Best fire damage restoration services in 2024

After a devastating event like a house fire, the last thing you want to do is spend valuable time researching and choosing a fire damage restoration service. Still, finding a reputable company is necessary in order to salvage what’s left, restore a healthy atmosphere and bring you one step closer to a sense of normalcy.

Rest assured, we’ve spent hours researching fire restoration companies so you don’t have to.

Why we picked ServiceMaster Restore:

ServiceMaster Restore stands out as the top fire restoration company due to its extensive experience, services offered and widespread availability. The company was founded in 1929, making it the longest-standing company on our list. With over 850 U.S. and Canadian locations, people all over North America can benefit from its extensive experience.

The company offers nearly every type of restoration service, from fire, water and natural disasters to visible and underlying destruction and odor removal. Its vast array of services extends beyond traditional restoration to include air duct cleaning, roof repair and sewage removal. Your service can be billed directly to your homeowner’s insurance. ServiceMaster’s commitment to quality is backed by a five-year labor warranty, providing homeowners with extra peace of mind.

Despite these benefits, it’s important to note that ServiceMaster Restore locations are franchised, which means customer care, cost and overall experience may vary depending on location. The company has received mixed reviews across third-party sites, though its website features plenty of positive testimonials.

Who should use ServiceMaster Restore

ServiceMaster Restore is best for homeowners who have extensive fire damage and need immediate service. Most homeowners want to get everything back up and running as soon as possible after a house fire, and ServiceMaster Restore understands that. Human customer service representatives are available by phone 24/7, and emergency services are offered around the clock. With its widespread service area, ServiceMaster Restore is a great option for those who live in more rural areas.

Pros and cons of ServiceMaster Restore

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Cons

Why we picked PuroClean

PuroClean is a 24/7 fire damage restoration company with over 400 locations nationwide and in Puerto Rico, making it more accessible to people who need emergency services. It stands out for its widespread availability, wide range of services and quick response time (within an hour on average).

This company is known for its quality, earning several national recognitions over the years. In 2024, PuroClean received honors such as the Top Franchises Satisfaction Award by Franchise Business Review and certification by the Franchise Customer Experience Institute for “driving franchisee profitability through outstanding franchisee and consumer experience.” Its website is easy to use and enables a quick response; all you have to do is enter your zip code to be connected with your local PuroClean location or call the 24/7 local response hotline.

Even though PuroClean is a great option, it’s not perfect. The company doesn’t offer roof repair services or a labor warranty, and the quality of customer care may vary depending on your local franchise. Though it has numerous locations, PuroClean currently doesn’t serve Alaska or major cities in Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Who should use PuroClean

We recommend PuroClean to homeowners who have had extensive internal fire damage and want the utmost professionalism and quality. Despite being a franchise, PuroClean offers extensive fire and water damage restoration training to all employees, ensuring a higher level of expertise.

Pros and cons of PuroClean

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Cons

Why we picked Belfor Property Restoration

Belfor Property Restoration is a full-service water, storm and fire damage restoration company that offers around-the-clock services. The company was established in 1946 and has specialized in fire restoration since 1989. BELFOR’s longevity, vast range of services, one-year labor warranty and quick response time (one to two hours) helped it secure the third spot in our ranking of best fire damage restoration services.

This company stands out for its unique restoration services. Belfor offers corrosion control and electronics restoration, a process that involves specialty teams working to remove smoke, soot, acid and water from machinery and electrical equipment, including computers. The company may even recover important documents or sentimental photos and books through its document restoration services. Plus, it’s certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and is a member of the Risk Management Society (RIMS).

That said, Belfor isn’t perfect. The biggest issue we found is that Belfor’s website was slow to respond while we were trying to obtain a quote. It’s also worth noting that Belfor is franchised, so quality and cost may vary by location.

Who should use Belfor Property Restoration

Belfor Property Restoration is a great company for any homeowner, but specifically for those who have more unique fire restoration needs. We suggest giving Belfor a call if you have important documents, photos, books or electronics you hope to salvage from water or fire damage.

