How Much Does Fire Damage Repair Cost?

Fire damage can cause both financial and emotional stress, but knowing what to expect in costs can help you plan ahead. The typical cost to repair fire damage averages between £2,000 and £15,000, depending on the severity and size of the affected area. For significant structural repairs, costs can easily exceed £50,000. Let’s break this down so you know exactly what impacts these expenses and how to budget for them.

How common are house fires in the UK?

According to the Home Office fire statistics, there are more than 34,000 house fires in the UK per year, roughly 93 fires a day, or one every 15 minutes. Cooking appliances are the leading cause, accounting for 44% of all house fires.

• Dwelling fires accounted for 78% of all fire-related fatalities, according to MHCLG data.
• Around 40% of fire-related deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
• On a more positive note, 92% of households now have a working smoke alarm as of March 2024, according to the English Housing Survey.

What does fire damage repair cost?

Fire damage restoration costs can range from £1,500 for minor incidents to over £50,000 for severe cases. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at each level:

Damage level	What it typically involves	Estimated cost
Minor	Smoke cleaning, repainting, replacing small items	£2,000–£5,000
Moderate	Water damage from firefighting, room rebuilds, electrics	£10,000–£25,000
Severe	Structural repairs, full or partial rebuild	£50,000+

According to Checkatrade, the average professional fire damage clean-up in the UK costs between £5,000 and £6,500. For a full restoration project including rebuilding and repairs, the average can be as high as £35,681 if the property is salvageable.

It’s also worth noting that secondary water damage from firefighting efforts can rival the fire clean-up cost itself, so the full bill is often higher than the visible fire damage alone suggests.

If you’re looking for a ballpark on hourly rates, fire damage experts typically charge between £50 and £70 per hour, with London and the South East sitting considerably higher than the rest of the UK.

Factors affecting the cost

Here are some of the main things that will influence how much fire damage repairs will cost:

• Extent of damage: Small isolated fires cost considerably less than full room losses.
• Type of fire: Tough smoke residues from kitchen grease fires take more time and specialist chemicals to treat than a quick surface scorch.
• Secondary water damage: Water used to extinguish the fire can soak into walls, floors, and timber, adding significantly to the repair bill. Our guide on escape of water covers what this involves.
• Property size and age: Larger homes and older properties generally require more extensive work.
• Location: Labour costs in London and the South East are typically higher than elsewhere in the UK.
• Structural involvement: The biggest cost is structural remediation, which may be needed if fire has compromised walls and roofing to the point where they are unsafe.

Does home insurance cover fire damage?

Most home insurance policies in the UK cover fire damage, but it’s important to understand your specific policy. Before starting any repairs, contact your insurer to confirm what’s covered and whether you need to use approved contractors.

When you make a claim, you’ll typically need to provide:

• Photos and videos of all damage
• A description of what happened and when
• A list of damaged or destroyed items
• Receipts for any emergency repairs already carried out

For substantial claims, your insurer will appoint a loss adjuster to inspect the property, assess the extent of damage, and ensure the claim aligns with your policy. Don’t dispose of any damaged items until they’ve been assessed.

With Lemonade’s buildings and contents insurance, fire is a covered peril. You can make a claim directly through the app at any time. If your home is uninhabitable while repairs are carried out, check whether your policy includes alternative accommodation cover. Many do.

Why you shouldn’t attempt fire damage clean-up yourself

It can be tempting to start cleaning up straight away, but professional restoration is strongly recommended for anything beyond the most minor smoke damage.

Soot and smoke contain hazardous chemicals and carcinogens. Without the right protective equipment, you’re putting your health at risk. According to the NHS, household cleaners aren’t designed to combat the acidic nature of soot, and you may spread contamination rather than remove it, causing further damage to surfaces.

Structural repairs must be done by professionals to ensure the safety of occupants. If you’re unsure whether your home is safe to re-enter after a fire, wait until the fire brigade or a structural engineer has confirmed it’s clear.

Choosing a reliable contractor

To avoid being caught out by dodgy contractors, make sure to get quotes from at least three reputable firms. Check reviews, ask for recommendations from friends or family, and verify credentials such as trade memberships or insurance cover. Never pay the full price upfront, and always have a written contract in place outlining the scope of work and agreed costs.

How to reduce the risk of fire at home

Prevention is always preferable to repair. A few steps go a long way:

• Test your smoke alarms regularly
• Never leave cooking unattended
• Check your electrics
• Don’t overload sockets
• Use candles safely.

For a broader overview, our guide on how to reduce the risk of fire at home brings it all together.

Before we go

If your home is affected by fire, contact your insurer straight away, document everything thoroughly, and get professional help in as soon as it’s safe to do so. Don’t start permanent repairs until your insurer has assessed the damage and confirmed cover.

With Lemonade’s building and contents insurance, fire is covered as a named peril from day one.

Fire damage repair cost FAQs