How Much Does Water Restoration Cost?

Discovering water damage in your building can be a nightmare. Whether it’s your home or business, it effectively puts your life on pause as you seek to quickly address the problem to salvage the building.

Having to tear your building down and start fresh is incredibly expensive, which is why rapid water damage restoration is so important. How much does water restoration cost, though?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the price can range from as little as a few thousand dollars to well over $10,000. We’ll cover all the factors influencing the water damage restoration cost, from the extent of the damage to the type of water involved, the location of the damage, and subsequently, the type of restoration service you need.

You’ll also learn whether it makes more sense to hire an expert or invest in your own water restoration equipment here at SweepScrub. We’ve curated a collection of highly affordable solutions to help you put this problem in the past and get your building restored fast. 

So, browse our catalog to get a better idea of the cost of water damage restoration. Or, continue reading below to learn more about this process!

Factors Influencing Water Damage Restoration Cost

Just as with the water damage restoration timeline, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much water restoration costs. It all depends on the unique issue you’re facing. Here are the factors influencing your water restoration cost:

Extent of the Damage

Not all forms of water damage require the same response. Minor damage, such as a small leak affecting a single room, takes less effort and resources compared to extensive flooding that damages multiple rooms or floors. 

The more severe the damage, the higher the cost for repairs, replacements, and labor. Structural repairs may be necessary in cases of extensive damage, increasing the expenses even further.

The length of time water has been present is a primary determinant of the extent of the damage and is why prompt action is so important to mitigate severe damage. Delayed response cause: 

• Mold Growth: Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours, necessitating additional remediation efforts.
• Structural Damage: Prolonged exposure can weaken structural elements, leading to more extensive repairs or replacements.
• Increased Contamination: The longer water sits, the higher the risk of it becoming contaminated, complicating the cleanup process and increasing costs.

Type of Water Involved

One of the main determinants of the cost of water restoration is the type of water involved. There are three categories:

• Clean Water: Originating from broken pipes or rain, this is the least expensive to clean up. It poses minimal health risks and basic extraction and drying will do the trick.
• Gray Water: This water is slightly contaminated and comes from sources like dishwashers or washing machines. Cleanup is more complex since sanitization is needed for safety reasons.
• Black Water: Highly contaminated as it includes sewage or floodwaters. It poses serious health risks and requires specialized handling, which increases the water restoration cost due to the need for thorough decontamination and protective measures.

If you aren’t sure which type of water damage you’re dealing with, we recommend first consulting a professional to get a better understanding of what you’re up against.

Required Restoration Services

The specific services needed for restoration also influence the overall cost. These services can include:

• Water Extraction: Removing standing water quickly to prevent further damage.
• Drying and Dehumidification: Using specialized equipment to remove moisture from affected areas.
• Mold Remediation: Addressing mold growth to ensure a safe environment.
• Structural Repairs: Fixing damaged walls, floors, and other structural elements.
• Cleaning and Sanitization: Ensuring the area is safe and free from contaminants.

Each of these services adds to the total cost, depending on the extent of work required.

Location and Accessibility

There are two more things to consider in estimating the cost of water damage restoration - where you are geographically and where specifically the water damage is in your building.

Water restoration costs can vary dramatically based on local wage rates and the availability of skilled workers. So while you might pay a bit less in labor in rural areas, this might be offset if there are limited options.

On the other hand, hard-to-reach areas may require specialized equipment and additional labor, increasing costs. For example, damage in basements or crawl spaces can be more challenging to address than issues isolated to the bathroom.

The cost of transporting equipment and materials to the site can add to the overall expenses, especially in remote or difficult-to-access locations.

How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost Typically?

There are quite a few moving pieces at play, so how much does water damage restoration cost typically? While your best bet is to get a quote from an expert, here are some averages for the cost of water damage restoration depending on the extent of damage:

• Minor Damage: Small leaks or isolated incidents affecting a single room can range from $1,000 to $3,000. This usually covers water extraction, drying, and basic repairs.
• Moderate Damage: Water affecting multiple rooms or moderate structural damage typically falls between $3,000 and $7,000. This includes more extensive water removal, drying, mold remediation, and necessary repairs.
• Severe Damage: Addressing major flooding or extensive structural damage can easily cost more than $10,000. Comprehensive restoration involves significant repairs, mold remediation, structural work, and thorough cleaning and sanitization.

