How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost

April 1, 2011

It is difficult to answer exactly how much it will cost to repair the water damage in your home. Water damage restoration cost is decided on a case by case basis and can vary considerably between companies. However, there are a few set conditions that will impact the final cost of this type of repair job.

The most obvious determining factor is the size of the damage. Your water damage restoration cost will be much higher for a flooded room than it would be for a square foot of leaking roof. The roof might cost you no more than $100, while a flooded basement can cost several thousand. The repairs necessary to fix a burst pipe, on the other hand, cost an average of $15,000.

One of the most significant determining factors is what kind of water caused the damage. Clean water that came from a faucet that was left running or a burst pipe is the safest and cheapest to repair. Gray water, which includes any water that has been used in the house for such tasks as dish washing, hand washing, or laundry. There is some risk of illness in handling this type of water and the costs will be higher. Black water, such as flood or sewage water is highly dangerous and can cause significant illness, making it the most expensive to restore.

The extent of the damage is also important in figuring what the final water damage restoration cost will be. This is one of the reasons it is important to repair water damage as soon as you notice it. If you catch the damage while it is still a small leak, it will cost you far less than if you give it time for rot to set in the walls. When it comes to flooding, the depth of the flooding is a fairly good indicator of how much it will cost to repair. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, 1-4 inches of flood water can cost around $7,800 to repair. 9-12 inches of flood water will be closer to $18,930. When the waters reach 18 inches, the estimate goes up to $26,285.

The type of floor you have can also affect the cost. A hardwood floor is more expensive and therefore more difficult to repair than linoleum. Likewise, tile floors are less prone to any kind of molding damage than carpets. The material your floor is made of will affect the extent of the damage, which impacts the price.

Talk with your insurance agency to find out if your type of water damage is covered under your policy. While some types of storms, natural disasters, and appliance failures are covered, you will need a specific flood insurance to cover the effects of flood water.

When shopping for a company to restore your water damage, be sure to look for a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau and with their former customers. In addition, make sure that they will remove the water, dry the area, and sanitize it against any mold or disease that may have taken hold in the damp conditions. Ask for a itemized written estimate of the repair costs so you can see exactly where your money is going, and find out how long the company expects the project to take. Whenever possible, always get your information in writing. It is a good idea to compare several companies in order to ensure you get the best possible price on your repair job.

Restoring a water damaged home can be costly, but it is important both for the stability of the house and the health of its occupants.

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