How to Rebuild Your Home After a Fire

Rebuilding a home after a wildfire? WFCA explains the step-by-step process, costs, fire-resistant materials, and tips to rebuild and prepare for the future.

Can You Rebuild a Home After a Fire?

The type of damage a home experiences during a wildfire will impact whether it is able to be rebuilt or not. Wildfires can result in heat and burn damage, soot and smoke damage, water damage or flooding from firefighting efforts, and landscape damage.1 Another factor to consider is the safety of the local area, and any damage that may have affected the utilities or infrastructure that are necessary for people to live there. Cleaning up toxic debris and repairing damaged utilities can take months, or longer. Additionally, local planning and building codes could change following a significant fire, which would also affect the ability to rebuild.²

After determining if it is possible to rebuild after a wildfire, the next step is for a homeowner to decide if they want to rebuild. Homeowners should compare the cost of purchasing a new home with the total cost of rebuilding, which can include clean up, materials, labor, and other costs. Insurance policy limits may impact whether the entire cost is covered, or only a portion. In some situations, it may be less expensive to purchase rather than rebuild.¹

Costs Involved if Rebuilding a Home After a Fire

The cost to rebuild a home varies greatly and involves multiple factors, such as the size of the fire, the size of the home and surrounding property, type and severity of damage, and the location and accessibility of the home. On average, the cost to restore a home is $4-$7 per square foot.^3,4 Specific types of restoration can have additional costs, such as water damage cleanup, which ranges from $1,300-$5,700, and smoke damage removal, which can be $200-$1,200 per room. Nationally, the average total cost to restore a home from fire damage is $27,175.³

In addition to the cost of rebuilding the home itself, there may be extra costs to repair or replace personal belongings within a home. Removing damaged items can cost between $50 and $125 per pound. The cost to replace furniture, electronics, appliances, or other home goods will vary based on specific items purchased.⁴

In severe wildfire incidents, FEMA may make a disaster declaration which will provide financial assistance to those affected by the fire. Assistance from FEMA can include home repairs, home replacement, home accessibility, and other related costs.⁵ If a disaster declaration is made following a wildfire, information will be announced on local news sites and can also be found online.

Steps for Fire Damage Restoration

Before any restoration can be completed, the area must be safe to return to and homeowners should have clearance from local authorities. After returning to your home, there are several tasks that should be completed as part of the restoration process.

Step 1: Initial Assessment/Safety Inspection

• Contact utility companies to check on status of connections and report any damage or leaks.
• Examine landscaping, especially rocks and trees, for any hazards that need to be removed.
• Examine house for stability, including walls, roofs, and foundations.
• Check for any other health hazards within the home, such as broken glass, jagged edges, nails, or exposed wiring.
• Check for possible wild animals that entered the home during the fire.¹

Step 2: Clean Up/Debris Removal

• Depending on the level of cleanup needed, a professional may be required. After a major conflagration, or fire, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) often play an essential role in disaster response and recovery, working under the direction of FEMA and state or local governments.
• Wear protective gear and clothing, including glasses, mask, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, thick gloves, and protective footwear.
• Use an air purifier with a filter, and put water on ash-covered areas to reduce hazardous particles in the area.
• Wash walls to remove soot.
• Wash textiles including clothing, curtains, and rugs; larger items may need to be professionally cleaned.
• Clean out storage cabinets, and throw away any medications, foods, or chemicals.
• Wipe down electronics and appliances.
• Have a deep cleaning done on the HVAC system to remove any ash or debris.¹

Step 3: Construction

• Obtain any necessary permits from local authorities.
• Communicate with your homeowners’ insurance provider to determine what will be covered within your policy.
• Seek out estimates from multiple companies to compare pricing, timeline, and extent of work to be completed.
• Select a contractor or fire restoration company that is licensed, bonded, and insured, and has experience handling fire and smoke damage.⁴
• Research fire-resistant materials that can be used in the rebuilding process and discuss options with your contractor.

How Long Does It Take to Rebuild a Home Damaged from Fire?

The time it takes to rebuild a home will vary depending on the extent of the damage, the size of the fire, and the availability of materials and labor. Small repairs could be done in as little as one week, while more sizeable restorations could take months to complete.³ Homeowners should communicate with their insurance provider and contractor to stay up-to-date on any necessary timelines for rebuilding.

How to Protect Your Home from Future Fires

Following a wildfire, homeowners can take several steps to protect their homes from potential fires in the future.

• Research local building codes to determine any changes that have been made or recommended for your area.
• Create a zone of defensible space around your property to reduce the risk of wildfires spreading.
• Utilize fire-resistant materials and home hardening techniques in the rebuilding of your home to improve its ability to withstand heat, flames and smoke.
• Review your homeowners’ insurance policy to determine if any updates in coverage are needed following repairs or rebuilding.⁶