As a property owner in Atlanta, GA, water damage is a real concern. In an area with high humidity and frequent flooding, the sight of water seeping into a building will fill any home or business owner with dread.

Although water damage in general isn’t very common, it's still important to understand the costs associated with water damage restoration in case such a situation arises. If water manages to enter a building, it's crucial to address the issue quickly to prevent structural damage and mold and mildew.

In most cases, it's recommended to seek the services of a professional water damage restoration company to ensure that the problem is dealt with quickly and completely to avoid any further problems down the line.

However, several factors must be considered to determine the exact cost of water restoration services in Atlanta, GA.

1) Clean, gray or black water?

In the context of water damage restoration, there are three distinct categories of water: clean water, gray water, and black water.

Clean water is water that comes from sources like leaky faucets, burst pipes, rain or faulty water heaters and does not contain any harmful contaminants. Typically, this is the easiest and least expensive type of water damage to clean up, ranging from $3 to $4 per square foot. However, the extent of the damage can significantly impact the cleanup cost. For instance, drying carpet can cost between $1 and $11 per square foot, while repairing or replacing damaged drywall can cost between $1 and $3.

Gray water is relatively clean water that has been contaminated by waste from appliances such as sinks, bathtubs, washing machines and dishwashers. This has an average cost of around $4 to $7 per square foot. Additional costs may be incurred if hardwood flooring needs to be replaced (between $10 and $15 per square foot), or drywall ($1 to $3 per square foot).

Black water is the most challenging and hazardous. This water comes from a contaminated source, such as a sewage pipe, and poses a high risk of contamination. As a result, the cleanup process is more expensive, costing around $7 to $7.50 per square foot. Moreover, since black water is contaminated with harmful bacteria, any items that come into contact with it, such as furniture, upholstery, carpeting, flooring, drywall, and even clothing, must be replaced too to avoid any health risks.

2) Damage category

Water damage is classified into four categories based on its extent and severity.

Class 1 damage is the least severe and most straightforward to clean up, with only a small area of a single room affected. Restoration costs for this category typically range from $150 to $400.

Class 2 damage covers an entire room, including walls up to 12 inches from the floor. The repair cost for this type of damage typically falls between $500 and $1,000.

Class 3 damage affects a significant portion of one or multiple rooms, including ceilings, walls, subflooring and insulation. The restoration cost for this damage class ranges from $1,000 to $3,000.

Class 4 damage is the most severe and can be incredibly expensive to repair. This type of damage is typically associated with severe weather events like hurricanes or floods and can cost between $20,000 and $100,000 to restore.

3) Mold prevention

Mold thrives on water damage and can pose significant health risks, including allergies and serious respiratory illness.

The biggest issue is that it’s not always visible. It can grow in hidden areas, such as under baseboards, window frames, door frames, floorboards, or drywall.

In any water-damaged property, professional mold testing and a customized remediation plan are advised. The average cost of mold removal is around $2,000.

4) Labor costs

One factor often overlooked in water damage restoration is the labor costs.

Water damage restoration companies typically charge between $70 and $200 per hour and, of course, the total number of hours required will depend on the extent of the repairs.

It's worth noting that a water restoration company will offer a flat rate, which is often more cost-effective than hiring multiple contractors with different specialties.

5) Local challenges

Due to several local factors, water damage restoration in Atlanta, GA, can be problematic. This can also affect the final cost. These are:

• High humidity. Atlanta has a subtropical climate, meaning the air is often moist and humid. This can make it difficult to dry out wet materials and prevent mold growth, resulting in a more labor-intensive and costly restoration.
• Heavy rainfall. Atlanta is prone to heavy rainfall and flash flooding, particularly during the summer months and in low-lying areas. This can result in extensive water damage that is more difficult to clean up.
• Older building materials. Atlanta has a rich history and several older buildings which were constructed using building materials such as plaster and lath, which can be more difficult to dry out and restore than modern materials. This can make restoration more challenging and may require special attention to structural issues.

The Homestar Group, Atlanta’s leading water damage restoration professionals

Due to these unique challenges, it's important to work with a water damage restoration company that has experience dealing with water damage in Atlanta, GA, and can provide effective and timely restoration services.

At The Homestar Group, our locally based, experienced cleanup teams have the experience and know-how to assess a situation quickly and devise a plan that gets the area cleaned quickly enough to prevent any additional damage.

For water restoration services in and around Atlanta, Marietta, Conyers, Decatur and Stone Mountain, GA, call (678) 928-5377 or submit an online form for an estimate or consultation.