Insurance & cost
What affects the cost of water damage restoration
Updated
Short answer
Water damage restoration cost depends mostly on how much area is wet, the water category (clean, gray or sewage), how long it sat, which materials must be removed, how many drying days are needed, and how much rebuild follows. Ask for an itemized estimate and the drying log.
The main cost drivers
- Square footage and number of rooms affected
- Water category: contaminated water requires more removal and protective work
- Time before drying started: longer means more wicking and more removal
- Materials: carpet and pad, hardwood, cabinets, drywall, insulation
- Drying days and equipment count
- After-hours response
- Mold remediation, if growth has started
- Rebuild: drywall, flooring, cabinets, paint and matching
How estimates are usually written
Many restoration companies use the same estimating software insurers use, with line items for equipment days, materials removed and labor. That makes it easier for the adjuster to review and for you to compare.
Questions to ask
- What's the water category and why?
- What's being removed and why can't it be dried?
- How many drying days do you expect, and how will you verify dry?
- Is rebuild included, or a separate estimate?
- Will you bill my insurer directly, and what will I owe?
- What's your ROC license number (for rebuild work)?
Questions
Why don't you list prices?
Every loss is different, and a price without seeing the damage would be a guess. The factors above are what move the number.
Is it cheaper to do it myself?
For a small clean spill on tile, often yes. For anything larger, missed moisture can lead to much bigger costs later.
Does insurance pay the whole bill?
When covered, the insurer pays according to the policy, minus your deductible. Items not covered are your responsibility.
Editorial note: this guide is general information for Arizona homeowners, not professional, legal or insurance advice. For your situation, talk to a licensed contractor and your insurer.