Got a house with water damage? Find repair prices below
Water damage can wreak havoc on a home, causing severe structural problems, health hazards, and costly repairs, none of which you, the homeowner, should face unprepared!
Whether it stems from natural disasters like hurricanes (fortunately, not a problem in Las Vegas) or everyday mishaps like burst pipes or appliance malfunctions, the consequences of water damage can be very serious.
This guide will give you an idea of what you can expect to pay in the event you need to repair water damage to your home.
Average water damage restoration cost
Dealing with water damage can be an overwhelming, not to mention costly experience for homeowners.
On average, the cost of fixing water damage is around $3,500, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $6,000.
In other words, this:
$1,000 ⟶ $3,500 ⟶ $6,000
These figures represent basic repairs without considering more extensive damage or any preventative measures.
What about serious water damage?
Can water damage cost $10,000 or even more?
Yes, it’s possible!
More serious cases of water damage can push costs to $10,000+, which for the average person means increased insurance costs and significant financial hardship.
This is why it’s important to keep an eye out for water damage and fix it early and find an insurance plan that can offer you protection.
How much does it cost to repair water damage per square foot?
Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $8 per square foot for water damage restoration.
Water damage restoration cost by water category
Water damage restoration costs depend on the category of water involved in the damage.
Clean water
Clean water damage, which originates from sources like a leaking faucet or broken pipe, usually costs around $4 per square foot.
Gray water
Gray water damage, which involves water from sources like washing machines or dishwashers, comes with a slightly higher cost of around $5 per square foot.
Black water
Black water damage, which is the most severe and results from contaminated sources like sewage backups or floodwaters, can cost upwards of $8 per square foot to remediate.
Water category chart summary
| Water Category | Cost Estimate |
| Clean water | $4 per square foot |
| Gray water | $5+ per square foot |
| Black water | $8 per square foot |
Water restoration cost by class
When water damage is assessed, it is classified into four categories—class 1, class 2, class 3, and class 4.
Class 1
Class 1 damage is when only part of a room has been affected. It is the least severe type of water damage.
The cost of repairing Class 1 water damage ranges from $1,000 to $3,500.
Class 2
Class 2 damage involves an entire room, including the walls up to a foot above the floor level.
The restoration cost for Class 2 water damage ranges from $3,500 to $7,000.
Class 3
Class 3 damage is more severe, affecting multiple rooms, ceilings, subflooring, walls, and insulation.
Restoration costs for Class 3 water damage range from $7,000 to $20,000
Class 4
Class 4 damage is the most pervasive and expensive to repair, often costing as much as $20,000 to $100,000 or more.
Class cost chart summary
| Water Damage Class | Cost Range |
| Class 1 | $1,000 to $3,500 |
| Class 2 | $3,500 to $7,000 |
| Class 3 | $7,000 to $20,000 |
| Class 4 | $20,000 to $100,000 |
How much does it cost to replace a water-damaged wall?
Replacing a water-damaged wall, particularly drywall, costs on average between $400 and $750.
Factors that impact water damage restoration cost
Although the figures provided above serve as a general guide, every case is unique.
Factors that can influence your restoration cost include:
- The extent of the damage (damage category)
- Whether water is still present
- The complexity of the repairs
- The size of the area being restored
- Mold growth
- Your location
Additional costs and considerations
When dealing with water damage, additional costs may arise from repairing or replacing drywall, ceilings, sinks, pipes, etc.
Mold remediation is another crucial aspect to consider, as it can significantly impact your overall restoration price.
Fair warning: Mold restoration isn’t cheap.
You can expect to pay between $10 and $25 per square foot to get rid of mold in your house.
Homeowners should consult their insurance policies to determine what costs are covered (if any) before hiring a company to repair water damage and related issues.
How to spot water damage
Spotting water damage early can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repair costs, so it’s important to know the signs!
The most prominent signs of water damage include:
- Increased utility bills
- Flaking paint
- Mold growth
- Dark spots on the ceiling
- Discoloration of drywall
- Musty smells
- Humidity and dampness
- Dripping noises
- Health issues potentially caused by mold exposure
How to prevent water damage
Conducting regular inspections for water damage in your home can help prevent water damage before it occurs or at least stop the damage in its tracks.
Tip 1 is to use a flashlight to check beneath sinks and around toilets for any signs of water damage.
Tip2: Inspect your appliances for worn-out hoses and faulty pipes, which are common causes of water damage
Tip 3: Keep an eye on your ceiling for stains that may indicate a costly water leak, and regularly check carpeted areas by removing your shoes and feeling for dampness on the floor. If you notice dampness, it may be time for a more thorough inspection.
How to hire a water damage restoration service
When faced with water damage, it’s essential to hire a reputable and experienced water damage restoration service.
To find the right professional, it’s probably a good idea to get referrals from friends, family, or neighbors who have faced water damage and know of a reliable company you can use.
Give us a call
You can also contact us, and we’ll see what we can do to get you a referral. We work with the top home repair professionals in the Las Vegas area.
Beyond this, you can research local companies, read online reviews, and ask for quotes from multiple service providers to make an informed decision. It never hurts to get more than one quote.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Homeowners insurance may cover water damage, but this depends on the situation.
Generally, water damage resulting from acts of nature or damage to components still under warranty will be covered. Burst pipes and heavy rainfall-related damage are also often covered by insurance policies.
However, water damage caused by flooding typically requires separate flood insurance coverage. As you know, it’s important to review your insurance policy and consult with your insurance agent to understand the extent of your coverage.
How long does it take to repair water damage?
The process of repairing water damage happens in stages, with the drying phase typically taking between 5 days to a week.
How long the entire restoration takes depends on the severity of the damage and what’s needed to fix the issues.
For minor damage, repairs can be completed within a few days to a week, while more extensive damage may take weeks or even months to address fully.
Conclusion
Water damage restoration is a complex and costly ordeal, one that homeowners should take steps to avoid by being proactive and watchful in spotting problems early.
Hopefully, this guide has given you a few actionable tips that you can follow to find issues before they become serious. We also hope the cost estimates have been helpful.
FAQs
How to tell if water damage is old or new
Distinguishing between old and new water damage can help you determine the urgency and extent of repairs needed. Here are some ways to tell the difference between old and new water damage:
Signs of new water damage
- Wet or damp surfaces – If you touch the affected area and it feels wet or damp, it’s likely a new water leak or new damage.
- Standing water – Standing water or puddles near the damaged area are an indication of recent water damage that should be addressed ASAP.
- Active dripping – If you can see or hear water actively dripping or running from a pipe, faucet, or appliance, you’re likely dealing with a potential source of water damage.
- Fresh water stains – Lighter-colored water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors usually indicate new damage.
- Strong musty odor – New water damage usually has a strong, pungent smell. If you notice this, be on the lookout for the source of the issue!
Signs of old water damage
- Dry or crumbly surfaces – If the affected area is dry and crumbly to touch, it’s likely old water damage that has dried up over time.
- Peeling paint or wallpaper – Old water damage can cause paint or wallpaper to peel or blister as it dries out.
- Mold or mildew – The presence of mold or mildew suggests that the water damage has been there for a while, as these require time and moisture to grow.
- Warped or swollen materials – Over time, water damage can cause materials like wood or drywall to warp or swell, indicating that the damage is old.
- Darker water stains – Water stains that have darkened over time are a sign of old water damage.
- Faint musty odor – If the musty smell has faded or is less intense, it may indicate that the water damage is old and has partially dried.
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