Pros and cons of Belfor Property Restoration

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Cons

Why we picked Paul Davis Restoration

Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling promises a response within 30 minutes and arrival within four hours, earning it the fastest response time on our list. It offers 24/7 service and can handle any type of restoration, including wind and storm damage and document cleaning. The Florida-headquartered company boasts over six decades of business experience and has more than 300 locations in 47 states and Canada.

As a full-service restoration and general contracting company, Paul Davis Restoration can go beyond traditional restoration and cleaning services to fully bring your home back to its former glory, which not all emergency restoration companies can do. Each location offers full home remodeling, with experts available to help design, construct and install your desired projects. You can call them at any time for a complimentary consultation.

Despite all its advantages, Paul Davis Restoration isn’t for everyone. It’s not available in Alaska, Hawaii or North Dakota, and because it’s a franchise with locally owned offices, service and cost may vary by location. Additionally, Paul Davis has received mixed online reviews.

Who should use Paul Davis Restoration

Because Paul Davis Restoration jointly specializes in restoration and remodeling, it’s available to handle contracting-related services along with fire damage repair. This makes it a great option for homeowners looking for a one-stop shop to bring their home back to its previous state.

Pros and cons of Paul Davis Restoration

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Cons

Why we picked Rainbow Restoration

​​Rainbow Restoration stands out as a top choice for fire damage restoration due partly to its two-hour emergency response time and round-the-clock customer support. The company has offered end-to-end restoration and reconstruction services for over four decades and now serves homeowners in 45 states.

All 400 Rainbow Restoration locations offer 24/7 emergency response for all water and fire restoration needs, including more specific offerings like grout and tile cleaning. The company also offers remodeling services. For extra peace of mind, the Rainbow Restoration company is certified by the IICRC and the Restoration Industry Association (RIA).

Even though Rainbow Restoration has great perks, it lacks roof repair offerings and doesn’t back labor with a warranty. The company has received mixed reviews online, but as it is a franchised company, quality may vary depending on where you live.

Who should use ​​Rainbow Restoration

Rainbow Restoration is a great company for homeowners who are in need of quick, complete damage restoration services. The company’s extensive experience and all-in-one offerings make it a reliable option for many customers.

Pros and cons of Rainbow Restoration

Pros

Cons

What didn’t make the cut

Our honorable mentions include 911 Restoration, COIT Cleaning and Restoration and Blackmon Mooring & BMS CAT. Below, we highlight some of the pros and cons of these companies.

What does the fire damage restoration process look like?

The fire damage restoration process is systematic, so it will likely look similar no matter which company you choose. Here’s a detailed look at the seven steps involved in fire restoration:

Step 1: Contact

The process begins with calling a professional fire damage restoration service. Many companies provide 24/7 service and will come to survey your home within a few hours. In the meantime, try to stay out of your home and avoid touching or moving anything, as it could be dangerous. Plus, your chances of salvaging your possessions are much higher if you leave it to the pros.

Step 2: Inspection and assessment

Restoration experts will conduct a detailed inspection and assessment of your property’s condition. This will include evaluating the extent of the fire, smoke and water damage to your home and possessions to determine what is salvageable and creating a customized restoration plan. The restoration service may include taking photos to send to your insurance company. If not, you will need to document this yourself to file a claim.

Step 3: Property security and debris removal

Next, fire restoration experts will secure your property to prevent further damage. This may involve boarding windows and doors, putting tarps on damaged roofs or installing fencing around the perimeter. If certain areas of the home were not affected, this process will involve sealing off the affected rooms to minimize contamination. Debris from the fire will also be properly removed and cleaned out of the home during this stage.

Step 4: Demolition and water removal

If the firefighting efforts involve water, the next step is to remove the water and dry out affected areas. The goal is to protect your property from further damage due to corrosion or mold. Water-logged drywall, insulation and flooring will be demolished and removed as necessary. Experts may also use industrial-grade humidifiers and air movers during this stage to speed up the process and prevent mold growth.

