Water damage remediation and repair can cost you a lot of money. Ensure you get maximum compensation from your insurance company so that you don't pay out of pocket for things your policy covers. Below are some factors that determine how much you need to deal with the water damage.

Type of Water

Remediation and restoration costs vary by type of water. For example:

• Clean water – Water from supply pipes is the easiest to deal with since it doesn't cause any damage other than water damage.
• Grey water – Used water from appliances (such as washing machines and baths) is the second easiest to deal with. For example, the water might be oily, soapy, and dirty compared to clean water.
• Black water – Black water refers to dirty water from contaminated sources, such as sewer pipes. The contamination means black water is the costliest to deal with.

The remediation contractor will diagnose the type of water to determine the charges.

Exposure Extent

The more square footage the damage affects, the more money you need for the restoration. The square footage factor makes sense since it determines:

• How long the cleanup crew has to work
• How long you have to stay away from your house
• The number of materials to replace

For example, water damage to the whole house costs more to fix than water damage to the kitchen alone.

Exposure Duration

Prolonged water damage is more difficult to repair than brief water damage. For example, prolonged water damage might cause corrosion, rot, and mold growth, among other factors. Early mitigation measures, such as drying and airing the damaged items, can minimize the damage. Otherwise, the restoration costs increase.

Exposure Location

Some parts of the house are more susceptible to water damage than others. For example, many living rooms have materials and items susceptible to water damage, such as entrainment electronics, furniture, and rugs. On the other hand, most bathrooms don't have water-sensitive materials. Thus, living room water damage might cost more than bathroom water damage.

Construction Material

Some materials are more susceptible to water damage than others. For example, water exposure is more damaging for wood than plaster. Secondly, some materials are more expensive than others. Thus, your construction material also determines the cost of water damage repair.

Local Labor Costs

Lastly, contractors' labor costs vary by region. Areas with high costs of living usually feature expensive labor costs. The contractors must raise their fees to match the high overheads.   

A public adjuster can evaluate your claim and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact a public adjuster experienced in water damage — such as Anthony Ricciardi Licensed Public Insurance Adjuster — today to learn more.