Variables That Can Affect Water Damage Restoration Costs


July 01, 2021

One of the most commonly asked questions we get at Pine Ridge Restoration is, "How much will it cost?" When it comes to water damage in Willoughby, there are several factors that must be considered to determine restoration costs. You have to account for the size of the affected area, category of water, how long the damage has been present and extent of the damage all on top of the cost of labor and materials. This seems overwhelming, so we are going to break it down for you even further and explain how each of these variables can affect the price.

Water Damage Restoration In Willoughby

First things first, the more square footage that has water damage, the more costly restoration will be. But that is not all – depending on the type of water that has damaged the area, the cost can be greatly reduced or increased. For example, water damage restoration of category 1 (clean water) is the easiest and least expensive, estimating around $3.75 per square foot. This type of water damage comes from a clean source, such as sink faucets, water heaters, pipes, and toilet tanks. Because water damage from category 2 (gray water) comes from a source that contains a significant degree of biological and chemical contaminants, it requires specific precautions and sterilization. This makes it more expensive than category 1 water, estimating around $4.50 per square foot. Then there is water damage restoration from category 3 water. This type of water, also referred to as black water, is grossly contaminated water that contains toxic pathogenic substances and harbors disease-causing organisms. This makes this type of restoration more extensive and, consequently, more expensive at approximately $7.00 per square foot. Now that we understand how the size of the area and the type of water present will affect the restoration cost, we need to discuss another important factor – time.

The longer the water damage has been present, the more extensive the damage will be. Putting off water damage restoration could actually end up costing thousands of dollars more because water damage escalated very quickly. For a reference guideline, water damage restoration costs can increase by $1,000 for every 1 inch of water that is not cleaned up in a timely manner. This is because repairs can be made and items salvaged when restoration begins right away, but when prolonged, materials like wood, drywall, insulation, carpet, and other textiles can become irreversibly damaged when they absorb and swell from exposure to water. Repairs are a lot more cost-effective than replacements. Here is a list of common repairs and replacements that have to be made following water damage and even more so after prolonged water exposure:

Carpet replacement: $4.00 – $5.00 per square foot

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Carpet drying: $ included in restoration cost already


Drywall and plaster wall repair: $1.40 per square foot

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Drywall and plaster wall replacement: $6.00 – $18.75 per square foot


Refinishing hardwood floors: $3 – $8 per square foot

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Replacing hardwood floors: $6- $10 per square foot


Mold remediation: $5.00 per square foot

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Dehumidification to discourage mold growth: $ include in water damage restoration already


While all the numbers above are estimates, they can help you get a good idea of just how expensive water damage restoration can be. The good news is Pine Ridge Restoration offers water damage restoration services at the best rates while still providing the best results. We are available 24/7 to respond to your water damage emergency so we can mitigate damages and save you as much as possible. If you need water damage restoration, call Pine Ridge for a quote right away.