How Much Does Fire Damage Restoration Cost Per Square Foot?
When fire strikes, safety is your first priority. After the fire is extinguished and everyone is out of harm’s way, only then can you assess the damage and begin to rebuild.
According to cost data gathered by Angi, fire damage restoration costs can range from $3,100 to $51,000, with an average of around $27,000 for most people. This is an enormous range because many individual factors—home value, extent of fire damage, location, materials, and resources required for restoration—impact the final cost of restoration.
This guide provides an estimated cost breakdown of fire damage restoration services in California. We’ll review the factors that affect the total cost and list general price ranges per fire damage restoration component.
Get a price estimate on fire damage restoration services.
What Factors Determine the Cost of Fire Damage Restoration?
Knowing the types of damage that can increase the cost of fire damage restoration services will give you an idea of which side of the cost scale you’ll be on. Your local restoration team will assess your property damage and weigh the following factors for your cost estimate.
Extent of Damage
Fire damage contained in one room versus multiple rooms could be the difference of thousands of dollars. Where and how the fire spreads is a key determinant of the extent of damage that restoration professionals will analyze.
Location and Property Value
Where you live also affects your estimated costs. The price of home materials and restoration cleanup processes differ between states. Generally, coastal states like California tend to have higher restoration costs.
Likewise, homes with a higher property value may end up with greater restoration costs if high-quality materials and structures must be replaced.
Fire Damage Class
Home fires are categorized by classes, and this may also inform the final cost of restoration.
- Class A: Includes flammable solids (wood, paper)
- Class B: Includes flammable liquids (cooking oil, gasoline)
- Class C: Includes flammable gases (propane, hydrogen, natural gas)
- Class D: Includes combustible metals (sodium, magnesium)
- Class E: The addition of electrical elements in Class A or B fires
- Class F: Involves cooking oils or fats.
Types of Damage
Similar to the extent of damage, additional forms of damage—such as water damage from fire extinguishers—may contribute to the overall cost.
Insurance Coverage
Your insurance company may be able to cover some of the fire damage. Many restoration companies, including Flood Response, will fully document the damage and the work needed for your insurance company. Team members will handle communication and help you get the best coverage possible.
Get a price estimate on fire damage restoration services.
Fire Damage Restoration Cost Breakdown
Fire damage restoration is a multi-stage process that addresses all resulting damage types. According to Angi, the average fire damage restoration cost per square foot is $5.50, and can range from $4 to $7 per square foot of damage. However, individual damage restoration companies and insurance companies establish cost estimates based on how much and the type of restoration work needs to be done.
Below are general estimates for the subcategories or parts of fire damage restoration.
Water Damage
Water damage can occur after fire extinguishers are used. The larger the fire, the more likely water from extinguishing sticks around in the home. Restoration teams remove the water and dry the house using dehumidifiers and specialized equipment.
General Cost: $1,000 – $6,000
Smoke and Soot Removal
Smoke and soot damage are as important to address as the fire itself. Restoration teams will look for the five types of smoke and residue, cleaning up and removing all traces from interior spaces and surfaces in the home.
General Cost: $1,200 – $6,000
Removal of Irreparable Items
Fire may engulf and destroy personal items, which need to be removed before technicians can clean and restore the property. Costs will vary depending on how much debris needs to be removed and discarded.
General Cost: $50 – $100 per lb.
Storage of Salvageable Items
In addition to removing damaged items, your restoration team will do everything possible to save salvageable items, taking them away from the site of damage and storing them in a temperature-controlled facility until restoration is complete.
General Cost: $50 – $100 per lb.
Duct Cleaning
Air ducts should be cleaned regularly and especially after a house fire. Otherwise, smoke and other contaminants will be pulled into the ducts and circulated in the home. This can lead to allergies, mold growth, and other issues. Your restoration team will use specialized vacuums to dislodge debris in the duct system.
General Cost: $250 – $500
Furniture Deodorizing
Lingering smoke odor is common as smoke can be absorbed by wood and furniture. Restoration professionals will inspect and care for smoke-damaged furniture, carpeting, and other surfaces and items in the home that require treatment.
General Cost: $200 – $1,000
Thermal Fogging
Also used to tackle smoke odors, thermal foggers vaporize and neutralize smoke odors. The devices release vapor that remains in the air, interacting with smoke and eliminating its odor.
General Cost: $200 – $600
Choose Flood Response for Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services in Southern California
Home disasters are scary, and navigating the costs of recovery can make things even more overwhelming. When you choose Flood Response for fire damage restoration, you receive unmatched service from IICRC-trained and certified technicians who make the restoration process as stress-free as possible. Our experts arrive quickly to fire damaged properties, assessing the scene and taking immediate steps to restoring your home.
For over 20 years, we’ve helped families and business owners in Southern California, to take the right steps to restore their properties and rebuild their lives in the face of disaster. Are you looking for a reliable, full-service disaster recovery service in the Coachella Valley, Temecula Valley or the surrounding areas? Contact Flood Response today!
Call us! (760) 343-3933
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