Water damage restoration costs average $1,500–$5,000 for Category 1 (clean water) jobs and $5,000–$20,000+ for Category 2–3 (gray or black water) with structural involvement. IICRC S500 standards define the scope; insurance carriers review line items closely. This calculator builds your estimate using equipment days, affected area, and reconstruction scope.
Category 1 (clean water from supply lines): fastest drying, lowest cost. Category 2 (gray water from appliances, AC condensate, toilet overflow without feces): requires antimicrobial treatment and careful material assessment. Category 3 (black water from sewage, flooding, or long-term standing water): maximum demo, full PPE, and high reconstruction cost. Always document category in photos and the job file — it determines what insurance will pay.
Truck-mount extractor: $0.45–$0.65/sq ft for the extraction step. Commercial dehumidifier rental (LGR unit): $120–$175/day per unit. Air mover: $25–$40/day per unit. A 500 sq ft affected area typically needs 3–5 air movers and 1–2 dehumidifiers running for 3–5 days (depending on material and moisture readings). Document daily moisture readings to justify equipment days on the claim.
Drywall removal (Category 2–3): $1.50–$3/sq ft including disposal. Flooring removal: $1–$3/sq ft. Cavity drying with injectidry or wall panels: $2–$4/sq ft per day. Antimicrobial application: $0.30–$0.60/sq ft per application. Containment (poly barriers, negative air): $300–$800 per setup for Category 3. Always get a signed authorization for demo work before starting — insurance supplements, not the homeowner, typically cover scope changes.
Water damage jobs often include a reconstruction phase: drywall, paint, flooring, and trim. Use Xactimate pricing (the insurance industry standard) for reconstruction line items — submitting in the same format as adjusters use reduces supplement friction. Common supplement items: matching paint beyond the affected room, floor transition strips, and drywall float-and-texture. Document every supplement with photos and a written justification.