Archuleta County is in a state-declared disaster area for the October 2026 flooding. Under C.R.S. 6-1-730, charging a price so excessive that it amounts to price gouging for building materials, repair or reconstruction services, or emergency cleanup services is an unfair practice during a disaster period. The disaster period runs from the declaration until 180 days after the final declaration expires. The law sets no fixed percentage, and businesses may pass through genuine cost increases.
Practical steps: get a written, itemized estimate before work starts, compare more than one, pay deposits only against a written contract, and keep receipts. Report concerns to the Colorado Attorney General. Our FAQ covers what else to check before you hire.
Why is the price range so wide?
Three things multiply each other: how much area is wet, how dirty the water was, and how long it sat. A small clean-water leak caught the same day may be a few hundred dollars of extraction and drying. River floodwater that soaked a crawl space for a week can mean mud removal, tear-out, disinfection, mold work and a long drying period.
Does river floodwater cost more to clean up than a burst pipe?
Usually. Floodwater is treated as Category 3 water because it can carry sewage and other contaminants. Porous materials it touched, such as carpet, pad, insulation and the lower part of drywall, are normally removed rather than dried. National ranges for sewage-level cleanup run about $7 to $15 or more per sq ft (HomeGuide).
Are prices allowed to go up after the flood?
Colorado's price-gouging law, C.R.S. 6-1-730, applies during a declared disaster period and covers repair, reconstruction and emergency cleanup services. It does not set a numeric limit, and companies can pass through real cost increases. If a price looks excessive, ask for an itemized estimate and compare more than one. Complaints go to the Colorado Attorney General.
Will insurance pay for flood cleanup?
Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood (Colorado Division of Insurance). Flood damage is usually covered only under an NFIP or private flood policy, and NFIP requires a signed proof of loss within 60 days unless FEMA extends it. A burst pipe or roof leak is a different peril and is often covered. Check your policy for your situation.
Do these prices include rebuilding?
No. The ranges cover mitigation: water removal, cleaning and drying, plus mold or crawl space work where listed. Rebuild (new drywall, insulation, flooring, paint, cabinets) is usually a separate estimate. Asbestos testing and abatement, well or septic work, and contents cleaning are also extra. Ask each company to separate mitigation and rebuild on the estimate.