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In many cases, homeowners insurance covers smoke damage remediation, but coverage depends on the cause of the damage and the specifics of your policy. Typically, damage from a house fire, wildfire, or even a fire in a neighboring home is covered. However, damage from cigarette smoke is generally not covered.

Before filing a claim, review your policy to understand what is covered, such as restoration costs, replacement of damaged items, and temporary relocation. It's crucial to document all damage thoroughly, including to furniture and personal belongings. Contact your insurance provider promptly to start the claim process and get an evaluation before hiring professionals. Your insurer may also provide a list of approved smoke remediation companies to streamline the process.

You may need to replace drywall because of smoke damage. If the drywall is covered in soot, you may be able to clean it, but it will require a lot of time and effort. You could spend hours cleaning the drywall only to find there is more damage and it needs to be replaced anyway. It’s usually easier and safer to remove the smoke-damaged drywall and replace it.

The timeline for smoke damage remediation can range from a single day to several months, depending on the extent of the damage, the size of the affected area, and the methods used. For minor damage, such as removing cigarette smoke odors from a single room, the process might take only one to two days and typically involves deep cleaning, painting, and sealing walls. Some methods, like ozone treatments, can take 24 to 48 hours, though multiple treatments may be necessary. More extensive smoke damage, such as from a house fire, can take three weeks or longer to clean and treat. If significant material restoration or replacement is needed, the timeline can extend to six to 12 months. A smoke damage restoration professional can provide a more accurate estimate for your specific situation.

Hard materials like glass, metal, and hardwood floors, washable fabrics, and undamaged electrical appliances can often be salvaged after a fire, although it depends on the extent of the damage. For washable fabrics, make sure to use a phosphate mix during the washing process to extract the smoke smell. There are a few things you should throw away after a fire, like canned foods and cosmetics, even if they don’t look like they’re damaged.