As a property owner, there’s no such thing as being too prepared, so it’s helpful to consider common hazards that can affect your property, like water damage. Anything from a leaking appliance to a burst pipe can require the need for professional water damage restoration and feature accompanying costs.
However, water damage restoration and flood remediation costs are not always straightforward, as there is a long list of potential variables. Understanding the factors that affect flood remediation and water damage restoration costs will help you prepare for the expenses of a potential water damage emergency, consider insurance options, and find the proper support.
What Does Water Damage Restoration Entail?
Water damage restoration is the process of mitigating and repairing damage caused by water-related incidents. This damage can occur from weather-related flooding, leaks, burst pipes, faulty appliances, and more.
Although it depends on the type and extent of damage, water damage restoration is often a highly involved and comprehensive process. After all, water can cause widespread damage if it reaches far enough and is allowed to sit in an area for too long. So what are you paying for when you pay for a water damage restoration or flood remediation?
The restoration process often includes the following steps:
- Water extraction – The first step in flood remediation or water damage restoration is removing all of the water from the affected area—this is done with industrial vacuums and water extraction tools.
- Drying and dehumidification – Drying and dehumidification is a given after any water emergency. Experts will dry the affected area and materials with industrial fans and dehumidification desiccant.
- Structural repairs – If water damage is significant and affects building materials like the foundation, drywall, or flooring, then more extensive repairs will be needed after the area is dry.
- Mold remediation – Mold remediation is not always necessary but may be a consideration if the water damage was prolonged or if flood water sat in one area for an extended time.
- Detailed inspection – Most restorations will include an inspection from an expert, which will help determine the extent of the damage, the risk of mold, and whether any additional repairs are needed to prevent future leaks or floods.
Not all restorations require all the above steps. However, before considering costs, you may be able to gain an idea of how many of the above services may be necessary to address your case.
What Factors Affect Water Damage Restoration Costs?
Water damage restoration costs are anything but straightforward, as the cost depends on the extent and severity of each specific case. These factors often have the most significant impacts on water damage and flood remediation costs.
1. Extent of the Damage
The extent of the damage is the primary determinant of how much you will spend. The greater the damage, the more time, tools, and expertise will be needed to address it, leading to higher costs.
You can group the extent of the damage into three categories:
- Minor – Minor damage involves minor repairs in a localized area and is typically limited to cleaning and drying procedures, leading to lower costs.
- Moderate – Moderate damage typically involves a larger area and requires more extensive drying. Moderate damage may also require some material replacements and minor property repairs, leading to higher costs.
- Severe – Severe damage often features an expansive damage area, intensive repairs, and significant material replacements. The extra attention and equipment needed to address severe damage will cost the most.
Depending on the extent and severity of the damage, you can expect the following cost ranges from average service providers:
- Minor damage: $500 to $1,500
- Moderate damage: $2,000 to $7,000
- Severe damage: $10,000 to $30,000
2. Type of Water Involved
The type of water that needs to be cleaned up will also have a significant impact on the cost, as different types of water require different methods and pose different risks. Greater risks will lead to more necessary equipment and higher costs.
There are three types of water to account for in a restoration:
- Clean water – This refers to clean, usable water that comes directly from pipes and offers minimal to no health risks.
- Gray water – Gray water is contaminated with dirt or chemicals but poses only a mild to moderate health risk. Gray water often comes from sources like sinks, washing machines, or dishwashers and is easier to clean up.
- Black water – Black water is highly contaminated water, typically sewage, that contains pathogens or chemicals that pose significant health hazards. Black water often requires intensive disinfection, removal of any contaminated materials, and mold remediation, and needs advanced expertise to address it.
The type of water involved influences what approach is necessary for clean-up and removal, including the type of equipment and the amount of personal protective equipment needed to avoid health hazards. Clean water damage is the easiest to address, while black water is far more complicated and, therefore, more costly.
