What kind of water it is
Clean water from a supply line is the simplest case. Water from an appliance drain or a dishwasher carries more residue, and sewage needs protective gear, removal of porous materials and disinfection.
The same square footage can be a very different job depending on which of these it is.
How far it spread
Water travels under tile, laminate and baseboards, and into the bottom of walls. The estimate follows the meter readings, not the size of the puddle you saw.
Two rooms that look wet can turn into four once the readings are taken, and that changes how much equipment is needed.
What it soaked into
Carpet and pad, drywall, insulation, cabinets and wood flooring all behave differently. Some dry in place; some have to be cut out and replaced.
Ask which materials the estimate plans to dry and which it plans to remove.
How long drying takes
Equipment is billed for the days it runs. Florida humidity, closed-up rooms and dense materials like terrazzo or block can slow things down.
Daily readings show whether the drying is on track, so ask to see them.
Repairs after drying
Drywall, paint, baseboards and flooring are a separate part of the job. Matching existing tile or flooring can take time to source.
Some homeowners have one company handle both drying and repairs, which keeps the schedule and the insurance paperwork in one place.
