Paying for the cost of restoring your commercial building after a fire can feel like adding insult to injury. Not only have you lost inventory or expensive furnishings that must be replaced, now you have to clean and rebuild, possibly from scratch. 

At StephCo Cleaning & Restoration, we’ve helped owners restore their commercial properties after fires. We’re here to help break down the factors that will affect the total cost of cleaning and restoring your property after fire damage.

Fire Damage Cost Factors

Generally speaking, fire damage is broken down as:

• Minor: Contained to one area; light soot and smoke damage; no structural damage. Typical cost: a few thousand dollars.

• Moderate: One or more rooms; smoke damage; minor structural damage. Typical cost: low tens of thousands of dollars.

• Major: Full structural fire and damage; major water damage from fire suppression; full reconstruction required. Typical cost: tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The more minor the overall damage, the less expensive the cleaning and restoration will be.

Here are the other factors that will affect the final cost.

Square Footage

The more extensive the damage, the higher the cost. The nationwide estimate is $4 per square foot for the most basic cleanup services, and $7 or more for more comprehensive cleanup and restoration.

Origin of Fire

Not all fires are the same. A chemical fire, for example, is different than an electrical fire. What does this have to do with the total cost of cleanup and restoration?

• Electrical fires: In addition to smoke and structural damage, these fires can melt wires throughout the building. These types of fires require specialized tools and considerations during cleanup.
• Kitchen or grease fires: Grease residue will stick to most surfaces and require advanced cleaning products to fully remove.
• Chemical fires: Usually involve toxic or hazardous materials, and therefore require a high level of PPE, hazardous waste handling, and regulatory considerations.
• Mechanical or equipment fire: Mostly local damage. The greatest cost is usually replacement of machines and equipment.
• Paper fire: Mostly local damage. The greatest cost is usually the cleanup from the spread of smoke.
• Warehouse fire: Typically includes a large square footage and high replacement cost for lost inventory.

Type of Damage

Soot removal from minor fire damage to one small area will cost less than cleaning up major structural damage throughout the building. Even greasy or caked-on soot is typically cheaper to clean up than having to remove broken building pieces.

Hazardous materials also affect the cost of fire cleanup and restoration. Some fires might expose toxins such as asbestos or lead paint that was hidden in the walls or under carpets. Other fires might have been caused by hazardous chemicals that need extensive and specialized removal procedures. Anything that requires extra care or protection will add to the final cost.

Smoke Odor

Smoke particles can stick to walls and furniture for months after a fire, causing the smell to linger. Lingering smoke doesn’t only smell bad, but it can trigger health problems in those with allergies or asthma, or cause new health problems in otherwise healthy people. Professional smoke odor removal includes:

• Cleaning inside air ducts
• HEPA vacuums
• Thermal fogging treatments that absorb lingering smoke particles in the air
• Ozone treatments that break down smoke molecules with oxygen
• Hydroxyl generator, which fractures smoke molecules using UVC light

Water Damage

It’s not just the fire damage that needs cleaning. Stagnant water from the fire suppression can also raise the cost of cleaning and restoration. The longer you let the water sit, the more likely it is to create mold, mildew, and algae that can further destroy your commercial property.

The more water there is – usually from larger, more extensive fires – the larger the cleanup efforts will be. Large amounts of water also require specific equipment that can remove and dry even the most soaked-in water.

FAQ: Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Q: How long does commercial fire damage restoration take?

A: As with the cost, the amount of time it takes to fully restore a commercial building after a fire depends on several factors. Minor fire damage may take a few weeks, while major fire damage can take months or even a year.

Q: What’s included in commercial fire damage cleanup and restoration?

A: Typical cleanup and restoration will include:

• Damaged item removal
• Securing the area via boarding up or tarping
• Specialized tools and cleaning agents to remove soot and smoke particles
• Water removal and drying
• HVAC duct cleaning
• Cleaning out salvageable items
• Deodorizing

Before hiring a cleaning and restoration team, ask them for a full list of their services so you know what to expect.

Q: How soon should I call a commercial fire damage cleaning and restoration company?

A: The sooner the better. The more time soot, smoke, and water have to sit undisturbed, the more extensive the damage will become once you get started. As soon as your building is safe from further fire, call a cleanup and restoration company.

Call Stephco First After a Fire

From minor to major commercial cleaning, no one expects to deal with a fire at their property. Yet sometimes, even the best prevention efforts can’t stop unforeseen circumstances. 

Once the fire is out, don’t hesitate. Contact Stephco Cleaning & Restoration as soon as possible so we can begin cleaning and restoring your commercial property. We’re here to offer you a free, transparent estimate of the total cost of cleaning and restoration, so you can focus on getting your business back up and running.