If you live in a snowy, but affordable city like Minneapolis, Minnesota or a rainy city like Miami, then listen up! If your home has water damage, repairing it immediately is vital. Finding the cause of water damage and addressing the issue is half the battle, the other half is mitigating the damages. The extent of water damage can be misleading when looking at the outside surface but often times water seeps into the deeper materials of your home. Due to the unique nature of water, the damage cost can range from high to low. Here’s a look into factors that will affect the price of water damage mitigation.
Factors That Affect Your Water Damage Repair Costs
No one wants to end up with a larger bill than they expected. That’s why it’s helpful to get a professional estimate on your repairs. Here are some of the factors that will impact the pricing.
1. The Size of the Area
As you might expect, the larger a damaged area is, the more expensive it will be to repair it. It will take more time, materials, and manpower to fix an entire room that was flooded compared to a few square feet of damage. This isn’t the only factor that determines your cost. Some of the other factors on this list can add up and make a smaller area with more extensive damage cost more than a larger area.
2. Your Location
You’d be hard pressed to find anything that costs the same in Los Angeles as it does in Des Moines. As the cost of living varies, so does the cost of services like water damage repair. It’s best practice to find a local reputable water damage company with experienced professional that can give you an accurate cost estimate.
3. Whether Water is Still Present
If water is still present it needs to be removed immediately to stop further home deterioration. This can be done with the help of water pumps, dehumidification equipment, and moister absorbent materials. Removing excess moister adds more time to the mitigation process, leading to an added cost. As soon as the area has been dried and the excess water is removed the repair process can begin.
4. The Materials That Were Damaged
Depending on what materials were affected, the cost will vary. For example, hardwood floors are often times easier to repair than carpets, walls and trim. Hardwood floors require less time than the time consuming labor that is associated with replacing carpet. Another factor to take into consideration that will affect the cost of mitigation is the cost of the materials that need to be replace or repaired.
5. The Type of Water
The state of of the water during water damage can vary from clean to a bio hazard. The dirtier the water, the more precautions and treatments the repair will require resulting in a higher cost. The worst case scenario is black water: sewage water that has been in contact with human waste. Gray water, on the other hand, is water that has been used for showering or dishes but not for sewage. Backwater and gray water mitigation are usually more expensive because of the need to treat for contaminants.
6. Presence of Mold
One of the worst parts about water damage in a home is that it can lead to the development of mold and mildew. The way to prevent mold and mildew from developing is to ensure that excess moister has been removed from damaged areas. If allowed to develop, they can cause further damage to your home and even turn it into a health hazard. If mold or mildew are present, it adds an extra step to your water damage repair. Not surprisingly, that extra step leads to a higher bill.
7. Your Timeline
A good of rule of thumb to follow is to address water damage immediately, that is your first defense against further damage. The longer you wait, the larger the impact it has resulting in a need for more repairs and a high bill. In addition, mold and mildew will have a chance to develop and that requires another set of repairs themselves.
Planning for Your Home Repairs
We understand: it isn’t fun to pay for home repairs, and it certainly is not cheap. In comparison, the initial costs of water damage mitigation you pay now is minor to what you would have to pay down the line. Ignoring water damage can lead to further problems like mold, rot, and even structural damage that may be entirely irreparable.
If you’re ready to get started with a customized estimate, contact our home repair experts.