for money.
Does Insurance Cover Water Damage Repair Costs?
In most cases, home insurance does cover water damage restoration costs. However, the coverage depends on the type of water damage, so you should get familiar with your policy details before filing a claim.
Although it doesn’t cover all types of water damage, standard home insurance typically covers accidental damages caused by weather events, burst pipes, leaking appliances, and more. So, if you’re dealing with any of these situations, the repairs should be covered by your policy. If you live in an area with high flood risk, you should check out the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and get flood insurance. Better safe than sorry.
If you’re thinking of filing a property insurance claim to get coverage from your insurer, you might want to consider working with a professional claims adjuster. They will make sure your claim process goes smoothly and in your favor, meaning they ensure you get the coverage you deserve.
Choosing the Right Water Damage Restoration Company
If you need to hire a company to handle your water damage repairs, you can’t just go for the first company you find on Google. Instead, some extra research and consideration are necessary. After all, you want to know you’re working with a reputable, experienced, and competent company.
First and foremost, you want to make sure the company is licensed and insured. Once you know you’re working with a legitimate company, you can continue with further research.
We recommend always reading the company’s reviews and checking out their track record. Are their previous clients happy with their services? Do you notice any red flags? If so, it’s time to move on to better options.
Last but not least, don’t forget to ask them for repair estimates. You need to find out how much you’ll pay for their services and if you could get a better price elsewhere. However, this isn’t the time to go for the cheapest option but the best services. So, compare a few companies and see which one offers the best prices for the quality of their services. If you need to pay extra for a team of highly skilled professionals, it might be worth the cost.
Water Damage Prevention Tips
A great way to save money on water damage restoration is by avoiding it completely. And we don’t mean that you should fix your property on your own with DIY solutions. Instead, you should work on taking precautions and preventing any damage in the first place. Let us give you a few useful tips.
- Regularly inspect and maintain your plumbing system. Check for leaks, cracks, or corrosion in your pipes and plumbing fixtures, and fix any issues promptly.
- Install water detection devices that will alert you to potential water leaks or flooding, so you can take action before significant damage occurs.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear to ensure proper water drainage away from your property’s foundation.
- Check your roof frequently to make sure it’s in good shape and can withstand periods of heavy rain and snow.
- Address any moisture issues, such as condensation or humidity, as soon as possible to prevent mold growth and other water damage issues.
Get a Public Adjuster and File an Insurance Claim
So, experiencing water damage can be a serious issue, and it becomes more and more severe if you put off the restoration. But we understand that taking quick action might be complicated if the repair cost is very high. If that’s the case, let us help! We’ll file your water damage insurance claim and make sure you get all the money you deserve from your insurance company!
We’re a public adjusting firm that’s been in business for over 14 years and we’ve truly seen it all. Plus, we used to work with insurance companies, so we know all their tricks – we won’t let them lowball you! So, let’s work together – get in touch with us and let us restore your property ASAP!