How much is it going to cost to repair the water damage in my home?

As Dry Rot and Water Damage Repair Contractor I hear this all the time. I wish I had a quick answer but I don’t. The repairs required for one home will be different in the next. Since water damages can vary, some things have to be taken into consideration before a cost estimate can be given. These are the major factors that will determine the cost of the repair of water damage.

The area of damage.

This makes sense; a small leak will be in a limited area. If the damage is contained to the space around the toilet, this should be a quick repair. A burst pipe in the attic that rains down over the whole house can involve a lot of time and effort to repair. Detecting the problem early is important because the damage can be extending within closed quarters.

Materials needed to repair the damage.

What actually got damaged? Expensive hardwood floors cost more to replace than a cheap carpet and pad. It should be noted that just because the materials got wet doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced. Concrete is very difficult to damage with water. Don’t always assume that if it got wet, it must be damaged.

How long has the problem been happening.

A slow leak can often go undetected, that can be costly. A slow leak in a conceal area may leak for years. The water can absorb into the surrounding materials, ruining the material, grow mold and be a cleanup problem. A broken pipe that is found right away may be just a quick dry up and repair.

Location of the damage.

A burst underground water pipe in your front yard may damage your petunias and create a large mud hole; not a lot of property damage there. If that same pipe cracks in the ceiling there could be a great deal of damage done in a very short period of time. You can imagine how far that water can travel through the ceiling, wall, and floor before the water can be shut off. In this sort of situation it would be important to use a moisture detector to find out how far the water has extended. Trapped water can be a problem if not removed properly.

Type of water.

This one is important because they must be handled differently.

Clean water comes from the water supply. Fresh tap water that you can drink is an example of clean water.

Grey water is water that comes from the dishwasher or washing machine, it has soaps and chemicals in it.

Finally, black water is water high in bacteria like sewage from a drain line. This type of leak can cause health problems and needs to be treated differently.

 

As you can see, to answer the question, “How much is it going to cost to repair the water damage in my home?”, can be a little more involved than expected. The best approach is to get a few qualified bids on the cost of repairs, understand what each bid includes, and then have the work done.

There are qualified contractors in your neighborhood, take the time to find one you are comfortable hiring. Of course if you know a contractor that you are comfortable with, suggest one to someone in need!

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


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Specialists in Dry Rot and Water Damage Repairs

 

 

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Tom Arstingstall
Tromler Construction
General Contractor
Specializing in Dry Rot and Water Damage Repairs

916-765-5366
 Water Damage Repair in Sacramento Dry Rot Repair Contractor in Sacramento

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42 Comments on How much is it going to cost to repair the water damage in my home?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

AUG
18
2011
774,890 Points 95 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks Ben, so true.

Sometimes the cost does go up because of some unforeseen problems. Usually the estimates are very close. That’s been my experience Rosalie.

Everyone is unique Eileen. Some get all worked up about the most minor things, some are calm as a cucumber, most just want things back to normal.

If I were closer Lizette, I’d give you my card.  J

 

 
11:01pm • #23
774,890 Points 95 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Call a professional Lisa and Robert. You need to be careful about leaks that have been sitting for a while, just be careful.

Cool, I’m on Evelyn’s answer sheet!  J Thanks for the comment!

Come to California, we don’t have many basements here Kathy! But seriously, even basements can be water proofed.

Tweet away Gene, love the gesture!
11:06pm • #24
AUG
19
2011
291,825 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I see more damage caused by water than by termites and everything else combined.  Thanks for this information.
1:17am • #25

Great info here. So true. You never know what the real cost could be.

 
1:59am • #26
774,890 Points 95 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

There are so many ways that water can be a problem in the home. Thanks Lloyd.
2:17am • #27
119,666 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Enjoyed the post, most informative. I always told my clients that the best way to help prevent water damage was to watch the sources closely.

Roof, flashing, and gutter inspection at least every two years.  A home inspector may not be the best choice except for the fact he won't try to sell you a new roof.  A trusted roofer can look a little more deeply that a home inspector and will generally have more experience with various repair or maintenance options.

