How Much Does Fire Damage Restoration Cost?

Highlights

• The typical cost for fire damage restoration ranges from $2,897 to $38,461, with customers paying a national average of $20,610.
• Exact fire damage restoration costs will vary depending on the size of the home; the type of damage; the class, or type, of fire; and the location of the damage.
• Fire damage restoration is a project that needs to be handled by a professional. Attempting to DIY this project can leave the home structurally unsafe and potentially full of hazardous materials.

A house fire is a destructive event that can eat through drywall, electrical wiring, flooring, and roofing and can even cause severe structural damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, certain rooms or the home itself may be deemed unsafe for entry. If this occurs, then the homeowner will need to look into fire damage cleanup, rebuilding costs, and full house restoration services to fix the fire-damaged property.

Even small grease fires can cause extensive damage to the home, leading to costly fire and smoke damage restoration. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, homeowners can expect to pay about $2,897 to $38,461, or $20,610 on average for fire damage restoration and cleaning. Homeowners can learn more about the fire remediation process and the factors involved in calculating the overall fire damage restoration cost to come up with a budget for this project.

Factors in Calculating Fire Damage Restoration Cost

There are several factors that can impact fire damage restoration cost, so before homeowners look into fire restoration companies, it’s a good idea to become more familiar with the various elements that could affect the cost of the repairs, including home size, damage type, and fire type.

Home Size

The most basic factor to consider when homeowners are coming up with a budget for a fire damage restoration job is the size of the home as well as the extent of the damage. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that even if the fire did not spread to the entire home, there is a chance that the smoke and soot may have affected a greater area, leading to higher repair costs.

A fire inspector will need to enter the home or assess the damage from the outside if they deem that the property is unsafe to enter. Homeowners can expect to pay about $4 to $6.50 per square foot for fire damage repair and restoration. The larger the home, the higher the cost to repair the fire damage.

Damage Type

The next factor to discuss with the fire remediation company is the type of damage. Homeowners will want to be prepared for there to be a few different damage types, including burned materials, smoke damage, and soot damage. Homeowners will also want to keep in mind that the act of putting out the fire can cause property damage, such as water damage or chemical damage from a hose or fire extinguisher.

Typically, smoke damage is the least expensive to repair, ranging from about $200 to $1,200, while structural damage can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 on average. Homeowners can get a better idea of the extent and cost of the repairs by checking with the fire restoration specialist. They will be able to determine the type of damage and provide the homeowner with a rough estimate of the fire damage mitigation cost.

Fire Class

According to the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association, there are five classes, or types, of fires. The type of damage to the property, the method for extinguishing the fire, and the fire damage restoration process can vary depending on the fire type.

• Class A, or ordinary combustible, fires involve wood, paper, plastic, or other common solid combustibles. These fires don’t spread as fast as electrical or gas fires but will still cost about $9,000 to $14,000 for repairs and fire restoration cleaning.
• Class B, or gas, fires are caused when flammable household liquids, such as petroleum, oil, or paint, ignite. This type of fire must be smothered or put out with a suitable chemical extinguisher. Gas fires will typically cost between $14,000 and $20,000 for restoration services.
• Class C, or electrical, fires can occur without anyone knowing due to a faulty outlet, bad wiring, or even an overloaded power bar. Homeowners will want to plan on spending about $12,000 to $23,000 to restore their home after an electrical fire.
• Class D, or combustible metal, fires are not typical for a residential home. This type of fire is more common in an industrial setting. A combustible metal fire occurs when a metal, such as aluminum or titanium, is heated to the point that it catches fire. These fires are difficult to put out and can cause extensive damage to the structure, leading to a hefty restoration bill between $16,000 and $25,000.
• Class K, or kitchen oil, fires are one of the most common fires to occur in the home. Cooking oil, grease, or animal fat can spill, spatter onto the burner, or leak into the oven, causing a flare-up in the kitchen. If the fire spreads to any nearby items, such as the counters, walls, cabinets, or appliances, it can move on rapidly to other parts of the home. Restoration costs for a kitchen oil fire typically range from $12,000 to $20,000.

Damage Location

The cost of the fire restoration process could increase or decrease depending on where the fire occurs. Some areas of the home, such as the kitchen, tend to house expensive appliances, so the cost to repair the fire damage may be higher. Unfurnished rooms will be less costly to fix because the restoration specialists won’t need to worry about replacing finished drywall or high-end tiles.

Generally, the laundry room is the least expensive room in the home to fix, while the attic costs the most to restore. However, it’s important for homeowners to note that the differences among homes can be almost as many and as varied as the differences among homeowners, so the restoration cost can fluctuate.

Additional Costs and Considerations

After homeowners work with the fire damage restoration specialists to come up with a basic budget for this project, it’s important for them to consider the potential costs that may fall outside of the initial restoration process, such as the installation of additional fire suppression systems, duct cleaning services, insulation replacement, and deodorizing services.

