How Much Does It Cost to Fix Water Damage?

This is a very common question that does not have an easy answer. Learning about the cost of fixing water damage can help you manage your finances in this situation. The best way to find a water damage restoration cost is to ask for an estimate from a professional restoration company. Even then, the answer is not simple.

The restoration company must go to the property and investigate the damage. Statistically, the average cost for flood damage restoration is $2,700. A small, clean water loss will often be around $1,000, while a large, black water loss (such as a flood) can be $5,000 or more. These costs are just for making the property dry and safe (mitigation and restoration). These costs don’t include any reconstruction such as replacing drywall, painting, or floor covering.

What does a water damage restoration company need to know before they can give an estimate?

• The category of the loss:
  • “Clean water” that contains little or no contamination. It could come from a leaking or broken tap, pipe or hose or possibly rainwater that came through an open window. It is the cleanest and safest water to handle and remove. In a clean water loss, a professional can often save almost everything that was damaged.
  • “Grey water” has more contamination and could come from malfunctioning or broken appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. The increased contamination presents some health risks. Many things can be saved in a grey water loss, but not carpet pad.
  • “Black water” is extremely contaminated and therefore requires the greatest care in handling. It typically comes from sewers, as well as from the outside – over the ground from rivers, streams or the ocean. Porous materials damaged by “black water” cannot normally be saved.
• The length of time the water sat affects the restoration costs. A clean water loss or a grey water loss will degrade to a black water loss over time, depending on the temperature. Also, the longer a water loss goes before it is restored, the more likely mold will develop, which may bring additional problems and costs. Mold can begin to grow in 48 hours after materials become wet.
• The size of the affected area – the total square footage of the water-damaged area and surfaces: floors, walls, and ceilings.
• The affected surfaces – costs are related to the different materials damaged: floor coverings, furniture, wall materials, etc. A loss on an upper floor will often impact the floors below.
• The extent of the damage – how much water is involved in the total loss.
• The type and amount of equipment needed to properly dry the property. The type and extent of the damage also determines what tools and equipment are needed to restore your property.

Do all restoration companies charge the same rates?

• If the loss is covered by your insurance company, then professional restoration companies use a standard pricing system and prices will be very similar for the same amount of work.
• If the loss is not covered by insurance or if you decide not to file a claim, the restoration company may change the pricing to best fit the situation and your specific needs.

To learn more about water damage insurance, see Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage? and Black Mold Insurance Claims – What You Need to Know. For professional water damage restoration or mold remediation, contact your local PuroClean office or call 800-775-7876.