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HearthDry
Cost Guide · Updated July 2026

ServiceMaster Water Damage Cost

$2,000

Minimum (small event)

$6,500

Average residential job

$18,000+

Sewage or major flooding

ServiceMaster Restore pricing varies by franchise and region. Use national ranges as a benchmark — always get a written Xactimate estimate before authorizing work.

Independent guide: HearthDry is not affiliated with ServiceMaster. These are industry cost benchmarks compiled from Xactimate pricing data, insurance claim averages, and published restoration industry data. Always get a written estimate before authorizing any contractor.

ServiceMaster Water Damage Cost by Scenario

ServiceMaster water damage cost ranges by scenario
ScenarioCost Range
Small clean-water event (burst supply line, limited area)$1,500–$4,500
Moderate water damage (multiple rooms, finished space)$3,500–$8,500
Major flooding (full first floor or basement)$6,000–$14,000
Sewage/Category 3 cleanup$4,000–$18,000
Mold remediation (added scope)$2,000–$10,000
Contents pack-out and cleaning$1,000–$5,000

Ranges reflect national averages based on Xactimate unit pricing for IICRC S500-compliant water damage mitigation work. ServiceMaster Restore is a franchise — individual franchise pricing may vary ±20–30%.

Compare Before You Commit

For active water damage emergencies, call whoever can arrive fastest first. But before signing an authorization form, get a written estimate. Any IICRC-certified contractor — ServiceMaster or otherwise — should provide a written scope of work before starting.

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What Determines ServiceMaster Pricing

Xactimate pricing software

ServiceMaster uses Xactimate — the same software insurance adjusters use. This ensures their estimate matches what your insurer will pay, reducing claim disputes. Line items are priced per square foot, linear foot, or unit (dehumidifier day rate, air mover day rate).

Franchise vs. corporate pricing

ServiceMaster Restore is a franchise system. Each franchise owner sets their own labor rates within Xactimate's regional pricing framework. Franchise overhead (royalties, marketing fees) is built into job pricing, which can make franchise quotes 10–20% higher than independent IICRC-certified companies in the same market.

Equipment rental duration

The largest variable in any restoration job is equipment rental duration — dehumidifiers and air movers billed at $50–$150/unit/day. A job that dries in 3 days costs significantly less than one requiring 7 days. Certify your contractor uses LGR (Low Grain Refrigerant) dehumidifiers, which are 40–60% more efficient than standard units.

Reconstruction scope

ServiceMaster Restore offers reconstruction services, but reconstruction is a separate bid from restoration. After drying clearance, get 2–3 reconstruction bids — ServiceMaster's own reconstruction arm, your contractor's preferred sub, and an independent general contractor. Reconstruction is where the largest cost variability occurs.

ServiceMaster Water Damage Cost FAQs

How much does ServiceMaster water damage restoration cost?
ServiceMaster Restore water damage jobs typically run $2,000–$12,000 for residential restoration — similar to the national average for IICRC-certified restoration work. The exact cost depends on the size of the affected area, water category (clean vs. sewage), and scope of reconstruction. ServiceMaster uses Xactimate software — the same pricing tool used by insurance adjusters — so their scope and pricing aligns with insurance claim settlements. Expect to pay your deductible plus any items your insurer classifies as depreciated or excluded.
Is ServiceMaster more expensive than local restoration companies?
ServiceMaster Restore operates as a franchise network, so pricing varies by franchise owner, not just geography. National franchise companies like ServiceMaster often have higher overhead than independent IICRC-certified contractors, which can translate to higher bids on some jobs. However, franchise operations offer consistent documentation practices, Xactimate pricing, and standardized IICRC protocols that some insurance adjusters prefer. For comparison, get at least two bids — one from ServiceMaster and one from a local IICRC-certified company — and compare the scope of work, not just the total price.
Does ServiceMaster bill my insurance directly?
Yes — ServiceMaster Restore coordinates directly with major homeowners insurance carriers on most standard water damage claims. They submit Xactimate estimates directly to your adjuster. You typically pay your deductible at job completion. If there is a coverage dispute (depreciation, excluded peril, or scope disagreement), you may receive a Recoverable Depreciation check after reconstruction is verified complete.
How long does ServiceMaster take to respond to a water damage emergency?
ServiceMaster advertises a 2-hour response time for emergency water damage calls, though actual response times vary by franchise location and time of day. Rural markets or high-demand periods (major storm events) may see longer wait times. IICRC-certified local independent contractors often respond faster because they are not routing calls through a national dispatch center — average local certified company response time is 30–60 minutes in urban markets.
What is included in ServiceMaster's water damage service?
A standard ServiceMaster water damage restoration job typically includes: emergency water extraction (truck-mounted or portable units), moisture mapping with thermal cameras and calibrated meters, industrial dehumidifier and air mover placement, daily moisture monitoring visits, antimicrobial treatment of affected surfaces, and a Xactimate-based scope of work for your insurance claim. Reconstruction (drywall reinstallation, flooring, painting) is typically a separate bid after drying clearance. Contents pack-out and cleaning is an add-on service.
Should I use ServiceMaster or find a local IICRC-certified company?
Both ServiceMaster and local IICRC-certified companies follow IICRC S500 standards — what matters most is the individual crew's certification level and equipment quality, not the brand name on the truck. Get multiple written bids. For an active emergency, call whoever can arrive fastest — the first hour matters more than which company you choose. When comparing bids, focus on: (1) Are they IICRC WRT or ASD certified? (2) Do they use LGR dehumidifiers and calibrated moisture meters? (3) Do they provide daily moisture logs? (4) Does their Xactimate estimate match your adjuster's scope?

Compare Competitor Costs

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