Step 5: Smoke and soot clean up

Once your home is dry, specialized equipment is used to clean smoke, soot and debris from air ducts, walls, ceilings and other affected surfaces. The clean up process may involve applying chemicals to halt mold growth. After cleanup is complete, deodorizing agents will be used to remove lingering smoke odors.

Step 6: Possession repair and restoration

Now that everything is safe and cleaned up, the restoration can begin. Experts will work to save any items deemed salvageable during assessment using tools like industrial air scrubbers and fog equipment.

Step 7: Restoration and home repairs

Once the items have been tended to, the final step involves repairing the home or property to its pre-fire condition. This may involve rebuilding or remodeling damaged structures, rewiring electrical systems, replacing drywall, painting, flooring and any other necessary maintenance.

How much does fire damage restoration cost?

Fire damage restoration can cost anywhere between $1,300 to $205,000 because it’s highly dependent on the extent of the damage, the services required and the size of the affected area. For example, a minor soot and smoke clean will be much less expensive than restoring structural damage caused by a large house fire.

Fire damage restoration cost factors

The cost of fire damage restoration varies based on several factors. Understanding these can help you better budget and compare estimates with accuracy.

Type of fire

There are five different types of fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association, classified based on the types of materials that burn.

Each requires a different cleanup approach and, therefore, a different cost. For example, a Class A fire typically involves debris removal and structural repairs, while a Class C fire requires ventilation strategies and gas detection systems.

Extent of fire damage

Restoration costs for a small kitchen fire will likely be less than for a large house fire that spreads to multiple rooms or floors. Larger fires generally cause more damage and require more time and effort to clean.

The extent of damage generally also correlates with different types of treatments being needed. For example, clean water costs less to remediate compared to gray water (contaminated by household chemicals) and black water (contaminated by sewage). Similarly, the cost of cleaning dry soot is less than that of oily soot from grease fires.

Home size

Fire restoration companies ask for your home’s square footage when determining your service quote. On average, fire restoration costs between $4 and $6.50 per square foot.

Home location

The cost of restoration will vary based on local rates for materials, labor, taxes and other factors. Travel time for the fire restoration company may also have an impact on the cost of service.

Insurance coverage

The cost you pay out of pocket for fire damage restoration services will depend on the type of insurance policy you have. Your chosen fire restoration company will likely work directly with your insurance company, but be sure to ask upfront to make sure you understand the process.

What to look for when hiring a fire damage restoration company

When hiring a fire damage restoration company, it’s important to ask questions and do your research to ensure you’re receiving the best service.

DIY fire damage restoration vs. hiring a professional

When deciding whether to handle your fire damage restoration yourself or hire a pro, there are several factors to consider.

Health and safety risks

You must understand that handling fire restoration yourself can be a considerable risk. Fire damage and damage from putting out the flames (water, chemicals, etc.) can be more extensive than they might look. Without the proper knowledge and tools, you might miss hidden dangers or fail to completely remove dangerous residue, which can lead to long-term structural issues or health problems.

Additionally, cleaning up after a fire involves dealing with hazardous fumes and residues, which can put you at risk if you don’t have the proper protective equipment.

Experience level

Fire restoration professionals understand fire behavior, smoke damage and proper cleaning techniques. Many undergo extensive training and certifications to ensure this is done properly and efficiently. Without proper knowledge, you risk causing further damage if you do DIY fire damage restoration.

Time consuming

Fire restoration and cleanup can be time-consuming — taking between several days to several months on average — depending on the size of the fire and the extent of the damage. Consider the time you can devote to fire restoration and if it’s worth the money you may save from hiring professionals.

Insurance claim process

Filing insurance claims after a house fire can be complicated, but professional fire restoration companies often handle this process for you. A typical fire restoration service will conduct a thorough fire damage assessment, take photos and facilitate the claims process with your insurance company.

DIY fire cleanup tips

While it’s best to have professionals come out for a fire assessment, there are some elements of the fire restoration process you can DIY. The Red Cross shares the following tips for how to clean up and remove smoke odor:

The organization suggests wearing protective clothing, including rubber gloves or work gloves and heavy-soled shoes during DIY fire clean up.

Methodology

FAQs