How Much Does Fire Damage Restoration Cost? [2023 Guide]

Welcome to an in-depth examination of a key topic in the aftermath of fire incidents: this guide seeks to answer the question, "How much does fire damage restoration cost?".



This thorough guide seeks to clarify the complex factors that affect how much it ultimately costs to restore a fire-damaged house.

We'll examine multiple aspects to provide a better idea of the costs and services involved, from damage assessment to services and home insurance coverage considerations.

What is Fire Damage Restoration

Fire damage restoration is a procedure that involves repairing and restoring personal property damaged by fire, addressing the damage, and restoring functionality and appearance.

It involves cleaning, repairing structures, deodorizing, and ensuring the building meets safety and building code standards.

The Process of Fire Damage Restoration

Professionals employ various restoration methods during rebuilding after fire to restore the property to its pre-fire condition. Here's an overview of the process.

1. Assessment and Inspection: Professionals evaluate the areas affected by the fire, determine the extent of damage, and identify potential safety hazards.
2. Securing the Property: If needed, the property is secured to prevent further damage or unauthorized access.
3. Water Removal: If water is used to extinguish the fire, it must be removed promptly to prevent mold growth, drywall disintegration, and further damage.
4. Smoke and Soot Cleanup: Professionals use specialized techniques and cleaning agents to treat smoke damage and remove the smoke residue safely.
5. Odor Removal: Smoke damage from house fires can leave lingering smells. These smells can be eliminated with deodorizing methods like ozone treatments and thermal fogging. Thermal fogging treatment uses a deodorizing agent to mist furniture and textiles.
6. Fire Structural Repairs: Damaged structures are repaired or replaced depending on the severity of the damage. After a fire, rebuilding may include the walls, floors, ceilings, and roof.
7. Content Restoration: Personal belongings affected by house fires are evaluated and restored when possible.
8. HVAC Cleaning: A (HVAC) system can spread smoke and oily soot throughout a property, necessitating air duct cleaning. Cleaning the vents and air ducts may require thermal fogging.
9. Final Inspection: A final inspection ensures that all repairs and restoration work meets safety and quality standards.
10. Insurance Claims: Throughout the process, documentation is crucial for insurance claims. Keeping records of the damages, repairs, and costs can help facilitate claims with your insurance company.

Prompt fire restoration requires experienced professionals to minimize further damage and ensure a safe living or working environment.

The Importance of Fire Damage Restoration

Fire damage restoration is essential for safety and health, preventing further damage, preserving possessions, settling insurance claims, and facilitating faster recovery.

Professionals handle various aspects of the restoration process, including soot removal, cigarette smoke remediation, and repairs. They can also remove trapped smoke odors.

Swift restoration can minimize costs and provide emotional support to those affected by the house fire.

The extent and quality of damage restoration can  have an impact on property values post-fire, influencing potential buyers and the overall market perception.

Extent of Damage

Property damage restoration costs depend on the extent of the damage, including size, smoke and soot, water damage, affected contents, and repair complexity.

Larger areas require more work, while repairing structural damages is typically more expensive. Smoke and soot damage can also increase costs.

Water damage can lead to mold or waterlogged materials, and complex repairs require specialized skills. Accessibility can also affect how much fire damage restorations cost.

Remediation of Smoke and Soot

Repairing smoke and soot damage can significantly impact costs after a house fire. They spread throughout a building, requiring specialized cleaning techniques like ozone treatment.

Different materials react differently to smoke and soot, requiring more intensive cleaning or possibly replacement. Lingering smoke can cause serious health hazards.

Professionals follow specialized procedures to clean after fire, targeting smoke and soot residue to restore indoor air quality and eliminate lingering odors.

Water Damage Treatment

Water damage treatment can significantly impact the costs of fire damage restorations. Firefighting efforts can cause water to seep into burnt materials, causing additional damage like mold growth, which is a health risk.

Mold growth requires prompt removal. Drying and dehumidification require specialized equipment, and structural inspections are necessary.

Therefore, answering "How much does fire damage restoration cost?" depends on the cleanup cost and extent of the damage, fire-damaged materials, and time required.

Structural Repairs

Structural restorations are crucial for safety and functionality.

They involve repairing or replacing compromised walls, ceilings, supports, and any compromised foundations, windows, or doors. This will typically require specialized engineering knowledge.

Safety compliance and timelines also play a role. The extent of structural damage, complexity of repairs, and required expertise all contribute to the restoration cost.

Average Prices for Fire Damage Restoration Services

After a small fire, homeowners pay $3,500-$5,000 for repairs. Adding the expense of a new roof or kitchen cabinet restoration can raise the bill to over $40,000.

The national average cost of fire damage repair for a house is $2,500. However, fire damage restoration costs vary widely depending on the type and extent of the damage.

Fire Damage Restoration Cost

• National average cost: $2,500
• Average range: $3,000-$40,000
• Minimum cost: $2,500
• Maximum cost: $46,500

Cost Per Square Foot for Fire Restoration

Fire damage repair costs vary based on the house's square footage and the damage's extent. Homes with more square footage will cost more to repair, accordingly.