Checking the landscaping immediately adjacent to the house/foundation may detect changes that could allow water to enter your basement or crawl space.  Early correction can help prevent that.

Checking hoses and connections to drains on both your clothes washer and dish washer once a year may help prevent water problems there and only takes a few minutes.

If the house has an unfinished basement, a yearly look at the pipes for any signs of leaking can often head off a major leak later.

Water can be the enemy of your home, keep it where it belongs!
9:59am • #28
774,890 Points 95 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

You bring up some very good points Marshall. Detection and prevention, probably the two most important things the property owner can do.
10:05am • #29
155,778 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Congratulations on being featured. It's a great article. Water is what damages a home almost 100% of the time.
10:06am • #30

This is just one of the reasons that most experienced home inspectors do not & should not give cost estimates. In the state of Oregon, and by most accepted inspection standards, home inspectors are not allowed to bid on, or work on buildings they have inspected for a year after an inspection. This keeps us honest and without conflict of interest. I will, sometimes, throw out a "ballpark" figure with the disclosure that it shouldn't be relied upon and will only be a general guideline.

Surprisingly, "Pest & dryrot, applicator" inspection companies do treat and do repair work on buildings they have inspected. All the applicators in my area are honest, but this could be a temptation to some.

Another reason that it is not very helpful for an inspector to give estimates is that if you get 10 estimates from 10 different contractors, you will have 10 different prices. Some will vary drastically, based on many different reasons, including honesty, professionalism, materials and methods. Even though I have also been a licensed general contractor for over 20 years, it is still a conflict for me to be "acting" as a contractor when I do inspections.   

By the way, the term "Dryrot" has always irritated me, because it is misleading and totally incorrect. There is no such thing as "dryrot". It's ALL wet rot. Wood doesn't rot unless it has been wet at some time.  
Brent, Brentwood Inspections
10:30am • #31
227,395 Points

Sound like a time and materials job to me. Thanks for the info.
11:20am • #32

What an interesting post, Tom.  Thanks for all of the details.

And I appreciate all of the other information that has surfaced in the comments.  I have always wondered about 'Dryrot."  Now I know.
11:22am • #33
267,897 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Great Post!   I'd say that leaks are as different as a fingerprint.  And you can use that quote!
11:41am • #34
195,512 Points Outside Blog

Water damage could be very expensive if mold is detected, including personal liability issues and temporary shelters.
11:50am • #35
584,667 Points 105 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I don't envy contractors trying to bid this kind of job. So much can be hidden and not found until the project is underway.
11:53am • #36
196,696 Points

Good information.
5:27pm • #37
199,061 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thank you for all of this important information.  I knew there were the three kinds of waters, but did not know exactly what they meant, now I do.
7:39pm • #38
AUG
20
2011

I use to work in the build trade and this is good info. for the homeowner especially the Qualified contractor.
1:23am • #39
774,890 Points 95 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

 

Thanks Robert. Water in the wrong places can be a problem.

I know you have a lot of experience in both home inspections and construction Brent, thanks for your comment here. There seem that there would be a conflict of interest for home inspectors doing the work, I feel that way about the pest inspections too.

We have found that time and material with a projected total cost works best Bill.

That’s why I enjoy reading the comments myself Kathie; there are smarter people than me out there.

Love the quote Jan, think I will use it too. Leaks are very unique. There are similarities but they are unique.

That is always something to consider Kimo. Early detection and maintenance is best.

So true Marte

Thanks Jim.

Glad to help in explaining the water types Mary.

Thanks for the comment Michael.     

2:22am • #40
935,901 Points 51 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Tom - There is very important information in this article.  As many years as I have been in this business, I hadn't given consideration to the damage different types of water can do, and that there would be different treatment for them.  But it makes total sense.

I remember water leaks in at least a couple vacant homes, which had totally destroyed the hardwood floors.  You're right, it is far more expensive to repair or replace hardwood, than carpet and pad.
5:21am • #41
AUG
22
2011
774,890 Points 95 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Glad the post has hope clarify the water types Myrl, not all water is the same. I love hardwood floors... dry hardwood floor!
11:14pm • #42

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