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COST OF WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION
Water damage restoration is the process of removing water from a property and restoring it to a pre-loss condition. It is also a major cause of home insurance claims. One in FIFTY insured homes has a water damage claim each year according to the Insurance Information Institute. It can be very costly to repair this type of damage caused by weather, storms, leaks, and floods.
This type of damage is conducive to look at and it being left unaddressed leads to the growth of mold. In addition, it can cause home appliances to malfunction and lead to serious issues.
The national average for water damage restoration cost depends greatly on the category of water damage and it ranges from around $1,200 to $5,000, with the average homeowner paying around $3,000 for standard gray water extraction with drying and drywall and ceiling repairs in a bathroom. This project’s low cost is $350 for a simple remediation caused by an overflowing toilet. The high cost is $50,000 for black water extraction in a basement, complete dry out and cleanup, and drywall and hardwood flooring replacement due to a sewer backup.
UNDERSTANDING WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION COST
—THE BASICS OF WATER DAMAGE:
Water damage is a term used to describe various possible losses caused by water intruding where it will enable attack of a material or system by destructive processes. Water damage is one of the worst scenarios a homeowner can encounter. Water damage can spread toxic mold spores, ruin appliances, and furniture, and even result in collapses and structural hazards. If you discover a flooded room, you will need to act immediately to quell the source of the leak and mitigate as much damage as possible.
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Common sources of Water damage
1)Faulty Appliances:
When your water appliances, like aging water heaters and washing machines, are malfunctioning, they can cause water damage.
The water damage restoration professionals from this site say that the faults in the water connections cause the water to pour and pool on the floor damaging it. However, when such damages happen, you can explore different ways to correct them to restore the integrity of your home. You can tell that your devices are getting old when they start making noises if they rust or malfunction.
2) Burst pipes:
The most typical reason why pipes burst is due to temperature changes. When temperatures drop too low, ice forms inside your pipes and then expands, and this can make them burst.
The likelihood of pipes bursting is higher if the pipes are old and rusty.
3) Malfunctioning Air Conditioner:
Air conditioners work by cooling the air and removing humidity, this condensing moisture is then redirected to an overflow pan.
If the overflow pan gets damaged or the condensate line clogs, the drainage system of the air conditioner starts malfunctioning.
This excess water can soak your ceiling or walls, damaging it.
Other sources of water damage include septic tank and sewage backup overflow, water overflow, blocked toilets, adverse weather effects, and so on.
— CATEGORIES OF WATER DAMAGE
There are three(3) major categories of water damage based on the type of water. Each category identifies the level of cleanliness or contamination in water resulting from a flood or leak. Regardless of the water type, the first step in dealing with water damage is to remove the water from the area.
The categories are listed below with the approximate costs of each;
Category 1: Clean Water
Clean water is defined as water that has not gotten mixed up with chemical components and other contaminants like fecal matter. Damage from clean water occurs most as a result of a leaky toilet tank or water heater, and the water damage repair costs for clean water damage are typically around $3 to $4 per square foot.
The major task when it comes to cleaning up after a clean water leak is simply drying, which is why the cost is lower than other categories of water damage. However, clean water damage can still be extensive, which can increase the price of clean-up. For instance, if your carpet has been affected, you can expect to pay between $1 and $11 per square foot to dry it. Drywall damage? That can cost between $1 and $3 per square foot to repair or replace.
Category 2: Gray Water
Gray water is water that has come into contact with potentially harmful substances, like laundry detergent or food particles (such as from a dishwasher leak). Because of the increased risk of contamination associated with gray water, the water damage restoration cost is slightly higher, at $4 to $7 per square foot.
As with clean water damage, you may have to pay more to repair other damage related to the water’s presence in your home. To replace hardwood flooring, you’ll pay between $10 to $15 per square foot, and drywall damage costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
Gray water leaks often occur as a result of overflowing or improperly closed appliances, or toilet leaks/overflows where the water was exposed to urine or cleaning solutions.
Category 3: Black Water
By far the worst type of water damage to occur in a home, black water, is water that has been exposed to a known contaminant, most often sewage or groundwater. The average cost of water damage restoration for black water is between $7 and $7.50 per square foot.
