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Water damage restoration: what drives the cost

Restoration is two jobs with two prices: getting the building dry, and putting back what had to come out.

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The short version

What sets the price
The kind of water, the area affected and how long it sat.
Two parts
Drying and cleanup first, repairs after.
Before work starts
Photograph the damage and call your insurer.

A quote should spell out

  • The areas and materials affected.
  • The equipment and the number of drying days.
  • What is removed and what is dried in place.
  • Whether rebuilding is included or separate.

What pushes the price up

  • Sewage or flood water, not clean water.
  • Water that sat for days.
  • Wet insulation, hardwood or cabinets.
  • Mold that has already started.

What you are paying for

  • The kind of waterClean water from a supply line is the simplest case. Drain, flood and sewage water mean more removal and protection.
  • The areaWater travels under floors and inside walls. Moisture readings, not the visible stain, define the job.
  • TimeThe EPA's drying window is 24-48 hours. Past that, mold work is added.
  • The rebuildDrywall, flooring and trim. This part can reach the size where a state license applies.

How the job usually goes

  1. Inspection with moisture readings and photographs.
  2. Water removal and removal of ruined materials.
  3. Drying, with readings recorded each day.
  4. Repairs, by the same company or a contractor.

For the rebuild, check the contractor's license. Tennessee's rule depends on the county and the job size; Alabama's starts above $10,000. Our city guides give the rule for each area.

Related guides

Sources

  • US Environmental Protection Agency: mold, moisture and your home
  • Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
  • Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
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