Water damage is a very common cause of property damage in the US. According to reports, insurance companies paid out $13 billion for water damage claims from homes, buildings, and properties in 2017. Industry estimates say that 14,000 people experience water damage every day in the US.
It is best to prevent water damage as far as possible by routine maintenance and prompt repairs. While home insurance covers water damage that is accidental and sudden damage due to lack of maintenance and negligence in conducting repair work will not be covered. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. provides residential and commercial contracting services in South Florida. In this article, Suncoast Contracting explains how the cost of water damage restoration is determined.
Water damage restoration costs can vary widely. It depends on the area affected, the source of water causing damage, the extent of exposure to water, etc. The factors influencing the water damage restoration costs are:
1. Categories of Water Damage
There are 3 categories of water damage.
Category 1 water damage is due to water from a clean source like a leaking faucet, a burst pipe, or faulty sprinklers. It is the least expensive to repair.
Category 2 water damage is due to slightly contaminated water, commonly referred to as gray water, from leaking or faulty appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. It can contain contaminants like detergent or chemicals that might be harmful if ingested.
Category 3 water damage, also known as black water, is the most expensive to repair. It is caused by water which contains microorganisms, sewage, harmful contaminants, or debris. The water can be from sources like a septic system, an external body of water like a river or lake, or severe weather such as a hurricane or tropical storm.
2. Area of the Home Affected
The cost of water damage restoration will depend on which part and how large an area of the house is affected. In general, bathrooms that are water damaged may be less expensive to repair than the basement of the house. The cost of water damage restoration also depends on the material affected by water damage that needs to be replaced or repaired. For example, the type of flooring (vinyl, carpeted, tiled, hardwood), will assist in determining how much water damage restoration costs.
3. Type of Damage
- Cosmetic Damage – is damage that affects the appearance of the home, but not the structural integrity of the building. This can include damage to the wall that requires only painting or replacement of wallpaper.
- Electrical Damage – water damage can lead to damage to electrical wiring, equipment, and components. This can be dangerous and might need the removal of affected wires and rewiring.
- Mold – mold can grow after a building has been exposed to water. Mold remediation may be needed after water damage and it can be expensive. It includes inspection, removal of material affected by mold, and thorough cleaning to prevent further growth of mold.
- Structural Damage – there may be damage to the roof, walls, or foundation of the house. The repair costs can be quite high.
- Miscellaneous damage to electronics, clothing, furniture, etc adds to costs as they may need repair or replacement.
- Living costs – sometimes families need to live elsewhere while water damage restoration is happening and costs are incurred. Business owners can lose business if they need to shut down for repair and loss of property can impact customer service or production.
4. Class of Damage
There are 4 classes of damage and with each class of damage the cost of water damage restoration increases.
Class 1 – A small area of the building is affected and the amount of water absorbed into the structure is minimum.
Class 2 – Typically involves minor structural damage to the floor and walls that surround the water. It requires minor repairs.
Class 3 – Affects the ceiling and walls and will need some repair and replacement work. Normally originating from top-down water damage that may be due to a leak from the roof or burst pipe from the upper floors of a building.
Class 4 – Large areas of the building are affected and the structural integrity is significantly affected. This is the most costly to have restored.
5. Local factors
Where the structure is located can affect the cost and availability of materials and labor.
6. Labor costs
Labor required for water damage will vary according to the region. It also depends on how much work is done, what specialized equipment needs to be used, the expertise and technical knowledge required, etc.
Home insurance might pay for water damage restoration, with homeowners having to pay only the deductible depending on the type of water damage. A professional company should be hired for repair and water damage restoration services.
Having served Boynton Beach and surrounding areas for three generations, Suncoast Contracting and Emergency Services has the experience, training and knowledge needed to handle any water damage disaster. Suncoast Contracting specializes in fire damage, water damage, and flood restoration services. Whether water damage needs water removal, electrical repair, carpentry, flooring repair or replacement, drywall, and plastering work, repair or replacement of the roof, etc Suncoast Contractors Emergency Services can help. As contractors who are licensed, trained, and insured in their areas of expertise, Suncoast Contracting is an exceptional choice for flood damage repair needs in South Florida. They can be contacted at (561) 316-3989 to discuss repair needs including water damage restoration.
