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The most inexpensive option is to paint the brick facing of your existing fireplace. You can create an interesting design with the right color of paint, as long as the brick is in good shape. Sometimes, simply cleaning the brick fireplace makes a big difference in the way it looks. Otherwise, covering an existing stone, brick, or masonry fireplace facing with stucco or concrete is an inexpensive option versus tearing out the existing material and refacing the fireplace.

To stain brick, you should use a product specifically formulated for brick, concrete, or other masonry surfaces. These stains are designed to penetrate the porous surface of the brick and bond with it. This is different from paint, which sits on the surface and is prone to peeling, flaking, and trapping moisture that can cause damage. Water-based brick stains are often recommended because they are easy to apply, even for DIYers, and they allow the brick to breathe. Avoid using regular paint on brick, as it will not adhere properly and can lead to future maintenance problems.

You may be wondering: can you paint cement? Fortunately, the answer is yes.

To change the color of your cinder blocks, you have two options. You can either paint them or stain them. Either way, you'll be able to choose from a wide range of color options. Some popular colors for cinder block painting include off-white shades and gray tones, which add a modern spin to the traditional gray blocks.

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.