Fire damage restoration costs vary more than most home repairs, because a fire causes several kinds of damage at once: flames, smoke, soot and the water used to put it out. The size of the bill depends on how far each of these spread.
Sifixit does not publish price numbers unless we can name a trustworthy source for them. This page explains how pricing works so you can understand and compare the quotes you receive.
How pricing usually works
A fire damage bill usually covers several different jobs.
Emergency services
Board up of windows and doors, roof tarping and securing the home.
Water removal
Removing and drying the water left by firefighting, priced like any water damage job.
Smoke and soot cleaning
Cleaning walls, ceilings, ducts and belongings, and removing the smoke odor.
Rebuild
Replacing burned or badly stained materials, from drywall to cabinets and roofing.
What makes the price go up or down
- How much of the home the flames reached
- How far smoke and soot traveled
- What burned, since plastics leave harder residue
- How much water was used to fight the fire
- Whether ducts need cleaning
- How many belongings need cleaning or pack out
- How much of the structure needs rebuilding
Insurance and your costs
Most homeowners policies cover accidental fire, and many also pay for somewhere to stay while the home is repaired.
- Ask your insurer about additional living expenses if you cannot stay home
- Make a room by room list of damaged items
- Keep receipts for hotels, meals and emergency purchases
- Ask the provider to document smoke and soot damage for the adjuster
- Do not throw anything away until the adjuster has seen it or it is photographed
How to compare quotes
- Check that board up, cleaning and rebuild are listed separately
- Ask how each provider will remove the smoke odor
- Ask whether ducts and belongings are included
- Compare how contents cleaning is priced
- Ask what happens if more damage is found
Warning signs in a quote
- A quote that only covers painting over smoke stains
- No plan for the smoke odor
- Pressure to sign before your insurer has been contacted
- A demand for full payment upfront
- An offer to waive your deductible
Frequently asked questions
Why is fire damage so expensive to repair?
Because a fire causes several kinds of damage at once, and smoke often spreads far beyond the room that burned.
Is odor removal extra?
Often it is listed as its own item. Ask how it will be done and how the provider will confirm the smell is gone.
Does insurance cover a hotel after a fire?
Many policies include additional living expenses. Check your policy and keep every receipt.
Can belongings be cleaned instead of replaced?
Many can, which is often cheaper. Items that are burned or melted are usually replaced.
Learn more
Our main fire damage restoration guide explains the warning signs, what to do first and when to call a professional.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.