Fire Suppression Systems Installation

After a fire, the existing fire suppression equipment or systems installed in the home may need to be replaced. This can include small items, such as standard smoke detectors and one or more of the best fire extinguishers, but it can also include premium products, such as a home fire sprinkler system, which can all increase the overall cost of the restoration project.

Additionally, if standard smoke detectors failed or underperformed, then the homeowner may want to upgrade to high-quality smoke detectors, which cost significantly more than standard smoke detectors. They’ll want to make sure they know how to use a fire extinguisher, as just having one in the home won’t be much help if the residents don’t know how it works. Another option to help protect the residents of the home is one or more fire doors. These additions reduce the risk of fire spreading from room to room.

Home Repairs

Fire damage restoration professionals will come in to remove damaged furniture, appliances, and fire-damaged debris from the home. They can also handle soot removal, smoke damage repairs, fire damage restoration, and deodorizing of the home to help remove the lingering scent of fire. However, after the initial restoration process, there may still be some significant repairs, fixes, or remodeling projects that will need to be completed in the future.

Depending on the location and the extent of the damage, the homeowner may need to worry only about cosmetic repairs to the drywall, ceilings, and floors. However, severe fire damage could lead to expensive renovation projects to fix the electric system, repair the foundation, or possibly even replace the roof.

Duct Cleaning

Professional cleaning after a fire is an essential service for restoring the look and feel of the home. This task includes cleaning the air ducts to remove soot and trapped smoke odors so that they are not carried through the vents to every room in the home. While duct cleaning may not be high on the list of priorities when it comes to fire restoration, it is a necessary service to ensure that the home has clean air that is free of lingering smoky smells.

Homeowners can shop around for the best duct cleaning service in the area or speak to the restoration company to determine if duct cleaning is offered as part of the restoration cleanup process. On average, duct cleaning costs about $200 to $500.

Insulation Replacement

The insulation throughout the ceilings and walls is typically fire-resistant in newer properties, which reduces the risk of the insulation being damaged in a fire. However, even fire-resistant insulation will melt at high enough temperatures. Additionally, the insulation can become damaged by water or chemicals in the process of extinguishing the fire, due to the spray of the hose or fire extinguisher.

If the insulation is too damaged, the homeowner will need to replace it throughout the home before the drywall can be replaced. The average cost to replace insulation ranges from $2,130 to $6,700. Including labor, this works out to about $1 to $5.65 per square foot.

Furniture and Textile Deodorizing

Another factor for homeowners to consider after a house fire is the cost to get rid of strong or lingering smoke odors. These scents can get trapped in the ducts but can also be absorbed by the furniture, carpet, curtains, and other textiles that survived the fire. There are several ways to remove the lingering smoke smell, including standard furniture and textile deodorizing, thermal fogging, and ozone treatments.

• Standard furniture and textile deodorizing is the most basic option for removing smoky smells after a fire. This method involves cleaning the affected furniture and textiles, then treating them with a strong deodorant. Costs for standard furniture and textile deodorizing after a fire are the same as professional cigarette smoke removal costs—about $200 to $1,000.
• Thermal fogging costs about $200 to $550. During this process, a deodorizing agent is heated up, then misted across target furniture and textiles, allowing the deodorizing agent to bond to smoke particles deep in the fabric.
• Ozone treatment is the process of using high levels of oxygen within an enclosed space to break down airborne molecules and bacteria, as well as removing strong smoke odors. This method of deodorizing furniture and textiles costs between $300 and $600.

Permits

Building permits are not always required for fire damage restoration, but if there are any changes to the electrical system, plumbing system, or the structure of the building, then there is a good chance that the project will need a permit. Generally, the fire remediation specialists will know what type of work requires a building permit, but the homeowner can also head to the local permit acquisition office to find out.

If a permit is needed for the restoration work, many of the best fire damage restoration services will take responsibility for getting the permit before starting work. However, this is not the case for all companies, so it’s in the best interest of the homeowner to speak to the fire damage restoration professional to determine who will be responsible for acquiring the permit.

Homeowners Insurance Coverage

The main purpose of homeowners insurance is to provide support when an incident that is covered under the policy occurs, such as fire damage. However, the exact value of the claim and the extent of the coverage can vary among insurance providers and policies. Since homeowners insurance typically covers fire damage, one of the first steps for homeowners to take is to record any details about the incident and to take as many pictures as possible of the interior and exterior of the home before moving any items. It’s also important to note that renters insurance also usually covers fire damage, so tenants who lost belongings in a fire will want to contact their renters insurance provider to file a claim.