Affected Materials
Flood or water damage can have widespread impacts, often affecting more than just the materials at a surface level. Some of the materials that are most often affected in a water damage restoration and contribute to a higher price include:
- Carpet
- Ceiling
- Drywall
- Electrical components
- Foundational materials
- Furniture and personal belongings
- Wood framing
If the amount of water in the flood was minimal and the damage was contained, then you can expect lower costs. However, if the water was able to soak deep into the materials listed above, it will take more time to complete the project, and the cost will be higher.
The costs will also depend on the types of materials affected. Some materials can be salvaged through intensive drying and cleaning. However, others may require total replacement, especially if they are highly absorbent and not as durable. For example, materials like drywall and carpets must often be completely replaced if they are heavily saturated with water.
Materials like drywall, carpet, and hardwood flooring can be costly to replace. If your restoration requires the replacement of several materials, then you can expect a higher cost compared to a restoration where cleaning and drying will be enough to restore your home.
Restoration Procedures
As with any service, the types of procedures needed during a restoration will be a significant factor in the cost. Each procedure has its own associated costs, like equipment rental, labor, and specialized treatments. The more procedures necessary, the higher the price will be.
Of course, the number and extent of procedures necessary are determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the extent of the water damage and the materials affected. If you need services like mold remediation or your property requires extensive repairs, your expenses will likely be above average.
How To Estimate Costs for Water Damage Restoration
Once you have a better understanding of your water damage restoration case, you can begin to estimate the potential costs. Although there are many variables to consider, the following strategies can also help you estimate your expenses.
Consider Additional Factors
Other variables may factor into the cost in addition to those associated with the restoration itself. Some of the most common variables you should consider when estimating the cost of restoration include:
- Location – As with anything, costs will depend on your local economy, cost of living, and competition between restoration companies. High demand for water restoration services in an area can also increase costs.
- Time sensitivity – Emergency services that require an immediate response or a shorter timeline may cost more due to the urgency of the request.
- Insurance coverage – Coverage for water damage can significantly decrease out-of-pocket costs for restoration and repair. Research available policy terms and deductibles to determine your responsibility in a water damage emergency and manage expenses.
Considering the above factors in context with your specific case will help you gain a better picture of what you can expect from your water damage restoration costs.
Water Damage Restoration Cost Per Square Foot
In general, home or property owners can expect to pay anywhere between $3 – $7 per square foot. This average price can help give you a baseline starting point when combined with consideration of the factors mentioned above.
On average, you can expect the following costs:
- Clean water: $3 to $4 per square foot
- Gray water: $4 to $7 per square foot
- Black water: $7 and up
However, this is, of course, not a perfect estimate—this cost primarily factors in just extraction and drying. With so many variables, these costs can change depending on the extent of the damage on your property and whether you need additional repairs or services.
Receive a Quote
The most surefire way to determine the cost of your specific water damage restoration needs is to receive a quote from a trusted provider. Contact local providers and experts with water damage restoration to find their rates and have them inspect the damage. They should then be able to provide a detailed, itemized quote that breaks down all their recommended services.
When comparing quotes, be sure to consider value as well as cost. It’s often worth paying a bit more for the confidence of choosing trained and certified professionals. If you receive a far cheaper quote than others, it may be a red flag.
In your search, consider the following factors to ensure you get the most value:
- Reputation of the company
- Customer reviews
- Company certifications and licensing
- Experience and expertise working with water damage restoration
- The range of services they provide
- Response time
Our team at Alpha Environmental can provide you with a personalized quote based on the damage to your home, ensuring you an affordable rate and guaranteeing quality service that you can rely on.
Get a Quote from Alpha Environmental Today
It’s important that homeowners understand the potential costs of a water damage restoration so they can be prepared for a flood or water damage emergency. However, because so many factors and variables can influence these costs, it often takes a team of trained professionals to provide an accurate estimate and quality service.
Alpha Environmental is here to support you in a water damage emergency. Our trained and licensed team can help address multiple facets of a water damage restoration—we can perform a full water damage remediation, conduct mold remediation, and complete any necessary repairs.
With our 20 years of experience serving the Portland area, you can rely on us to get the job done right. Contact Alpha Environmental today to learn more about water damage restoration costs and receive an accurate quote.
