If you see flooding or flood damage in your home (and sometimes even worse, when water damage is hidden), you might be tempted to save cash by mopping the floors and cleaning up the mess yourself. Unless you are a professional, it appears that you may not be able to remove all residues of moisture from your home, and poor cleaning work can result in significant problems such as mold growth and bacteria spread. One of the primary reasons why many homeowners seek to avoid professional flood damage restoration is price. The initial cost may appear to be high, but when you consider all of these professionals’ commitments and the aspects they must take into account on the job, the flood damage restoration price is reasonable.
The average cost of water damage repairs, according to National Flood Services, begins at $3.75-$7.00 per square foot but could easily go higher based on the extent of the damage. Damage restoration costs can hit approximately $30 per square foot in some areas. A minor pipe leak may only require the removal of water and the replacement of a tiny bit of carpet or drywall. On the other hand, the overall cost of repairing extensive water damage can be prohibitively expensive.
The category of water that resulted in the flood can significantly affect repair costs. Gray water, such as that from a leaking dishwasher, is filthy but does not contain any dangerous contaminants. Still, repairs for gray water damage are more expensive than repairs for clean water. Black water is water that may contain raw sewage or other harmful contaminants.
Sewer line backups and flooding from rivers as well as other toxic water streams generate black water. It is generally the most costly type of water to clean. Water damage repairs typically cost between $1,210 and $5,170, based on the source of the issue and the extent of the damage. Water damage is categorized according to its severity and type. Only licensed water damage professionals can classify water damage, which aids in determining the scope and cost of clean-up and repairs.
How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost per Square Foot?
If your home has suffered water damage, whether from storm-related flooding, a broken water line, or another issue, you understand how critical it is to have the damage repaired as soon as possible. This type of damage is unsightly and, if left untreated, leads to mold growth. Furthermore, it can cause appliances to fail and lead to severe structural problems.
The majority of water damage restoration businesses will charge between $3.75 and $7.00 per square foot. So, if your house is 1,500 square feet in size, you would have to pay around $5,625 to $10,500 to entirely restore it. However, because water damage usually only impacts one or two rooms, you could end up paying around $3,000. Water damage restoration includes the cost of removing the water and restoring the affected areas. While the cost of extraction can be decided by the type and volume of water, the cost of restoration can be more difficult to calculate. Several factors influence the cost, including the amount of water, the extent of the damage, the location, and whether the resources can be repaired or must be replaced.
Restoration can come with a wide range of expenses. Most people pay a combination of different costs for water damage restoration. The type of water and how long it impacted the area before being removed influence your cost per square foot. On average, drywall restoration will cost between $1.50 and $3 per square foot. Mold restoration will typically cost between $4.75 and $5.50. On average, plaster and hardwood restoration work will cost between $6.25 and $15 per square foot.
Water Damage Restoration Cost Breakdown
How much would you be willing to pay if your house was flooded? What if the flood was induced by a leaky water pipe instead of a river overflowing its banks? If water seeps into the brickwork or walls, each of these elements will have a notable impact on the total price of water damage repair. Knowing how much water damage repair will cost can help you manage your funds in this situation. Requesting an estimate from a professional restoration company is the best way to decide the cost of water damage restoration.
Roof Repair
The real cost will be determined largely by the roof material. The average cost of repairing a water-damaged roof is between $650 and $1000. You should have a professional roofer near you who can come and assess the damage and repairs. The extent of the damage to your roof is determined by the type of damage, which also influences the cost. Simple water damage caused by a faulty fixture will be less expensive than a damaged sewage line that also pollutes your home. Minor leaks in roofs are commonly caused by cold weather, low slopes, flat roofs, cracked flashing, and missing shingles.
Ceiling Repair
Ceiling repairs, which can cost between $325 and $1,100, are the most common water damage repair connected with leaky roofs. It largely depends on the extent of the damage. Water seeps down through insulation from roof cracks or leaking or broken pipes above, causing damage to the ceiling. This takes time to notice and is frequently detected by staining and soft spots in the ceiling before seeing water drip from the ceiling. Replacing the ceiling drywall and renovating the area are common repairs. Because the ceiling is harder to work on, the costs are higher than for drywall replacement on the walls.
Basement Repair and Restoration
Whatever the reason for your basement’s water damage, repairs must be completed as soon as possible. The cost of cleaning up a basement flood is determined by the extent and type of water damage. The type of water in your basement determines the cost, which can vary greatly. A basement with an inch of clean water from a burst pipe may cost $500 to $1,500 to repair, whereas a sewage backup may cost $2,800 or more. When waste and organisms contaminate water, such as from a sewage backup or a river flood, you must budget for additional costs. Flood water contamination can cause health issues and necessitate more extensive cleanup.
Drywall Repair
Water damage drywall repair typically costs between $300 and $850, with $550 being the average. A low-cost drywall repair is $250, while extensive damage can cost up to $750 or more. Drywall is among the most popular wall coverings in today’s homes. It is placed on the ceilings and walls throughout the house. When drywall becomes wet, it must be replaced to avoid mold growth and the possibility of it falling apart. If your drywall becomes soaked, you must replace it immediately to avoid soft, deteriorating walls or a mold problem.