Having this information documented and on hand will help the homeowner when filing an insurance claim. Homeowners will want to contact their insurance company after the fire to discuss the procedure for filing a claim and to find out what comes next in the process. They’ll want to make sure to document all phone calls and emails with the insurance company, as well as ask for copies of all important documentation. Homeowners will work with the insurance company and the restoration company to decide on the best course of action. It’s advised to wait to begin fire damage restoration until the insurance provider has approved the claim and given express approval for the work to start.

Fire Damage Restoration Cost by Type of Damage

The cost of the fire damage repairs can vary depending on the type of damage. Typically, a fire will affect the home in more ways than one. Smoke can seep into furniture and fabrics, soot can cling to the walls, and heat from the flames can burn through wood and even melt metal. When coming up with a budget for this restoration project, homeowners will want to consider the type and the extent of the damage.

Burned Materials

Fire eats through carpet, drywall, furniture, flooring, ceilings, and more, burning or melting most things that it comes in contact with. During the fire damage restoration process, the restoration professionals will assess the damage to the home and any belongings that were caught up in the fire. If the items are too damaged, then they will haul them away to a disposal site.

The cost to get rid of burned materials ranges from about $300 to $1,600 for flat fee services, but some contractors will charge a per pound quote, which typically starts at about $60 per pound. Homeowners will want to clarify whether the restoration specialists will use a flat fee or a per pound rate so that there aren’t any expensive surprises on the bill.

Chemical Damage

In some cases, chemical damage restoration may be required after a home fire. These services range from about $600 to $2,000. Typically, chemical damage cleanup will be necessary if the homeowner, residents, or the emergency fire response team needed to use chemical fire extinguishers to put out the fire. The chemical that the extinguisher uses to put out the flames can leave behind a residue on any surfaces it came into contact with.

The chemical residue clings to furniture, walls, ceilings, and any other surfaces, staining wood, fabrics, and metals. However, not all chemical damage is caused by extinguishers. During a fire, plastics, electronics, and other objects can burn or melt, releasing toxic chemicals into the home. Chemical damage remediation specialists will be able to clean up the affected items and help clean the air.

Smoke Damage

Smoke damage from a fire can permeate the interior of a home. The scent can soak into the furniture, cling to the walls, and linger in the ducts, causing the entire home to smell. Typically, smoke damage can be fixed for about $200 to $1,200. This includes room cleanup, odor removal, and deodorizing.

Homeowners can also look into ozone treatments or thermal fogging for smoke damage. Ozone treatments use concentrated oxygen to displace and destroy airborne molecules, bacteria, and smoky smells; it costs about $300 to $600. Thermal fogging treatments cost slightly less at about $200 to $550. This method uses a deodorizing mist to neutralize smoky smells.

Soot Damage

Soot tends to cling to walls, seep into the air ducts, and settle into furniture. Fire damage remediation professionals will get rid of the ash left behind after a fire by using a specialized film that sticks to the soot and pulls it off of the target surface. Homeowners can expect the soot removal cost to range from about $400 to $1,700. This price includes soot removal, air duct cleaning, and deodorizing services.

There are two different types of soot damage: oily soot damage, which is the result of an oil or grease fire, and dry soot damage, which tends to occur with ordinary combustible or electrical fires. Dry soot damage cleanup costs range from $400 to $700, while oily soot cleanup costs can be as high as $1,000. In some cases, the fire will leave behind both dry soot and oily soot residue, which can increase the cost of the restoration job.

Structural Damage

The worst type of damage that can occur during a home fire is structural damage. Not only does structural damage tend to cost more to repair at about $15,000 to $25,000, but severe damage to the support structures of the home can make the property unsafe to enter or work on. In some instances, the home may be declared condemned until the appropriate measures have been taken to demolish and rebuild the structure.

Before the fire damage restoration specialists enter the building, the property will need to be inspected to determine whether it is safe to enter. If certain rooms are deemed unsafe, caution tape will be placed around the off-limits areas and an inspector will let the homeowner know what types of repairs are needed before it’s safe to enter the building. There are several possible repairs homeowners may need to budget for as part of fire damage restoration.

Water Damage

Unfortunately, when the fire department arrives to put out the fire, the water from the hose can cause additional damage to the home. Similarly, a built-in sprinkler system can flood the home in response to a fire, leading to extensive water damage. Additionally, some fires may cause the plumbing inside the home to collapse. The broken pipes will spray water into the home, soaking the ceilings, walls, and floors. Water damage is one of the more costly problems that homeowners often need to deal with after a fire. Water damage restoration costs about $3,000 to $6,000 for the remediation specialists to remove the water, dry the interior of the home, and repair the drywall.

Fire Damage Restoration: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

There are many projects that are great for DIYers to tackle, but when the home has sustained extensive fire damage, it’s best for them to put their tools away and leave the repairs to the professionals. Trained fire damage inspectors will be able to determine if the property is safe to enter or if there are any rooms that need to remain off-limits for the time being.

