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Water damage restoration cost in Fort Collins (2026)
What water damage restoration costs, what moves the price, and how to keep it from getting bigger. Every figure below comes from a published 2026 cost guide, listed at the bottom.
Water damage restoration cost at a glance
Most homeowners pay between $1,384 and $6,387 for water damage restoration, with a national average near $3,867 (HomeAdvisor 2026 data). Another 2026 guide puts the average at $3,250 with a typical range of $1,270 to $5,376 (LawnStarter). Per square foot, drying and cleanup run about $3 to $7.50 (Angi, 2026). These are national figures. Northern Colorado jobs fall in the same range, and your written scope gives the exact number.
Cost by how much is wet
These figures multiply Angi's 2026 range of $3 to $7.50 per square foot by the wet area. They cover extraction, drying and cleanup, not rebuilding.
| Wet area | Typical range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 150 sq ft | $450–$1,125 | A bathroom or small bedroom |
| 500 sq ft | $1,500–$3,750 | A kitchen and hallway, or part of a basement |
| 1,000 sq ft | $3,000–$7,500 | A full basement or most of a main floor |
| 2,000 sq ft | $6,000–$15,000 | A whole level of a large house |
Cost by type of water
| Type | Examples | Per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1: clean | Supply line, overflowing sink | $3.30–$4.05 |
| Category 2: gray | Washing machine, sump pump overflow | $4.10–$7 |
| Category 3: black | Sewage backup, flood water | $7–$7.50 and up |
Source: LawnStarter 2026. Angi's 2026 figures, as published by SERVPRO, are $3.50 for a minor clean-water spill, $5.25 for a moderate one-room gray-water loss, and $7.50 for a severe multi-room or sewage loss.
Cost by type of job
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One inch of clean water, burst pipe | $500–$1,500 | Angi 2026 via SERVPRO |
| Burst pipe repair (the plumbing) | $150–$2,500 | Fixr 2026. Pipes behind walls or on the main line cost more |
| Burst pipe water damage cleanup | Adds $1,000–$2,000 | Fixr 2026 |
| Two feet of sewage backup | From $2,800 | Angi 2026 via SERVPRO. Contaminated water needs extra safety steps and disposal |
| Sewer backup plumbing repair | $500–$3,800 | Fixr 2026 |
| Mold remediation | $1,500–$9,000 | Most homeowners pay $3,000–$5,000 for 1–2 rooms (PuroClean 2026) |
| Severe or contaminated cases | Up to about $20,400 | LawnStarter 2026 extreme high end |
What drives the price
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type of water | Clean water is the cheapest. Gray and black water need more removal and disinfecting. |
| How far it spread | More wet area means more equipment and more days of drying. |
| How fast you called | Water that sits for a day or two gets into walls and floors. Mold can start in 24 to 48 hours. |
| Materials involved | Carpet and drywall are cheaper to replace than hardwood or plaster. |
| Finished vs. unfinished space | A finished basement has carpet, drywall and trim to dry or replace. A concrete floor is easier. |
| Rebuild | Drying and cleanup are one bill. Replacing drywall, flooring and paint is another. |
How to keep the cost down
- Call right away. A pipe fixed and dried the same day costs far less than the same pipe found a week later.
- Shut off the water at the main valve before you do anything else.
- Take photos before cleanup. They help your insurance claim.
- Ask for a written scope that separates drying from rebuilding.
- Know where your main shutoff is, and fix slow leaks before they become big ones.
Who pays
Homeowners insurance usually covers sudden, accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe or failed appliance, after your deductible. Floods typically need a separate flood policy, and sewer backup is often an add-on. Gradual leaks are commonly excluded. We document the damage with photos and moisture readings; you file the claim, and your insurer decides coverage. How we help with claims.
Sources
- Angi, 2026 water damage costs, as published by SERVPRO, "How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost?": $3 to $7.50 per square foot; $500–$1,500 for one inch of clean water; $2,800+ for two feet of sewage.
- HomeAdvisor 2026 national cost data, as summarized by PushLeads: average $3,867; typical range $1,384–$6,387; Category 1 water $3–$4 per square foot.
- LawnStarter, "How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost in 2026?": average $3,250; range $1,270–$5,376; per-category costs; high end $20,400.
- Fixr, "Emergency Plumbing Costs" (2026): burst pipe repair $150–$2,500; sewer backup repair $500–$3,800; burst pipe cleanup adds $1,000–$2,000.
- PuroClean, "How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost in 2026?": $1,500–$9,000; typically $3,000–$5,000 for 1–2 rooms.
Common questions
How much does water damage restoration cost in Fort Collins?
Most jobs cost between $1,384 and $6,387, or about $3 to $7.50 per square foot of wet area. Sewage, floods and large jobs cost more.
Why do estimates vary so much?
Different scopes. One includes tear-out, drying and cleanup; another only extracts water. Compare what's included, not just the total.
Is drying separate from repairs?
Yes. Restoration dries and cleans the house. Rebuilding, like new drywall, flooring and paint, is a second step and a second bill.
Does insurance pay for it?
Usually, if the cause was sudden and accidental, after your deductible. Floods and gradual leaks typically aren't covered.
Do you charge for the estimate?
No. The assessment and written scope are free.