What is the Average Cost of Water Damage Restoration?

We are often asked the ballpark or average cost of water damage restoration. The answer is that there is no set price for water damage clean-up and repair. Here are some controlling factors in determining your cost:

• The size of the area affected
• Type of water loss, i.e. clean water, sewer water
• Type of building materials i.e. removal, specialty drying
• Time of year, i.e. winter months may need temporary heat

There is one factor that remains constant when addressing water damage, and that is our conviction to following the industry standards. These guidelines and recommendations provide the foundation to building an accurate scope of work. Each water damage loss is unique; the building has its own life history which provides challenges when drying is needed. Trained water technicians can provide a ballpark estimate often times over the phone, but an onsite visit is more accurate.

It’s important to point out that water damage restoration is not as simple as wet to dry, and even the best estimates have to be revised during the process. Some unknown variables include pre-existing mold, multiple layers of flooring, and insulation types (for example, blown-in).

Here’s how the costs are normally divided:

With Insurance Coverage:

Most water damage events are covered by homeowners insurance. Contact your insurance agent and discuss coverage limits. In the event that you have a claim covered by insurance, one of your financial responsibilities is the deductible. Many water damage companies will collect the deductible before drying begins. Once the drying is completed, a bill is sent to you and your insurance company by the contractor. This bill is then reviewed by the insurance and approved for payment.

Without Insurance Coverage:

If your water damage is not covered by insurance, drying can still be completed. A trained technician will perform an inspection of the damage and compile an onsite estimate. Once there is an agreed price, a contract is signed onsite and work begins. In most cases, 100% of the contracted amount is collected at the start of work. It is important to point out that non-covered losses are completed with the industry standard in mind. In many cases the homeowner must be actively involved in the drying process to keep costs down.

In conclusion, there is no such thing as an average water loss, so there’s no such thing as the average cost of water damage restoration. It is 100% the most untimely, troublesome issue in your home and should be treated as priority number one. None of us want or expect to have water damage, but when it does happen, insist on an onsite inspection and estimate. Your home and your family are too important to go with average.