How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost?
Last Updated: January 20, 2022
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Repairing water damage in your home can be a very expensive endeavor. Many times, the water damage is not just confined to the basement. Often you have two floors with water damage; not just one.
Problems arise when water contacts sheetrock, insulation, fabrics such as drapes or carpet, or any type of wood, cardboard, or paper. Mold and mildew arise when water contacts these types of materials. How quickly you react to water damage will greatly influence the total cost to you.
Common Causes of Water Damage in the Home #
- Leaky Roof
- Improper Installation of Windows and Doors
- Failing Windows and Doors
- Burst Plumbing Pipes
- Broken or Leaking Water Lines
- Leaky Toilet
What is the Cost to Repair Water Damage to You? #
Most homeowners' insurance policies will cover water damage at no charge to the homeowner as long as the damage is reported immediately after it occurs. The exception being negligence or lack of maintenance by the homeowner. Insurance companies may not cover the water damage restoration cost if the damage sits and mold begins to grow. (If water damage is allowed to sit for 24 hours or more then mold begins to develop). Some insurers require you to contact a water damage restoration company and submit a claim within 48 hours or they will not cover any losses.
Since mold is so dangerous to our health, the rule of thumb is: "If you're in doubt, throw it out." If you do have to pay for any expenses out of pocket it is helpful to know what it will cost so you don't overpay. Carpets, rugs, furniture, and sheetrock and baseboard will all have to be removed and replaced.
Mold Removal Prices for Water Damaged Homes – Time is of the Essence #
Mold and mildew damage are going to be biggest causes of damage when you have water damage. Often, mold will not develop where you can't see it. It hides underneath carpets and on the backside of baseboards and sheetrock. One way to curtail this is to call a professional water damage restoration company immediately! They have industrial box fans, dehumidifiers, and pumps that can suck water out of sheetrock and carpet. This will reduces the cost of mold removal. Most companies charge about $200-$400 for an average 10x12 room for this service. Naturally, the bigger the room the more expensive it will be.
Water Damage Restoration Prices #
If mold removal is necessary, the following is a general cost guide for what normally has to be replaced:
Replacing baseboards is a relatively simple project. Most companies will charge $3-$5 per foot for this service. Replacing sheetrock involves cutting out the old, installing new, taping and mudding the joints, sanding and painting. Small jobs will be rather expensive per square foot, while larger jobs (say, 32 sq feet and bigger) will cost about $5-$8 per square foot. Water damaged carpet is more expensive to replace than it costs to install brand new. All baseboards must be removed; tack strips must be thrown out as well as the carpet and padding. Assuming that the carpet costs about $2-$3 per square foot, the cost to tear up and replace water damaged carpet is around $10-$12 per square foot.
Helpful Tips on Water Damage Restoration #
- As soon as you notice water damage, take photos and contact water damage contractors immediately. The faster your reaction is, the more likely the damage will be contained and the costs stay minimal.
- Make sure you are positive on the root of the problem. Once the damage has been taken care of and mold cleaning has been performed, your next move is to permanently fix the cause of the damage. Whether it is a leaky roof, bad window or door installation or a leaky toilet, have a professional contractor come in to fix whatever caused the water damage. In most cases, overkill is never a bad thing. An extra tube of roof, window, or door caulking is a lot cheaper than having the leak come back.