After ensuring that it is safe to enter the home, the fire damage restoration specialists can get to work assessing the damage, removing burned objects, and coming up with a plan to address the situation. This typically includes cleaning up the fire damage, smoke damage, soot damage, water damage, and any type of chemical damage. The fire damage restoration professionals will also address any concerns about structural damages to the home, such as broken windows, collapsed ceilings, burned wiring, or melted flooring.

After the initial restoration of the property is complete and the home has been declared safe for regular living, the homeowner can tackle any cosmetic upgrades or repairs on their own to help cut down on renovation costs.

How to Save Money on Fire Damage Restoration Cost

A house fire can cause a significant amount of damage to the property and to any furniture, appliances, or other goods that got caught up in the smoke, soot, or flames. In fact, fire damage restoration will typically cost $20,610 on average, so it’s important to find ways to save on fire damage restoration services. Consider these cost-saving options.

• Document the damage. It’s a good idea to have proof of the incident and any damages before filing an insurance claim. By taking pictures and writing down a detailed account of the situation, homeowners may be able to avoid any disagreements about damages during the insurance claim process.
• Immediately start the insurance filing process. Contact an insurance agent as soon as possible. The agent will help walk you through the necessary steps to document the incident and file a claim, and they may even work with the restoration company to ensure that the restoration services are fully or partially covered.
• Don’t wait to hire a professional restoration company. The longer the homeowner waits after a fire to hire a professional restoration company, the higher the risk of additional damage occurring. Cut down on expensive repair bills by calling a restoration professional as soon as possible.
• Get multiple estimates. Even in an emergency, it can be helpful to research and get quotes from several fire damage restoration companies to ensure that you get the best rates for the work.
• DIY cosmetic repairs. After the initial restoration process is complete, you can save on renovation costs by handling any cosmetic upgrades or repairs as a DIY project.

Questions to Ask About Fire Damage Restoration

There can be a lot of confusion when a fire occurs. The homeowner needs to contact their insurance company, take detailed notes about the incident, capture images of the interior and exterior of the home, note any damaged items, and hire a fire damage restoration company to fix the property. With so many pressing matters to focus on, it can be easy to forget or overlook other information. In order to stay informed, homeowners are advised to ask several questions when vetting professionals for fire damage restoration services.

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• What credentials and certifications do you have?
• How long have you been in business?
• Do you have any available references?
• Can I see a portfolio of past fire damage restoration projects?
• How much experience do you have with fire damage restoration?
• With so many fire-related issues to tackle, what should I do first?
• Will you work directly with my insurance company?
• Do you offer any guarantees on the work?
• Can I get a written estimate?
• How long will the project take?
• Are your technicians available immediately?
• What does the restoration process entail?
• How do you handle customer communication?
• Will you take care of the permit process if a permit is required?
• How extensive is the damage?
• Did any structural damage occur?

FAQs

Few people expect that a fire will break out in the home, so when it comes to fire damage restoration services, there is a lot to know and even more to find out. Knowing the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about fire damage restoration can help homeowners better understand the process.

Q. Can smoke-damaged furniture be saved?

Some smoke-damaged furniture can be saved after a fire, though it depends on the extent of the damage. Mild smoke damage can usually be cleaned up with standard furniture deodorizing, but more serious damage may require thermal fogging or an ozone treatment.

Q. How do you clean a fire-damaged house?

In order to remove soot from the walls, furniture, and floors, it’s best to use a mild soap or detergent. Put on a set of rubber gloves, and then use the soap or detergent and a soft-bristle brush to wash the affected surfaces. Work from the floor up to help prevent streaking. Severely fire-damaged homes need to be cleaned up by trained fire remediation professionals to ensure the structure is safe to enter and to improve the odds of restoring the home.

Q. Is it safe to sleep in a house after a grease fire?

Fire produces smoke, which can quickly seep into the furniture, walls, and ducts throughout the home. Due to the potential risk of inhaling toxic smoke vapor, homeowners are advised not to sleep in a house after a grease fire until the home has been professionally cleaned, including the air ducts.

Q. Can you paint over fire damage?

Painting directly over fire damage is not recommended. Not only will the paint fail to adequately cover up the damage, but it will also make it more difficult to clean the smoke and soot. Instead, clean the fire damaged area and allow it to dry. Once the surface is dry, apply a solvent-based stain-blocking primer before painting the surface to prevent any lingering stains from bleeding through.

Q. Is smoke damage toxic?

The smoke produced in a house fire typically contains a toxic mix of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and soot. Even after the fire has been put out, the chemicals remain in the area and can be inhaled deep into the lungs, so it’s best to avoid entering the home without the proper personal protective equipment and clearance from trained fire damage restoration specialists.

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Fixr, LawnStarter

 

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