But that’s just the beginning. As black water is contaminated with bacteria and can pose serious health risks, anything that the water comes in contact with must be replaced. This can include drywall, furniture, flooring, carpeting, and even clothing or other furnishings. It’s impossible to estimate the total costs associated with black water damage for this reason.
SAFETY MEASURES OF THE RESTORATION PROCESS
Before the arrival of a water restoration professional, the following has to be done to trim down incurable loss.
-To get rid of small amounts of standing water, use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner.
-Position fans close to the damaged region to speed up the drying process.
-Dry any wet areas on the furniture.
-Remove as many things as you can from the floor, including decorations and pieces of furniture.
IMPACT OF WATER DAMAGE
Water damage can have significant impacts on both your property and your health. The growth of mold, allergens, pathogens, and chemical contamination can lead to various health issues, ranging from allergies and respiratory problems to infections and safety hazards.
Owners and occupants of the water-impaired home or building should use caution when exposing themselves to water-affected areas, and should only do so when safe, and if protective safety gear is available.
Persons of special interest including children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems should avoid water-affected areas completely and should seek help only once they are out of harm’s way.
FACTORS INFLUENCING RESTORATION COSTS
Restoring water damage in a home can be difficult and costly. Water damage restoration cost is calculated by assessing the severity of the damage, the size of the area being restored, and any necessary repairs.
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The major factors that influence restoration costs are;
1)Extent Of Damage;
When it comes to water damage, the extent to which it has spread within a home can greatly affect the total restoration cost. For example, damage limited to one corner of a room due to a leaky window is likely to be less expensive to repair than damage to a finished basement flooded with 3 feet of water.
To help estimate how much the damage of a flood or leak will impact the total restoration cost, homeowners should consider both the class and category as determined by their water restoration company. The higher the category or class, the more likely it is that the damage is extensive and will cost more to repair.
2)Type of water:
There are three types of water and each type identifies the level of cleanliness or contamination in water resulting from a flood or leak.
The types are;
- Clean Water
- Gray water
- Black Water
As mentioned earlier Clean Water is considered the cheapest to remove and dry at $3 to $4 per square foot. Gray Water poses slight health risks and costs a bit more to remediate, with a price range between $4 and $6.50 per square foot. Black water is the most dangerous and incurs the highest removal cost at $7 to $7.50 per square foot.
3)Duration Of Exposure:
Unattended water damage can result in the destruction of a home’s contents, including:
- Furniture, carpeting, window coverings, and other porous home-décor materials
- Electrical appliances
- Electronic items
- Personal belongings such as books and clothes
Exposure of properties to prolonged water damage causes indoor dampness, mold, strong odor, poor health conditions, and insomnia compared to those attended to faster. Those effects gradually decreased over months; however, the significant differences of those effects remained.
4)Material affected:
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;
- wood
- concrete
- carpet
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 would take more time to complete the project, and the cost would 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 carpet and wood must be replaced when water-logged.
5)Location of Damage:
Water damage doesn’t discriminate. But water damage costs certainly do. Depending on the exact location of the water damage in your home, you’ll pay a different price. Below, we’ll examine some of the more common water damage costs by type & location of damage;
Water Damage Restoration Costs By Location of the damage
- Basement Water Damage Restoration Costs
Most homeowners will pay, on average, around $4,300 to repair a flooded basement. However, some homeowners may spend as little as $500, while others can expect to pay upwards of $50,000 for more extensive repairs.
Whether your home has a leaky bathroom fixture, you were flooded out by a storm or your sewage pipes burst, timing is of the essence when it comes to water damage.
2. First Floor Water Damage Restoration Cost
The cost to repair water-damaged first flooring ranges from $250 to $750 for a 150 sq.ft. section of plywood subflooring. The cost to repair the first floor runs between $500 and $700 per room, while replacement costs closer to $2,500. If the majority of the subfloor is in decent shape, the homeowner could consider repairing the damaged parts rather than replacing the entire first floor. The cost to repair water-damaged first floors or otherwise broken first floors ranges from $1.66 to $5 per square foot.
Attic Restoration Cost
Attic restoration is one of the most expensive home repairs… but fixing the leak is crucial.
Left unrepaired, water damage can cause rot and structural problems, and lead to unhealthy mold and mildew. These issues are expensive to fix and can throw a wrench into your plans when it comes time to sell your home.
Depending on the cause and source of the leak, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,800 to have your attic repaired to prevent further water damage.
