As a property owner, even the thought of water damage can be overwhelming. Whether caused by a burst pipe, an overflowing toilet or a natural disaster, the sight of water seeping into the building can be terrifying.
Although water damage is relatively uncommon, it’s important to understand the costs associated with water damage restoration – just in case.
If water enters a building, addressing the issue is crucial to prevent further damage such as mold and mildew. In most cases, it’s recommended to seek the services of a water damage restoration professional to ensure the problem is dealt with quickly and fully to avoid further problems down the line.
The average cost of water damage restoration ranges from $1,304 to $5,514. However, several factors must be considered to know exactly how much water restoration services may cost.
1) The type of water
When it comes to water damage restoration, there are three distinct types of water: clean water, gray water, and black water.
Clean water is exactly as it sounds – it’s water that comes from sources such as leaky faucets, burst pipes, rain or faulty water heaters. Crucially, this water does not contain any harmful contaminants. However, if left unaddressed for too long, clean water can become contaminated. Typically, clean water is the easiest and least expensive type of water damage to clean up, costing $3 to $4 per square foot.
Drying is the primary task involved in cleaning up after a clean water leak, so the restoration cost is typically lower than other types of water damage. Nevertheless, the extent of the damage can significantly impact the cleanup cost. For instance, if clean water has affected the carpet, the drying cost may range from $1 to $11 per square foot. On the other hand, if drywall has been damaged, repairing or replacing it can cost between $1 and $3 per square foot.
Gray water is relatively clean water that has been contaminated by waste from appliances such as sinks, bathtubs, washing machines and dishwashers. This type of water damage is more expensive to clean up, with an average cost of around $4 to $7 per square foot.
Like clean water damage, repairing other types of water damage may incur additional costs. For instance, replacing hardwood flooring can cost between $10 and $15 per square foot, while repairing drywall damage can cost $1 to $3 per square foot.
Black water, meanwhile, is the most challenging and hazardous type of water damage to clean up. This is water that comes from a contaminated source, such as a sewage pipe. Due to the high risk of contamination, the cleanup process is complex and expensive, costing around $7 to $7.50 per square foot.
However, the expenses associated with black water damage go beyond that. Since black water is contaminated with harmful bacteria and poses severe health risks, any items that come into contact with it must be replaced. These may include furniture, upholstery, carpeting, flooring, drywall, and even clothing.
2) Extent of the damage
The extent of water damage is also divided into categories, in this case four.
Class 1 is the easiest and least expensive to clean up. In this scenario, only a small portion of a single room is affected by water damage. Restoration costs in this class range from $150 to $400.
Class 2 damage refers to water damage that covers an entire room, including walls up to 12 inches from the floor. The repair cost for this type of damage typically falls between $500 and $1,000.
Class 3 damage affects a significant portion of one or multiple rooms, including ceilings, walls, subflooring and insulation. The restoration cost in this damage class ranges from $1,000 to $3,000.
Finally, class 4 damage is the most severe and can be incredibly expensive to repair. This type of damage is typically associated with damage incurred during a hurricane or flood and can cost between $20,000 and $100,000.
3) Mold remediation
Mold growth can be easily visible, but it can also remain undetected and start to develop under baseboards, window frames, door frames, floorboards or drywall, putting the health of occupants at risk of allergies and respiratory problems.
The average cost of mold removal is around $2,000, which typically involves professional mold testing and a customized remediation plan.
4) The part of the property affected
The cost of water damage restoration also varies depending on the location of the damage. Here are some common water damage costs by location:
- Roof. A roof leak can cause damage to multiple areas of a property, and the repair cost depends on the cause and source of the leak (missing shingles or structural issues are most common). Repairing a roof leak can cost between $400 and $1,700.
- Flooring. Water can cause significant damage to both carpeting and hardwood floors. Repairing water-damaged hardwood flooring typically costs between $200 and $550.
- Drywall. Water damage to drywall can lead to mold growth, requiring the replacement of the affected areas. Drywall replacement costs around $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot; more if the wall needs repainting.
- Basement. The cost of restoring a basement after flooding varies depending on the amount and type of water present. For instance, if there is an inch of clean floodwater, the cost can range from $500 to $1,500. However, if there is two feet of black water, the cost can be $2,500 or more.
- Bathroom. The restoration of a bathroom can be complex. Therefore, it can cost up to $3,000 for cleaning and repair.
- Ceiling. When water leaks from above, it can damage the ceiling and the floors beneath it. Repairing a ceiling can cost between $350 and $1,250.
5) Labor
Labor costs for water damage repair can vary greatly. Typically, water damage restoration companies charge between $70 and $200 per hour for labor, and the total number of hours required will depend on the extent of the repairs needed.
For instance, a project that only requires water evacuation and drying will be much quicker than one that involves extensive repairs, such as removing drywall and carpets.
It’s also worth noting that a water restoration company will offer a flat rate, which could be more cost effective than hiring multiple contractors with different specialties.
For example, a roofer may charge $30-$90 per hour, while an electrician may charge $40-$125 per hour.
Prime Restoration, the full-service water damage restoration professionals
Inadequate cleanup after significant water damage may lead to issues like mold and mildew growth, as well as concerns about contamination and potential long-term structural damage.
Therefore, it’s advisable to entrust such tasks to the expertise of qualified professionals with both extensive experience and the state-of-the-art equipment necessary to handle any water disaster quickly, effectively and safely.
At Prime Restoration, our experienced cleanup teams know how to assess a situation quickly and devise a plan that gets the area cleaned quickly enough to prevent any additional damage.
For water restoration services in and around Spanish Fork, Springville, Payson, Provo, Orem and Salem UT, call (801) 509-6899 or submit an online form for an estimate or consultation.