Remember that the size of the affected area, the materials involved, and the complexity of the cleanup process also influence the overall cost. 

Whatever the case, should you simply hire an expert and leave it to them or save money by investing in your own water damage restoration equipment? 

Should You Hire a Professional or Buy Your Own Water Damage Restoration Equipment?

The appeal of hiring a professional to handle the problem is obvious - you can focus your attention where it’s better spent while enjoying peace of mind knowing the job is done right.

However, purchasing your own equipment is compelling for its own reasons - most notably, cost savings. It’s far more affordable to purchase your own water-damage restoration equipment. But is this necessarily a wise investment? Let’s look at the pros and cons below.

Hiring a Professional

Pros:

• Expertise and Experience: Professionals can quickly assess the damage, determine the best course of action, and execute the restoration process effectively.
• Comprehensive Services: These companies offer a range of services, from water extraction and drying to mold remediation and structural repairs. 
• Advanced Equipment: Specialized equipment designed for high-efficiency water removal, drying, and decontamination ensures thorough and effective restoration.
• Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional can eliminate stress since you know the job is getting done right.

Cons:

• Cost: Professional services are expensive, especially for extensive damage. While the cost is often worth it, it might not be feasible for all budgets.
• Scheduling: Depending on the severity of the situation and the availability of professionals, there may be a wait time before restoration can begin. This can lead to more expensive costs as the moisture has time to cause additional damage

Buying Your Own Equipment

Pros:

• Cost Savings: While the initial investment in equipment can be high, it still tends to be lower than the cost of water damage restoration through a professional. Owning your own restoration tools can save money in the long run if you face frequent water damage issues, too.
• Immediate Response: Having your own equipment allows you to respond to water damage incidents immediately, reducing the risk of further damage and potentially lowering overall restoration costs.
• Control Over the Process: You can address the damage as you see fit and at your own pace - no need to wait around to fit into a company’s schedule.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: Effective use of restoration equipment requires knowledge and training. Without proper understanding, you may not effectively salvage your building.
• Maintenance: You’ll be responsible for maintaining and storing your equipment, which can add to the overall cost and effort.

Ultimately, only you can determine whether it makes more sense to buy your own equipment or hire an expert. But if you decide that you want to save money and have more control over the restoration process, look no further than SweepScrub.

Source the Essentials at SweepScrub Today and Restore Your Building!

SweepScrub is your one-stop shop for all things cleaning equipment, from commercial floor scrubbers for sale to commercial floor sweeper machines and even floor sweeper scrubber machines. 

However, you also gain access to a comprehensive suite of water restoration equipment in our catalog, sourced from the most trusted brands in the industry. Backed with our world-class customer service and competitive pricing, it doesn’t get any better!

You can order individual components like air movers, HEPA air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, water extraction machines, and more. Or, you can streamline the process with one of our complete kits that gives you everything you need for a swift, efficient response.

Depending on the extent of damage you’re dealing with you might find one of these packages more affordable, with the Water Damage Restoration Silver Package I starting at just over $5,400. 

We encourage you to reach out to discuss your specific water damage issue and let us offer some suggestions to set you up for success in addressing the problem. Get in touch today for a better estimate on the water damage restoration cost!

Final Thoughts on the Cost of Water Damage Restoration

So, how much does water restoration cost? In closing, the cost of water damage restoration is influenced by a wide variety of factors, ranging from the extent of damage to the type of water present, the location of your problem, and more. 

While small issues can be remedies for just a few thousand dollars, larger and more complex problems can cost well over $10,000. You’ll need to weigh your options between professional restoration and buying your own equipment for a DIY restoration process.

If you choose to take the cost-saving approach of getting your own equipment, you can count on SweepScrub to deliver exceptional solutions at a competitive price, with unbeatable customer service every step of the way. 

Reach out today for a quote and equip yourself with the best tools and ensure your property is restored efficiently and effectively!