It costs approximately $4.70 per square foot to restore a 2,600-square-foot home. Prices range from $4.00-$6.50 per square foot, including cleaning up soot, restoring water damage, and burnt material removal.

Average House Size | Cost Per Square Foot

• 1,000 square foot: $4,250 – $6,000
• 2,000 square foot: $8,500 – $12,000
• 3,000 square foot: $12,750 – $18,000
• 4,000 sq. ft.: $17,000 – $24,000+

Additional Costs in Fire Damage Restoration

Fire damage cleanup costs go beyond a home's square footage. This section covers the additional rebuilding and restoration expenses after a house fire.

Water Damage

Fire extinguishing systems like fire extinguishers or smoke detectors require immediate water restoration services to prevent mold and damage. The cleanup cost ranges from $2-4 per square foot, typically $1,000- $5,000.

Soot and Smoke Damage Restoration

Soot and smoke damage restoration are crucial repair costs. These costs range from $2,000-$6,000.

Expect to pay more for oily soot cleanup due to byproducts of grease fires, while dry soot cleanup costs $400-$700.

Odor Removal

Contamination from chemical substances and odor removal costs can range from $1,000-$3,000. Odor removal can involve either ozone treatments or thermal fogging.

The ozone treatment cost for houses is about $300-$600 per floor. Ozone treatment conveniently breaks down and removes smoke odors directly from the source.

Ozone treatment uses high oxygen levels to break down airborne molecules and bacteria, while thermal fogging uses a deodorizing agent to neutralize odors in hard-to-reach areas.

You may also need smoke removal, which may be covered by your homeowners' insurance policy. Note that smoke removal concentrates more on the remediation of the smell.

Removal of Burnt Materials

A fire restoration company removes burnt material and other potentially broken components before structural restorations, incurring more costs. Estimates range from $60/lb. to a $300-$1,600 flat rate.

Fire restoration contractors also remove unsalvageable items and dispose of them properly.

Chemical Damage Restoration

Professionals typically charge between $600-$2,000 for this service, as fire extinguishers can leave chemical residue behind. This chemical residue can impact indoor air quality if not properly removed.

Fire Damage

Replacing damaged materials and reconstruction costs can range from $2,000-$30,000, with extensive damage costing over $80,000 for upscale kitchens.

NOTE: Complex fires that have caused severe home damage can significantly increase the cost of fire damage restoration.

Structural Damage and Other Costs After a Fire

Structural restorations for a fire-damaged home can cost between $15,000- $25,000 per room. Professionals will also assess the building's structural damage and ensure it's safe

Apart from fire restoration services, your costs may include city permits, inspection, and management fees.

These prices can range from $100 to thousands for major reconstruction projects but can be offset by the cost savings from experienced contractors.

NOTE: Class A fires are prevalent. These fires involve solid materials and combustibles like wood, paper, and plastic. Class B fires occur when flammable liquids catch ablaze, like gas, grease, oil, and oil paints. A Class C fire is typically caused by computers, motors, and appliances.

Explicit Insurance Coverages

To reduce repair costs, it's essential to understand your insurance policy, which may cover specific types of damage.

Ensure your policy covers structural restorations, content replacement, temporary housing, and additional living expenses.

Document your fire damage insurance claim thoroughly, notify your insurance company promptly, and be aware of policy limits. Some policies may cover temporary repairs to prevent further damage.

Seek claim assistance from the insurance company, consider hiring a public adjuster if your claim isn't handled properly, and compare estimates from multiple fire damage restoration companies.

Selecting the Right Professional Service

Selecting the right professional service can help reduce your restoration bill.

Look around your area for other restoration firms and choose a firm specializing in emergency fire restoration. Before deciding on a company, ask for references and review clear contracts.

Reputable companies focus on essential repairs and avoid unnecessary work. Hiring professionals from the start can prevent additional damage and expenses.

DIY Restoration Methods

Let's talk about do-it-yourself (DIY) restoration methods that can help you save on restoration costs:



1. Safety First: Before DIY restoration, wear appropriate gear and assess potential hazards.
2. Small-Scale Cleaning: You can clean surfaces using household products like mild soap and water for minor soot and smoke damage. Test a small area first to avoid causing further damage.
3. Ventilation: Opening windows and utilizing fans can help ventilate the area and remove strong smoke odors.
4. Content Cleaning: Clean and salvage less severely damaged items, like washable fabrics and non-porous objects.
5. Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean rugs and upholstery. You can also rent or purchase carpet cleaning equipment.
6. Painting and Patching: DIY painting or patching techniques can be used for small areas of fire-damaged walls or ceilings.
7. Air Purifiers: Air cleaners with HEPA filters can improve indoor air quality by capturing airborne particles.
8. Avoid Water Damage: Prevent additional water damage by covering exposed openings to prevent rain or moisture from getting in.
9. Consult Professionals: While some DIY methods can help mitigate minor damage, consult professional restoration experts for a thorough assessment and advice.