Cost of Water Restoration and Other Frequently Asked Questions

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Have you recently experienced a water loss? These "FAQ" may be helpful to you!

Water Loss Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  How much does water damage restoration cost?
A:  We are asked this question all the time.  Unfortunately, we cannot give you an estimate on water damage restoration over the phone due to the complexity of the situation.  We can, however, provide you with a professional estimate after inspecting your home.  

Some of the factors that affect the restoration estimate are the type of water (clean, gray, black, etc.), length of time that the restoration will take, the equipment needed to clean and dry the structure, the labor hours required, any personal protective equipment or containment that might be needed, and whether any demolition or removal of wet materials are required.

While we can't give you an exact number without seeing your property, we can share that the average water loss in the United States is approximately $3000.  Your water loss may be a few hundred dollars or tens of thousands, depending on the level of damage.  Every home and situation is so different that we must be on-site before we can have an idea as to the actual cost.

Q:  How soon can you get here?
A:  On average, our teams can be equipped and ready to begin the mitigation process to your home within 2 hours of your call. During a large water event, such as a major storm, we handle calls in the order they are received. 

Q:  How quickly does mold begin to grow after water damage?
A:  Under the right conditions, mold can start to grow in as little as 48 hours, so it is essential to get the water damage restoration process started as soon as possible.

Q:  What products might you be spraying in my home?
A:  When needed, we may use SERVPRO's proprietary decontamination products on the affected areas reducing the likelihood of microbial growth.  The most common product that we use is SERVPROXIDE™; an EPA registered disinfectant and sanitizer that will help destroy and prevent microbial growth, such as  mold. Our customers appreciate that this product is safe for use on all surfaces and is not harmful to people or their pets as it carries the EPA's lowest toxicity rating for a disinfectant and is also NSF rated for food contact surfaces.

Q:  Can I remain at home during the drying process?
A:  The majority of our customers can stay in the home during restoration. There are cases where the house is deemed hazardous due to toxic conditions, a lack of heat, or structural damage. In these cases, your insurance company might pay for you to be temporarily relocated.  Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use coverage is a form of coverage often included in insurance policies that allows you to live elsewhere while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.

We do like to let customers know in advance that drying equipment can be noisy, especially in small spaces.  While many people enjoy the "white noise" of fans running, we like to let folks know about the sound so they aren't surprised.  Just remember to keep the equipment running so we can dry everything as fast as possible.  

Q:  Will my claim be covered under my insurance policy?
A:  Although we see hundreds of claims a year and might have a good idea of whether or not your water damage will be covered, only your insurance company can truly answer that question.  Our team is highly experienced in interacting with insurance adjusters and will work directly with your provider, including submitting the necessary documentation to assist in this process.

Do you have any other questions about the water damage restoration process?  Call our SERVPRO of Eau Claire team at 715-834-3473 and let us know how we can help.