Many mitigation service providers employ a water damage company but don’t have estimators on staff. Estimators are responsible for writing millions of Xactimate estimates every year. They’re not insurance company adjusters or restoration contractors, but they earn six-figure incomes without ever setting foot on a job site.
Costs of water damage cleanup
The first step in water damage cleanup is removing the water. If water spills inside the house, it is crucial to limit structural damage. Water extraction services vary in price depending on the amount of contaminated water. Sometimes, homeowners may need to remove gray water from washing machines, sinks, and bathtubs. It contains low levels of bacteria and fecal matter.
Cleaning the water is one of the most common costs after water damage. If the water is primarily cosmetic, it will be lower than if it has caused structural damage. Some homeowners may need to replace or repair personal belongings, ranging from $500 to $1,500.
In addition to cleaning up water, a water damage company specialist will use sanitizing agents to ensure that affected areas are thoroughly dried. Sometimes, homeowners can clean up minor toilet overflows themselves, but if there’s sewage backup, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Water damage cleanup costs vary considerably, but the average bill is around $3291 – or as much as $5343 for the complete restoration. Some insurance plans will cover some of these costs, but homeowners should document any damage to file a claim. The cost of water damage restoration will depend on several factors, including the quality of the water and the amount of damage.
The average insurance claim to repair water damage
Water damage is one of the most common issues homeowners face. It can occur due to frozen pipes, washing machine hose leaks, and sprinkler systems malfunctioning. Water damage claims cost an average of $11,605 per year. Considering the amount of water Americans waste annually, it is one of the most common home insurance claims.
Water damage is widespread and the second most common reason homeowners file insurance claims. One in every sixty insured homes will claim for water damage in a year. For example, in 2016, water damage accounted for 29.4% of all home insurance claims, second only to wind and hail damage.
In addition to the cost of replacing materials, water damage can also damage a home’s structural integrity. A homeowner’s insurance claim for water damage will vary depending on the type of material damaged. However, in general, water damage is covered by home insurance, which means homeowners only have to pay a deductible.
If you live in an area where floods are a significant problem, you should consider purchasing a rider for flood and water damage insurance. While this coverage will expand your policy’s coverage limits, it isn’t available in every state and can be costly. As a homeowner, water damage is an expensive issue to resolve, so it is essential to file a claim as soon as you discover a problem. If the damage is significant, your insurance company may cover the cost of temporary repairs.
Salary of a water damage company
The salary of a water damage company can vary depending on location and experience. For example, in Chicago, the average salary for water damage restoration professionals is $39,517 per year. It is $1,103 higher than the national average of $31,060. This makes Chicago, IL, the highest-paying city for this profession and the highest-paying state overall.
A water damage restoration technician’s salary is determined by experience and the number of hours worked. An entry-level position can pay about $39,000 a year, while a more senior worker can earn $50,000 yearly. Although the water damage restoration industry can be rewarding, it also requires a high level of adaptability and the ability to invest in tools and equipment.
While the average salary for a water damage employee is $42,643, higher-level positions can bring in upwards of $106,108 per year. Some of the higher-level positions include marketing director, operations director, account manager, construction supervisor, and more.
A water damage company must focus on marketing its services. In addition to paying attention to their operational practices, they should also monitor their closing ratio and pay close attention to their marketing strategies. Because water damage jobs may not be easy to find, it is essential to follow a systematic marketing plan.