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BREAKDOWN OF RESTORATION COSTS
EMERGENCY MITIGATION AND WATER REMOVAL
The initial steps to be taken in the process of water restoration are;
Identifying and addressing the source of water intrusion is the first crucial step. This could be a leaking pipe, a broken appliance, or a hole in your roof. Contact a professional plumber or roofing company to help if you can’t stem the water flow.
Before stepping into the water-damaged area, it is essential to ensure safety measures. Switch off the electricity and wear protective gear like rubber boots and gloves if necessary. Keep out of the area if you see exposed wires or smell gas.
1)EMERGENCY RESPONSE
When there’s an emergency situation like flooding or burst pipes at your home, you must get help immediately. When the damage is extensive, seeking professional help becomes imperative. Companies specializing in emergency water damage restoration have the necessary experience and possess sophisticated equipment to expedite restoration.
2)WATER EXTRACTION
Removing the water as soon as possible is crucial to mitigate further damage. Professionals use industrial-grade vacuums and pump to extract the excess water. Afterward, dehumidifiers and fans are used to dry the area completely, preventing potential mold growth.
3)WATER RESTORATION COSTS
The cost of repairs will vary, depending on where the water damage occurred. Take into account the size of the affected area and the materials that will have to be replaced or restored. The category of water damage is also taken into consideration.
Putting off repairs after water damage could cost thousands of dollars more. These costs rise fast if floors or walls aren’t dried out quickly.
DRYING AND DEHUMIDIFICATION
Drying:
Drying water-damaged areas is important because if left to spread freely, excess water can have severe ramifications. Furnishings and items can become irreparably damaged. Building structures collapse, resulting in expensive, wide-scale repairs. Breeding grounds for mold form, placing the health of occupants in serious jeopardy.
Addressing water damage as soon as possible is hugely important. The longer it is allowed to progress, the more long-term problems it causes.
Dehumidification:
Dehumidification is the process of removing moisture from the air. To do this an industrial dehumidifier and air movers are needed.
The cost of using a dehumidifier depends on the size of the dehumidifier, how much power the unit draws, how long you run it during the day, and how much your local utility company charges per kWh.Expect to pay at least $150 for a basement humidifier. Your damage restoration team should also bring in large units to help.
CLEANING AND SANITIZING
When dealing with water-damaged areas, it’s crucial to follow proper cleaning and sanitization procedures to prevent the spread of harmful germs. Here are the steps you should take:
->Cleaning;
Cleaning the surface completely by wiping it with a paper towel; dispose of the paper towel. Spray the surface with bleach and water mixture**. Allow the bleach and water to remain on the surface for a lapse of time (2 minutes is best practice; 10 seconds is acceptable).
->Sanitizing;
Sanitizing reduces germs to levels considered safe by public health codes or regulations.
For soft surfaces, use weaker bleach solutions or sanitizing sprays.
Always clean surfaces before sanitizing them.
Cost For Cleaning and Sanitizing
Certain typical costs are connected with water damage restoration, despite each project being different.
The national cost average for cleaning and sanitizing in a home is $1,200 to $5,000, with the average homeowner paying around $3,000 for standard gray water extraction with drying and drywall and ceiling repairs in a bathroom. This project’s low cost is $350 for a simple remediation caused by an overflowing toilet. The high cost is $50,000 for black water extraction in a basement, complete dry out and cleanup, and drywall and hardwood flooring replacement due to a sewer backup.
REPAIR AND RECONSTRUCTION
The cost of repairs will vary, depending on where the water damage occurred. Take into account the size of the affected area and the materials that will have to be replaced or restored. Home insurance may cover many types of water damage, depending on the cause.
Some repair needs result in an emergency service call which can add an emergency fee of $50 to $200. While water damage may not be seen as an emergency, it often is. For example, if your home is flooded with black water because of backed-up sewage, it creates a significant health hazard and should be remedied as soon as possible. You may also want to request emergency services if there is electrical damage that could lead to a fire. A minor flood with clean water can lead to mold and mildew if not treated quickly, which is why it is important to call a service as quickly as possible.
MOLD REMEDIATION
A mold infestation is one of the first signs of water damage. If mold is visible, a homeowner should consider it a silver lining, since visible mold can be treated quickly to prevent further damage. Mold is nearly always present in the air and grows on many surfaces, so it is important to act quickly if you want to try and prevent it after water damage has occurred.
