Water Damage Cost Estimator

Estimate restoration costs using IICRC S500 standard rates. Adjust for your affected area, water category, and primary material. Results are estimates — actual costs depend on contractor rates and site conditions.

Affected Area (sq ft)

Water Category (IICRC S500)

Primary Affected Material

Urgency Level

About This Calculator

What rates does this calculator use?: Base rates come from IICRC S500 industry cost benchmarks: Category 1 at $3–$7/sq ft, Category 2 at $6–$14/sq ft, Category 3 at $12–$30/sq ft. These are national averages — regional rates vary.
Why does water category matter so much?: Category 3 (black water) requires full protective protocols, antimicrobial treatment, and removal of all porous materials in the contamination zone — dramatically increasing cost vs. clean water cleanup.
Is mold remediation included?: No — mold remediation is a separate cost. If your water damage is 48+ hours old, use the Mold Risk Assessment below to check whether mold remediation may be needed in addition to restoration.
How accurate is this estimate?: This provides a planning range. Actual costs depend on local contractor rates, extent of structural damage, drying time, and whether mold is present. Get 2–3 written estimates from IICRC-certified contractors before approving work.

Related Tools: Drying Time Estimator · Mold Risk Assessment · Insurance Claim Calculator · Repair vs Replace