Floor and Hardwood Repair
The cost of repairing water-damaged hardwood floors is also determined by the severity of the damage. Hardwood can often survive being submerged for a short period. Other floor types are more permeable to water and therefore more expensive to repair. Water damage repair costs between $200 and $550, depending on the type of flooring and how long the water has been sitting. Tile floors are water-resistant and can be cleaned and dried with minimal damage. Carpets absorb water quickly, causing your subfloor to deteriorate. Make sure you follow the mold prevention steps if your carpet gets wet. Water can be trapped and damaged by laminate, linoleum, and vinyl floors.
Bathroom Fixture Repair
Water damage can be very expensive if your bathtub cracks, your toilet breaks, or you have a leak. Bathroom fixtures and piping are commonly the sources of water damage since there is so much water coming into or out of a bathroom. Fixture with a leaking pipe. If you catch it early, it will cost between $150 and $350 to repair. Toilet repairs typically cost between $140 and $300. A tank replacement costs $45 to $300 in labor, a new flange or drain costs $145 to $165, and a clogged restroom drain costs $85 to $600.
Shower and bathtub fixtures cost between $200 and $800, while minor plumbing and surface repairs cost between $100 and $300. A drain clog can cost up to $200 to clear. Clean-up and repair services for a 120-square-foot restroom can add up to $3,000 in total. You can save thousands of dollars by performing preventative maintenance before a fixture fails. Especially since homeowners’ insurance does not cover water damage caused by improper plumbing maintenance.
Leaky Plumbing and Burst Pipe Repair
A burst pipe and its associated damage typically cost between $1,000 and $4,000. The two most common causes of burst pipes are clogged and leaking. If it’s on the second floor of a house and the water runs down into the ceilings, walls, and flooring, the costs can quickly escalate. One of the simplest home improvement projects is preventing burst pipes. Regular maintenance and plumbing inspections can help to reduce the likelihood of a rupture. The cost of new plumbing can range from $350 to $2,000, based on the scale of the project and the parts that need to be replaced.
Mold Restoration and Removal
Mold is a common byproduct of water damage. Mold removal typically costs $2,200. Bacterial growth can start in 24 to 48 hours, based on the outer surface, substance, and moisture or water levels. If you detect a musty odor, it could indicate mold damage. Mold is most commonly found in the kitchen, restroom, basement, attic, or air-conditioning vent. A qualified mold inspector in your area can conduct mold testing and advise you on the next steps.
Sump Pump Installation
A sump pump can be useful if you live in a region with high groundwater or frequent flooding. Sump pump repairs range in price from $50 to $400, but the average price with configuration is $1,200. The unit removes water that has accumulated around your base and diverts it away from your home. The final cost will be determined by the type of pump required, the type of floor in your basement, and whether or not you already have a drainage system in place.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Water Damage by Type?
Water damage can only be classified by a licensed professional. The cost of repairs will also be affected by the type of water that entered the home.
Clean Water
Water coming in through a pipe or rain causes clean water damage. The average cost of drying clean water is $3.75 per square foot, but this varies depending on the exterior and material. If parts of your home or belongings become wet, you’ll also have to pay for repair and replacement.
Gray Water
Water coming from a device causes gray water damage. It could have soap or other chemicals in it. This must be addressed as part of the cleanup process. On average, gray water remediation costs $4.50 per square foot. Repairs are an additional expense. Gray water can contain toxic materials and come from a variety of sources, including spilled kitchen appliances and washing machines, and also toilet water containing waste and cleaning materials.
Black Water
A polluted source, such as a sewer backup, causes black water damage. Water entering sewer lines may contain harmful bacteria. It is hazardous to one’s health. Cleaning up black water costs about $7 per square foot on average. You will also need to plan for item repair and replacement. If black water contaminates items such as furniture, mattresses, mats, or clothing, they must frequently be replaced. Buying new is usually less expensive than attempting to restore items.
Other Considerations and Costs
Nobody wants to be surprised with a higher-than-expected bill. That is why it is beneficial to obtain a professional cost estimate for your repairs. As you would expect, the larger the damaged area, the more expensive the repair. It will consume more time, substance, and manpower to repair a flooded room than a few square feet of damage.
The expense of services such as water damage repair varies with the cost of living. It is best to locate a local, credible water damage company with experienced professionals who can provide you with an accurate cost estimate. If water is still present, it must be removed early to avoid further damage to the home and to be cost-effective. Water pumps, moisture removal equipment, and hydration materials can all be used to achieve this. Removing excess moisture extends the mitigation process, increasing the cost.
The cost will vary depending on which materials were affected. Another factor to consider that will influence mitigation costs is the price of the materials that must be replaced or repaired. The dirtier the water, the more preventative measures and treatments will be required, resulting in a higher repair cost. Black water is the worst-case scenario. Hence the need to treat for contaminants, blackwater, and gray water mitigation are typically more expensive.
To prevent mold and mildew from growing, make sure that any excess moisture has been removed from the affected parts. If left to grow, they can cause additional damage to your home and perhaps even turn it into a health concern. If mold or mildew is present, it necessitates an additional step in your water remediation cost. Unsurprisingly, the extra step results in a higher bill. The longer you leave to address water damage, the greater the impact, resulting in more repairs and a large bill. Neglecting water damage can result in additional issues such as mold, rot, and even major damage that may be irreversible.
