Emergency Cost Estimator
Emergency Cost Estimator
Get an instant estimate based on real Australian restoration data
* Estimates based on typical Australian restoration pricing data. Actual costs vary based on site-specific conditions. Free, no-obligation quotes provided after assessment.
How We Calculate Your Estimate
Our cost estimator uses real pricing data from thousands of completed restoration jobs across Australia. The calculation considers four key factors that directly influence the final cost of disaster recovery work:
- Damage type — Different types of damage require different specialist equipment, chemicals, and expertise. Fire damage restoration, for example, involves smoke and soot removal, structural assessment, and often asbestos testing, making it inherently more complex than a contained water leak.
- Property type — Commercial properties typically cost approximately 40% more than residential due to larger floor plates, compliance requirements (fire ratings, occupational health), business continuity pressures, and after-hours access needs.
- Affected area — Costs scale non-linearly with area. A 100 m² job does not cost ten times a 10 m² job because mobilisation, equipment setup, and project management costs are shared. However, large areas require more equipment, longer drying times, and additional personnel.
- Urgency level — Emergency response (immediate dispatch) carries a 15% premium for after-hours mobilisation and priority resource allocation. Conversely, scheduled work allows a 10% reduction through efficient resource planning.
These estimates are indicative only. Every property and situation is unique. Our contractors provide a detailed, written quote after a free on-site assessment — before any chargeable work begins.
Insurance Coverage by Damage Type
Most home and commercial insurance policies in Australia cover disaster restoration when caused by sudden, accidental events. Coverage varies significantly by damage type, insurer, and your specific policy terms. The table below shows typical coverage patterns across Australian insurers:
| Damage Type | Coverage Likelihood | Typical Excess | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Damage | 90–100% | $500 – $1,000 | Sudden burst pipes, appliance leaks typically fully covered |
| Fire & Smoke | 95–100% | $500 – $1,000 | Comprehensive cover including contents, structure, and temporary accommodation |
| Mould | 40–60% | $1,000 – $2,500 | Must demonstrate sudden cause — gradual neglect typically excluded |
| Flood | 0–80% | $2,500 – $5,000 | Depends on flood cover inclusion — check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) |
| Storm | 80–90% | $1,000 – $2,500 | Covered, but verify flood vs storm damage definition in your policy |
| Sewage | 85–95% | $500 – $1,500 | Sudden sewage events typically covered as water damage |
| Biohazard | 70–90% | $1,000 – $2,500 | Most policies cover sudden biohazard events; check specialist clauses |
Important: As insurance-approved providers, our contractors direct-bill your insurer for covered events. You typically pay nothing out of pocket beyond your policy excess. Our team reviews your policy at no cost during the initial assessment.
Cost Estimator FAQ
How accurate is this estimate?
Our estimates are based on aggregated pricing data from completed restoration jobs across Australia. They provide a realistic ballpark to help you plan and assess quotes. Final costs depend on site-specific conditions discovered during the on-site assessment — including hidden damage, material types, and access constraints. Our contractors provide a detailed, binding quote before any chargeable work begins.
Does insurance cover my damage type?
Most Australian home and commercial insurance policies cover sudden, accidental damage (burst pipes, storms, fires). Coverage for mould and flood damage varies significantly between insurers and policies. Our team can review your policy details during the free assessment and advise whether your situation is likely covered — before any financial commitment.
Why do commercial properties cost more?
Commercial restoration typically costs 30–40% more than residential due to larger floor areas, compliance requirements (fire ratings, AS/NZS standards, occupational health), business interruption pressures requiring faster completion, specialised materials (commercial flooring, ceiling systems), and after-hours access needs. Commercial policies usually reflect these higher costs with appropriate coverage limits.
What affects the final cost?
The biggest cost driver is speed of response. Properties where restoration begins within 24 hours typically see 40–60% lower total costs because secondary damage (mould colonisation, structural degradation, electrical corrosion) is prevented. Other major factors include the category of contamination (clean vs grey vs black water), structural demolition requirements, hazardous material presence (asbestos, lead paint), and the extent of contents affected.
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