Water Restoration—Explaining the Estimate

 If you’ve just experienced water damage in your home, whether from an inside appliance or from outside plumbing, one of the many questions going through your mind is probably, “How much is this going to cost me?” You might also be wondering what types of factors affect the price and exactly what to expect from the restoration contractors you call for estimates. The truth is that you have very little time to make the best decision on a restoration professional before that cost increases with the ongoing damage that follows the initial water damage. Since every water damage claim is different, there is no such thing as an “average cost,” but if your water restoration contractor is certified and licensed to work with your insurance company, it should only cost the amount of your deductible, unless there are other changes you wish to make to the structure that aren’t covered under your policy. There are, however, several factors that affect the price in determining the scope of a water restoration project, such as the type of water involved, the size of the affected area, and the materials involved or the equipment required to restore your home to its pre-loss condition. Let’s start with the type of water involved. 

The first thing a water restoration contractor considers when preparing an estimate is the type and amount of the water involved—the Class and Category, as they are called in the industry. The level of standing water present in the home after the loss occurs determines the amount of extraction needed before other repairs can begin. Naturally, the more water present, the more time and equipment is required to remove it, and so the higher the price will be. Next, the estimator must consider the level of contamination in the water, as this too will determine the price. Clean or Category 1 water, from an icemaker or a sink supply line for example, is safer and thus cheaper to extract and to dry than water from a sewage pipe or from outside flooding, since special protective equipment will be needed to clean up more contaminated losses, and special procedures such as containment with air filtration devices and mold remediation protocols may also be required. This of course will be reflected in the price, and if the job is surveyed properly by both the contractor and your insurance company, you should have no problem getting all of the necessary work approved. It’s also another reason why time is of the essence following a water loss, since Category 1 water can turn into Category 3 contaminated water over time if quick action isn’t taken to stabilize the environment and to begin removing the excess water before humidity and mold spores take over.After considering the type and the amount of water involved, the estimator now determines the extent of the damage, the materials affected, and the amount of demolition, if any, required to safely restore the property. The scope of the loss is typically measured by square feet in each room involved, and the length of baseboards is figured in as well if their removal is necessary for proper drying. Depending on the type of walls and flooring and the damage involved, these may have to be removed as well, and that of course will affect the price in labor. Next, the estimator determines the proper amount of disinfectant, drying and dehumidification equipment needed to restore the building and then puts it all together for a final estimated cost. One of the major advantages in dealing with a professional, licensed and certified contractor like ECS is that you only have to be involved in the estimating process if you really want to, since everything we do is already approved by your insurance company, who uses the same Xactimate software that we use in the field and at our main office. Just one more reason why ECS is the easiest when it comes to restoring your home!  

Enviro-Clean Services in Houma, LA specializes in water restoration and cleanup. In the unfortunate event you discover water damage, do not hesitate to give us a call. We are available to help 24/7. Contact us today!