Fire Damage Restoration — What Happens After (2026) | GetAHomePro
Fire Damage Restoration — What Happens After the Fire Department Leaves
·3 min read
L
Lisa NguyenGeneral Contractor & Renovation Specialist
Published March 21, 2026
Key Takeaway
Fire damage restoration process step by step. Board-up to rebuild, costs ($3K-$50K+), insurance timeline, and what to do after a house fire.
The sirens fade. The last fire truck pulls away. You're standing on your front lawn wondering what happens next. This guide covers every phase — from board-up to rebuild.
The First 60 Minutes
You cannot go inside. The fire marshal must clear the structure first. There may be structural instability, toxic air, electrical hazards, and gas leaks.
Phase 1: Emergency Board-Up (Hours 1-12)
Cost: $500-$3,000
Your home is exposed. Board-up prevents additional damage — and your insurance requires you to "mitigate further loss." A restoration company will board windows, tarp the roof, and secure the perimeter. Most bill insurance directly.
Phase 2: Insurance Call (Hours 1-24)
Call immediately. You'll get a claim number, an adjuster visit (24-72 hours), and information about Additional Living Expenses (ALE) for temporary housing.
You are NOT required to use your insurer's "preferred" restoration company. Get your own quotes.
Phase 3: Water Damage From Fire Hoses (Days 1-5)
Cost: $2,000-$8,000
The cruel irony: water used to fight the fire often causes as much damage as the fire itself. Fire hoses pump 150-250 gallons per minute. Thousands of gallons soak into your home, causing:
Saturated drywall, insulation, framing
Pooling in basements
Mold growth within 24-48 hours
Phase 4: Smoke and Soot Remediation (Days 3-14)
Cost: $3,000-$25,000
Smoke doesn't respect walls. Even untouched rooms can be coated in soot. Process includes:
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Licensed General Contractor, LEED Green Associate, 14+ years experience
Lisa Nguyen is a licensed general contractor and LEED Green Associate with 14 years of experience managing residential renovation and remodeling projects. She brings expertise in kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement finishing, and sustainable building practices.
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Smoke odour is the most underestimated part. Particles penetrate at a molecular level. One pass of ozone won't handle heavy damage.
Phase 5: Structural Assessment (Days 5-14)
Cost: $500-$2,000 for engineering assessment
A structural engineer evaluates which elements need replacement vs retention. This report becomes the blueprint for reconstruction and a critical insurance document.
Phase 6: Contents Pack-Out
Cost: $2,000-$10,000+
Salvageable items removed for off-site cleaning and storage. Some clothing can be ozone-treated. Electronics are hit or miss. Some things are gone — the kids' artwork, family quilts, the smell of home.
Phase 7: Reconstruction (Weeks to Months)
Severity
Cost
Timeline
Minor (one room)
$3,000-$15,000
4-8 weeks
Moderate (multiple rooms)
$15,000-$50,000
2-4 months
Major (structural, 50%+)
$50,000-$200,000+
6-12 months
All reconstruction must meet current Ontario Building Code.
Insurance Timeline
Day 1: Open claim
Days 2-5: Adjuster visits
Week 2-3: Coverage determination
Week 3-4: First payment (emergency + ALE)
Months 1-3: Scope negotiation
Months 3-6: Reconstruction payments
Months 6-12: Final settlement
Consider a public adjuster for claims over $30,000. They charge 10-15% but typically recover 20-50% more.
GetAHomePro connects you with IICRC-certified fire damage restoration contractors across Ontario.
FAQ
How much does fire damage restoration cost?
$3,000-$200,000+ depending on severity. Minor contained fire: $3K-$15K. Major structural: $50K-$200K+.
Does insurance cover fire damage?
Yes — fire is a standard covered peril. But the amount depends on your policy limits, deductible, and whether you have RCV or ACV coverage.
How long does fire restoration take?
Minor: 4-8 weeks. Major: 6-12 months including reconstruction.
Can I stay in my house during restoration?
Only if the fire marshal and your restoration contractor confirm it's safe. Most moderate-to-major fires require temporary relocation.
Should I use my insurance company's preferred contractor?
You're not required to. Get your own quotes and compare. Insurance-preferred vendors work for the insurer, not for you.