Fire Damage Restoration Cost Estimator
Estimate the total cost to restore a property after fire damage based on the affected area, damage severity, property type, and required restoration services.
Formula
Structural Cost = Affected Area (sq ft) × Base Cost/sq ft (by severity) × Property Type Multiplier × Stories Multiplier
Additional Services Cost = Σ (Per-Service Rate/sq ft × Area + Fixed Equipment/Labor Fee)
Subtotal = Structural Cost + Additional Services Cost
Total Estimate = Subtotal × (1 + 0.18) [18% contractor overhead & profit]
Estimated Range = Total × 0.80 to Total × 1.20
| Severity | Base Rate | Property Type | Multiplier | Stories | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor | $6.00/sq ft | Residential | ×1.00 | 1 | ×1.00 |
| Moderate | $15.00/sq ft | Condo/Apt | ×0.90 | 2 | ×1.12 |
| Severe | $37.50/sq ft | Commercial | ×1.35 | 3+ | ×1.25 |
| Additional Service | Per Sq Ft | Fixed Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke & Odor Removal | $1.50 | $500 |
| Water Damage Remediation | $3.75 | $800 |
| Mold Remediation | $2.50 | $600 |
| Contents Cleaning & Restoration | $1.00 | $400 |
| Board-Up & Tarping | $0.75 | $300 |
| Debris Removal & Hauling | $1.25 | $350 |
Assumptions & References
- Base restoration rates derived from IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) industry standards and Fixr/HomeAdvisor 2023–2024 national cost data.
- Minor damage: surface soot, smoke staining, no structural compromise ($4–$8/sq ft midpoint $6).
- Moderate damage: partial wall/ceiling burn-through, heavy smoke penetration ($10–$20/sq ft midpoint $15).
- Severe damage: major structural loss, full burn-through of framing/roofing ($25–$50/sq ft midpoint $37.50).
- Commercial properties carry a 35% premium due to code compliance requirements, larger HVAC/electrical systems, and ADA considerations.
- Multi-story adjustments reflect increased labor, equipment access, and scaffolding costs.
- Water damage remediation accounts for firefighting water intrusion requiring extraction and structural drying (IICRC S500 standard).
- Contractor overhead and profit of 18% is consistent with RSMeans construction cost data.
- The ±20% range reflects regional labor market variation, material price fluctuations, and site-specific conditions.
- This estimate does not include: architectural/engineering fees, permit costs, temporary housing, or insurance deductibles.
- Always obtain at least three quotes from licensed, IICRC-certified fire restoration contractors before proceeding.