Quick answer: Fire damage restoration in Greater Cincinnati typically runs $4–$7 per square foot, or about $8,000–$18,000 for a standard restoration on an average home. Minor kitchen fires can be under $3,000; severe structural losses can exceed $50,000.
No two fires do the same damage, which is why fire restoration pricing spans a much wider range than a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Here's how to think about what's realistic for your situation, and what happens with your insurance along the way.
Cost by severity
National cost data consistently anchors fire damage restoration at $4–$7 per square foot, or an average of $8,000–$18,000 for the standard cleanup-plus-repair scope (HomeGuide, Fire Damage Restoration Cost, 2026). Angi's broader 2026 dataset shows an average around $27,500, with a typical range of $3,000–$52,000 once structural rebuild scope is included (Angi, 2026).
What actually drives your specific number up or down
- —Smoke type — dry smoke from paper or wood is far easier to remediate than "wet" or protein smoke from a kitchen grease fire, which penetrates surfaces and drives up cleaning cost.
- —Firefighting water damage — extinguishing a fire often adds significant water damage that needs its own extraction and structural drying, typically another $2,000–$6,000.
- —Structural involvement — damage to framing, subfloor or the roof moves the job from a restoration scope into a rebuild priced like new construction.
- —Contents and pack-out — furniture, belongings and HVAC ductwork that need to be removed, cleaned and stored during the repair add to the total.
What your insurance covers — and who you can hire
Most fire damage is a covered insurance claim rather than an out-of-pocket expense, which changes how the project gets priced and approved. Just as with storm-damaged roofs, Ohio law does not require you to use your insurance company's "preferred" contractor after a fire — see our guide to your rights as an Ohio homeowner for what you're actually entitled to choose. If firefighting created significant standing water on top of the fire damage, our first-24-hours water damage guide covers the immediate steps that limit further loss.
A contained kitchen fire that spreads smoke through the first floor of a 2,000 sq ft home is a reasonable candidate for the $8,000–$14,000 standard-restoration range. A fire that reaches framing, the roof, or multiple floors moves into rebuild territory, priced like new construction rather than restoration.
Getting a real number for your restoration
Cost guides are a planning tool, not a quote — the only way to know what your specific restoration will cost is a walkthrough and a written scope. That's how we handle every fire and storm damage restoration we take on: cleanup, structural rebuild and permits handled by one team, working directly with your insurance adjuster where needed. If budget timing matters outside of an insurance claim, we also offer homeowner financing with fixed monthly payments, subject to credit approval.
Common questions
How much does fire damage restoration cost in Cincinnati?
Most Greater Cincinnati fire damage restorations run $8,000–$18,000, or roughly $4–$7 per square foot, for standard cleanup, drying and selective repairs. Minor kitchen fires can be under $3,000; severe structural losses can exceed $50,000.
Do I have to use my insurance company's restoration contractor?
No. Ohio law does not require you to use your insurer's preferred contractor after a fire — you have the right to choose your own licensed restoration contractor.
What's the difference between smoke cleanup and full fire damage restoration?
Smoke and soot cleanup alone (no structural damage) typically runs $500–$5,000 whole-house. Full restoration adds water extraction, structural drying and selective rebuild, which is where the $4–$7 per square foot range applies.