Fire Damage Restoration Cost Estimator

Fire damage restoration costs depend on the extent of structural damage, smoke penetration,
water damage from suppression, and the type of materials affected. This calculator provides
preliminary estimates based on national averages from the restoration industry.

Estimate Restoration Cost

Affected Area

sq ft

Fire Severity

Minor — smoke and soot only, no structural damage
Moderate — localized fire + smoke, limited structural damage
Severe — extensive fire, major structural damage

Rooms Affected

1 room (kitchen fire, bathroom, etc.)
2–3 rooms
4+ rooms / whole floor

Water Damage from Suppression?

None (extinguished early)
Light (fire extinguisher)
Moderate (hose / sprinkler)
Heavy (full fire dept response)

Contents Cleaning Needed?

No
Light (surface soot on some items)
Heavy (smoke damage throughout)

Estimate Cost

Estimated Restoration Cost

These are preliminary estimates based on national averages. Actual costs
depend on local labor rates, material prices, insurance coverage, and the results of a
professional damage assessment. Always obtain written estimates from licensed contractors.

Fire Restoration Process

Professional fire restoration follows a structured sequence. Each phase has different cost
drivers and timeline requirements.

Phase	What Happens	Typical Timeline
Emergency Board-Up	Secure structure, tarps on roof, board windows	Same day
Water Extraction	Remove suppression water, begin drying	1–3 days
Smoke & Soot Removal	Clean surfaces, HEPA vacuum, ozone/thermal fog	2–5 days
Demolition	Remove damaged drywall, flooring, insulation	1–3 days
Structural Repair	Framing, drywall, electrical, plumbing	1–6 weeks
Restoration	Paint, flooring, fixtures, finishes	1–4 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Does homeowner's insurance cover fire restoration?

Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover fire damage, including structural repair,
smoke damage, and additional living expenses if you cannot stay in the home. Coverage limits,
deductibles, and exclusions vary. Contact your insurer immediately after a fire and before
authorizing any work beyond emergency board-up.

How long does fire restoration take?

Minor smoke damage (no structural involvement) can be restored in 1–2 weeks. Moderate fire
damage with localized structural repairs typically takes 1–3 months. Severe damage requiring
major reconstruction may take 6–12 months.

Can smoke odor be completely removed?

Yes, but it requires professional-grade methods: HEPA air filtration, ozone treatment or thermal
fogging, cleaning of all surfaces including inside walls and HVAC ducts, and sealing surfaces with
shellac-based primer before repainting. Consumer air fresheners and cleaning products cannot
adequately address smoke infiltration in building materials.

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