The cost of repairing water damage after a significant water leak can be considerable, and this will depend on the length of time the leak was present along with the building fabric and the cosmetic finishes.
A few examples of water damage repair:
A simple leak from a bathroom to the ceiling below would cost about £2000 to repair, while a leak that effected a kitchen and tiled walls could cost £10000.
A water main leak under a wooden floor would cost about £5000 to repair, while if it was carpet or a low-cost laminate about £1000
Concrete floors will need significant force drying with dehumidifiers costing about £500 to £1000, while a cavity floor rarely needs any drying at all.
Almost all of the cost of water damage restoration is due to the volume and quality of the building materials affected. The cost of the failed plumbing fitting is normally about 50p! ( Is this meant to be 50p?) Locating, accessing and drying the area along with the restoration of the water damaged room is 90% of the cost.
There are a few things to be mindful of that could increase the real cost of water damage:
- Even minor water leaks can have far-reaching consequences. It can take just a few hours for water damage to promote the growth of mould. Mould is linked to health risks, particularly in the young. Some conditions are as serious as asthma have been linked to exposure to mould. Once the leak has been identified and repaired it early, and thorough drying of the affected areas may be necessary and is highly recommended.
- Water damage can cause surprising amounts of damage to electrical wiring, light switches and all electrical systems. Having a qualified electrician do essential checks during the repair process can reduce safety risks as well as potential nightmare costs of replacing electrical systems.
- Hidden Structural damage can arise from water intrusion. It can affect wooden frames leading potentially to dry rot. If the leak is undetected for a long time, it can also lead to structural damage, so addressing leaks at the first sign of a problem can save a lot of money in the long run.