The best thing that can be done to prevent mold after water damage is to make sure all the affected surfaces are clean and dry. Calling in professionals to help open walls and remove surfaces to ensure everything gets dry is important and this doesn’t come without a cost.
The cost of mold remediation ranges from $1,500 – $4,000.
INSURANCE AND WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION
Water restoration insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed for businesses that operate in the restoration and remediation industry. Depending on your specific needs, your fire and water restoration contractor’s insurance policy may provide coverage for Property damage, Pollution liability, Legal liability, and so on.
Insurance plans vary with different coverage limitations. Some cover issues such as flooding, but others require you to purchase separate flood insurance to cover flood damage repairs and restoration efforts.
Some key topics to be talked about on insurance and water restoration are listed below;
–Understanding Your Policy:
Understanding the factors that affect homeowners insurance coverage can help you make informed decisions about your homeowner insurance, prevent the necessity of filing a water damage claim, and take steps to protect your home from water damage.
The type of homeowners insurance policy you have and the source of the damage are two factors that will determine whether or not your water damage is covered. It’s also important to consider whether the damage was accidental or gradual.
–The Claim Process:
There are 5 steps in filing a water damage insurance claim. To file a water damage insurance claim, you need to:
-Identify and stop the source of the damage.
-Review your policy to see if the damage is covered.
-Report the damage to your insurer, but also consider the risks.
-Take photos and gather evidence for your claim.
-Meet with your claims adjuster & receive your payout.
You should also get the water and moisture professionally cleaned up
If your insurer denies your water damage claim and you believe it should be covered, consider hiring a public adjuster. Public adjusters work on behalf of policyholders, as opposed to claims adjusters who represent the insurance company’s interests.
A public adjuster will come to your home, investigate the damage, and give you a repair estimate of their own. Depending on the extent of their services, they also may be able to negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf.
–Working with professionals:
Hiring professionals in water damage restoration is essential for any property owner who experiences issues with flooding or other forms of water-related damage. If you want an efficient and reliable solution to your problem, consider hiring a professional today! Make sure to ask them about their experience, qualifications, and services offered to ensure you are getting the best quality work for your property.
Also, damage restoration professionals can provide detailed documentation and assessment of the damage so that you are well-equipped to make your insurance claim. This process can help expedite the claims process, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement on time.
SAVING COSTS ON WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION
Water damages such as floods, roof leaks, and so on can be stressful and even if they have flood insurance, many homeowners find out that after high deductibles, insurance payouts may not be enough to get a home back to pre-flooding conditions. That’s why it’s crucial to save as much money as possible on water damage restoration.
The few ways to save on the cost of water damage restoration goes thus;
–Preventive Measures:
Preventive measures that can be taken mostly at home include
-keeping up on routine maintenance throughout the home, including cleaning gutters
-checking roofing for signs of damage
-ensuring windows and doors are well fitted, can help prevent water damage in the first place.
-Inspect appliances and all plumbing fixtures monthly
–DIY VS Professional Restoration:
DIY is never recommended for water damage restoration, but you can do some things, such as removing items from the area. This is why some homeowners decide to try the DIY route—they want the job to start as soon as possible. But somewhere along the way, mistakes are made and the end result can be just as bad as if the flooding were ignored from the beginning.
Meanwhile, Water damage restoration professionals have extensive experience, they can handle a flooding job quickly, effectively, and safely. A has extensive experience in remediating water damage. They know which chemicals to use to prevent mold and mildew growth and how to test different materials for moisture.
–Choosing The Right Restoration Company:
Choosing the right water damage restoration company is very important as it ensures reliability and cost-effectiveness on the part of the company.
Here are some tips on selecting a reliable damage restoration company;
-When you hire a company to remediate the water damage in your home, you can be more sure that the job will be done correctly the first time.
—CONCLUSION:
The water damage restoration cost for a property can vary greatly based on many variables, such as the degree of the damage, the type and class of water damage, the location of the property, and the length of time needed for restoration. By seeking professional advice, you may estimate the costs required and make wise judgments during restoration
For reliable restoration services and assistance with insurance claims, it’s best to trust top-notch water restoration companies with years of experience and a team of qualified professionals.
—FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: