Key takeaways
- Short answer: Yes.
- Covers dwelling, contents and living expenses
- Smoke from nearby fires is often covered
- Arson and long vacancies can be excluded
- Typical fire damage restoration cost: $2,900–$38,325 per typical job.
What a fire claim can include
- Dwelling repairs and rebuilding
- Personal property (contents)
- Additional Living Expenses — hotels, rent, extra food costs
- Debris removal
- Detached structures like garages and fences
Tips for a smoother claim
- Make a room-by-room inventory with photos
- Ask whether your policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value for contents
- Keep all receipts
- Don't throw out damaged items until documented
Related questions
Is smoke damage without fire covered?
Usually, if smoke came from a sudden event like a nearby fire or furnace puff-back. Smoke from smoking or fireplaces over time isn't.
Does insurance cover a kitchen grease fire?
Yes, accidental cooking fires are typically covered.
What if my coverage isn't enough to rebuild?
Check for extended or guaranteed replacement cost and building code (ordinance or law) coverage, and review limits yearly.
Other fire damage restoration questions homeowners ask
Does homeowners insurance cover smoke damage?
Most standard policies cover fire and smoke damage, including smoke from nearby wildfires. Check your policy for exclusions and limits.
How much does fire damage restoration cost?
Fire and smoke restoration typically costs about $2,900–$38,325. Whole-home cleaning runs roughly $4.25–$6.50 per square foot nationally, and structural rebuilds cost more.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
A small kitchen fire can be cleaned in days. Major fires that need structural repairs take weeks to many months.
Can I stay in my house after a small fire?
Only after the fire department says it is safe. Soot and smoke residue can be hazardous, and most policies include additional living expenses (ALE) coverage for temporary housing.
How do you get the smoke smell out of a house?
Clean every surface, replace HVAC filters and clean the ducts, then treat the odor with thermal fogging, ozone or hydroxyl generators. Heavy odor may need sealing primer on walls.
What should I do in the first 24 hours after a house fire?
Get clearance to enter, call your insurer, secure the property with board-up and tarps, photograph damage and start a list of damaged belongings.
Should I clean soot myself?
It is not recommended. Soot is acidic and oily, and the wrong cleaner smears it deeper into surfaces. Professionals use dry sponges and specialized cleaners.
What is additional living expenses coverage?
ALE pays for temporary housing, meals and other extra costs while your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss.
Fire Damage Restoration at a glance
Timeline
Small kitchen fires can be cleaned in days. Major fires take several weeks to many months to rebuild.
Permits
Structural, electrical and HVAC repairs after a fire require permits and inspections.
DIY or pro?
Soot is acidic and can be toxic, so professional cleaning is the safe choice. You can photograph damage and list belongings for your claim.
What fire and smoke damage restoration costs
Fire damage restoration averages about $20,470, with most jobs costing $2,900–$38,325. Small kitchen fires with smoke damage sit at the low end; structural fires that need rebuilding and water cleanup from firefighting cost far more.