If water enters areas where it shouldn’t, it has the potential to cause immense damage to any property.
Regrettably, there are countless scenarios in which water damage can affect a home or business, and each necessitates a distinct approach to remediation. For instance, repairing a burst pipe caused by a faulty appliance requires a vastly different restoration process than fixing a gradual roof leak. As a result, determining the cost of water restoration services requires evaluating several factors first.
Water damage restoration typically costs between $1,270 and $5,376, with a national average of $3,250. To estimate how much a project may cost, the following considerations must be considered.
1) The type of water: clean, gray or black?
When there’s water damage in a property, a skilled professional must determine the origin and classify it based on the cleanliness level of the water.
In the realm of water damage restoration, there are three categories: clean water, gray water and black water.
Clean water, as the name implies, is water that originates from sources like leaky faucets, toilet tanks, burst pipes, defective water heaters, broken sprinklers or rainwater. This water doesn’t contain any contaminants and is therefore usually the least expensive to clear, with an average cost of around $3.70 per square foot.
Gray water, on the other hand, is relatively clean water that has been contaminated by waste from appliances like sinks, bathtubs, washing machines and dishwashers. It costs more to clean up than clean water, with an average cost of around $5.55 per square foot.
Black water, in contrast, is the most challenging. This type of water comes from a contaminated source, such as a sewage pipe, and poses a severe health risk. The cleanup cost is generally the highest, around $7 per square foot.
2) The extent of the damage
The extent of water damage is also divided into categories (in this case, four), which greatly impact the overall restoration cost.
Class 1 is the least severe and least expensive to repair. It involves damage that is confined to a small area of a single room; the restoration cost typically ranges from $150 to $400.
Class 2 damage refers to water damage that affects an entire room, including walls up to 12 inches above the floor. In this case, property owners can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for repairs.
Class 3 damage affects a large portion of one room or multiple rooms, including the walls, ceilings, subflooring and insulation. Repair costs for this type of damage typically range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Class 4 damage is the most severe and can be extremely costly to remediate. It’s usually associated with flood or hurricane damage and can cost between $20,000 and $90,000 to restore.
3) Repairs and restoration work
If the water damage is extensive, additional repair and restoration work might be necessary – and the cost can shoot up considerably.
Floor and subfloor
Water damage affects most types of flooring. Hardwood floor restoration can cost $200 to $550, on average. Permeable flooring, such as carpets, vinyl, linoleum and laminates, is particularly susceptible to water damage – and the subflooring may also be affected. Subfloor repair costs range from $250 to $700 for a 150-square-foot section.
Drywall
Whenever drywall is exposed to water, there’s a high risk of mold formation. Therefore, it will need to be completely replaced. Replacing damaged drywall costs around $300 to $850, or between $1.50 and $3 per square foot.
Ceiling
Repairing a ceiling costs between $350 and $1,300, depending on how extensive the damage is. Labor costs may vary, too; professionals generally charge around $75 per hour to repair a sagging ceiling.
Roof
It’s crucial to address roof leaks promptly; early detection allows for repairs that typically cost between $378 and $1,186. However, if the damage has spread and affected underlying structures, such as trusses, insulation, and ceilings, the cost can increase.
If the damage is too extensive to repair, a replacement may be necessary. The cost of a roof replacement ranges from $5,706 to $11,185.
Foundation
The cost to repair a leaky foundation varies depending on the house and can range from $2,000 to $10,000. Foundation damage is typically caused by standing water resulting from flooding, which can cause concrete to crack or shift.
Basement
Basement remediation ranges from $500 to $90,000; the lower end covers simple, small leaks, whereas the high-end cost is for dealing with several feet of freestanding sewage water. Serious damage in basements is generally only caused by flooding.
Bathroom
In bathrooms, there are multiple pipes in the wall and numerous plumbing fixtures that can overflow, burst or leak. Therefore, various problems could arise:
- Leaking pipes: $150 to $400 to repair.
- Clearing clogged drains: $200 to $250.
- Malfunctioning toilets: $150 to $600.
- Shower / bathtub: $200 to $800.
- Surface or a minor plumbing problem: $100 to $300.
Laundry room
Repairing water damage in a laundry room may cost between $1,000 and $5,500. Although laundry rooms are typically small like bathrooms, the repairs may involve fixing flooring and minor electrical work.
The most frequent cause of water damage in this area is a leaky washer hose or an overflowing washer.
4) Mold remediation
The risks associated with mold growth should not be overlooked. Although mold may be visible in some cases, it can also grow unnoticed beneath surfaces like baseboards, floorboards and drywall, potentially causing respiratory issues and allergies for a building’s occupants.
The average cost of removing mold is approximately $2,000, which covers professional mold testing and a tailored remediation plan.
5) Labor costs
Labor costs for repairing water damage are not fixed and can vary greatly. On average, companies charge between $70 and $200 per hour for labor.
Of course, the number of hours required for the job will depend on the extent of the repairs needed. Simple jobs such as water removal and drying will take less time than projects that require more extensive repairs, such as removing drywall and carpets.
Additionally, hiring a water restoration company that offers a flat rate for their services can be more cost-effective than hiring multiple contractors with different specialties, such as a roofer or electrician, who may charge different hourly rates ranging from $30 to $125.
Pride Restoration of NC, Inc., the full-service water damage restoration professionals
When a property is affected by a natural disaster, a burst pipe or a leaky faucet, any water damage must be addressed immediately.
Pride Restoration of NC, Inc. is a full-service water damage restoration company which can handle the entire cleanup process, from initial assessment to total restoration.
We have both the extensive experience and the state-of-the-art equipment necessary to handle any water disaster efficiently, effectively and safely.
We can arrive on the scene quickly to carry out an assessment and provide an estimate. We also work with insurance companies to ensure our clients get exactly what they’re entitled to and bring costs down.
For water restoration services around Wilmington NC, call (910) 302-3155 for a consultation.
