Wondering about fire damage restoration cost? Learn the average prices, key factors that affect costs, and what to expect during the restoration process.
Even a small fire can be devastating and highly disruptive to a family or business.
Damages can result from both the fire itself and the extinguishing process.
It will lead to the need for other types of repairs and restorations, such as water damage, soot, odor damage, and moisture (mold) prevention.
Once the fire is extinguished, there are numerous things to consider to get your structure back in working order and return your life to normal.
One of the top concerns is almost always, How much does it cost to recover and restore my building from a fire?
What is Fire Damage Restoration
Fire damage restoration involves repairing and cleaning a property after fire, smoke, and the water used to extinguish the fire.
It involves assessing the extent of the damage, securing the property, removing water and debris, eliminating smoke and soot, and repairing or rebuilding damaged areas.
Fire Damage Restoration Is a Professional Job
The cost of fire damage restoration also varies depending on the type of fire that occurred.
There are five categories of fires, considering a 2,500-square-foot home, as follows:
Kitchen Oil Fires: A fire that starts with kitchen oil, grease, or animal fats can spread quickly. The average restoration cost ranges from $12,000 to $ 20,000.
Electrical Fires: Often resulting from a hidden problem, electrical fires can cause extensive damage and are frequently associated with soot and smoke damage; a restoration can cost between $12,000 and $ 23,000.
Ordinary Combustible Fires: The sources include paper, plastic, wood, and other common materials. Since these fires spread more slowly, restoration costs typically range from $9,000 to $14,000.
Gas Fires: These involve fuel oil, petroleum, oil-based paints, and similar chemicals. Restoring a home after such a fire can cost between $14,000 and $20,0001.
Combustible Metal Fires: A fire originating from aluminum, titanium, or other types of metal is more common in industrial settings but is difficult to extinguish and spreads quickly. If one occurs in a home, restoration can cost between $16,000 and $ 25,000.
But fire damage restoration isn’t only about cleaning up debris, smoke damage, and soot.
It often requires rebuilding, the cost of which varies widely.
Should I Attempt Fire Damage Restoration Myself?
Attempting a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) restoration is unsafe and likely won’t save you any money.
Your insurance policy may not cover the repairs.
Fire restoration professionals specialize in cleaning up fire damage, removing hazardous materials, and salvaging and restoring furniture and other valuable items.
They can also effectively clean up soot, remove odors, and mitigate damage from the water used to extinguish the fire.
Working with a professional also yields benefits such as:
- A faster restoration process
- Knowledge of building codes and regulations
- Lower risk of exposure to toxic smoke, chemicals, and residue
- Avoid damage, such as a wall or ceiling collapse
- Insurance policies cover restoration by a licensed, insured contractor
Factors Affecting the Cost of Fire Damage Restoration
Several factors can influence the cost of repairing fire damage.
By understanding these key elements, you can better estimate the overall expenses involved in restoring your fire-damaged property.
Extent of Damage: A significant factor that affects the cost of repair is the extent of the fire damage.
The more significant the damage, the more time, labor, and materials it will require to repair.
Type of Damage: The kind of fire damage can also impact the cost of repair.
Different types of materials respond differently to the damage, and people specialized in cleaning or restoration services may be required.
Location of Damage: The location of the damage and the size of the affected area also influence the repair cost.
Damage in a high-traffic area, for instance, may cost more to repair than damage in a less frequently used space.
Degree of Restoration: The degree of restoration you desire also affects the overall cost of the repair.
Complete restoration, which involves repairing the property to its pre-fire condition, is more expensive than partial restoration, which consists of restoring only select areas of the damaged property.
Professional Fees: Hiring professional services for fire damage repair can vary significantly in cost depending on the company you choose, their level of expertise, and the services you require.
A thorough assessment of these factors is necessary for accurate estimation of the repair costs.
What to Expect During the Restoration Process of Fire Damage Restoration
The fire damage restoration process typically involves an initial assessment, securing the property, water removal and drying, smoke and soot removal, cleaning and sanitizing, and finally, restoration and repair.
Here’s a more detailed look at what to expect:
1. Initial Assessment and Inspection:
A professional restoration company will assess the extent of the fire, smoke, and water damage to your home and belongings.
They will document the damage with photos or videos for insurance purposes.
A professional may use specialized equipment to detect smoke and soot damage.
2. Securing the Property:
This step focuses on preventing further damage from weather or unauthorized access.
Board-up services and roof tarping may be necessary to protect the property.
3. Water Removal and Drying:
Restoration crews need to remove the water from firefighting efforts and thoroughly dry the property to prevent mold growth.
Restoration teams utilize specialized equipment, such as dehumidifiers and air movers, during this process.
4. Smoke and Soot Removal:
Smoke and soot can damage surfaces and belongings, requiring specialized cleaning techniques.
This method includes cleaning walls, ceilings, floors, and HVAC systems.
5. Cleaning and Sanitizing:
Restoration teams thoroughly clean all affected areas and belongings using EPA-approved products to ensure a safe and sanitary environment.
6. Restoration and Repairs:
This phase involves repairing or rebuilding damaged structural elements and restoring belongings.
Depending on the extent of the damage, this could range from minor repairs, such as painting, to major reconstruction.
7. Final Inspection:
The restoration company will conduct a final inspection to ensure all work meets the required standards.
A walkthrough with the homeowner is usually part of this final step.
Conclusion
Fire damage restoration costs can vary significantly depending on the severity of the damage, the size of the property, and the specific services required, such as smoke removal, structural repairs, and deep cleaning.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of pounds for complete restoration.
While it can be a significant investment, timely and professional fire restoration is essential to ensure your home is safe, healthy, and fully repaired.
Obtaining multiple quotes and collaborating with experienced restoration experts can help you effectively manage costs and achieve optimal results.
