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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.

Limewash and whitewash are two techniques used to give brick a light, matte finish, but they differ in composition, application, and permanence. The best choice depends on your aesthetic goals and the specific surface.

Composition

• Limewash: A natural and environmentally friendly option made from limestone, water, and sometimes pigments. It is breathable and soaks into porous surfaces like brick.

• Whitewash: Traditionally made from lime, water, chalk, and binders, but a similar look can be achieved with watered-down white paint. It is paint-based and sits on top of the surface.

Appearance and Finish

• Limewash: Provides a natural, textured appearance that allows the brick's character to show through. It offers a more traditional finish.

• Whitewash: Creates a softer, more opaque finish, often used for a rustic or shabby-chic style.

Application and Permanence

• Limewash: Is semi-permanent and can be removed, making it a good choice if you might want to change the look in the future. It requires more skill to apply and cannot be used on previously painted brick.

• Whitewash: Is a more permanent solution. It is more forgiving to apply and can be used on painted brick. However, because it sits on the surface, it can trap moisture.

Ultimately, if you want a breathable, natural, and reversible finish for unpainted brick, limewash is a great option. If you need a more permanent, opaque coating that can be applied over painted surfaces, whitewash is the better choice. Whitewashing may also be more economical, costing approximately $1.40 to $4.20 per square foot.

If you already have the tools, like a miter saw, a stud finder, and a nail gun or hammer, installing shiplap costs $500 to $1,000 for supplies. You’ll also spend $200 to $2,200 for the cost of an electric fireplace if you decide to add one into your setup.

You can also hire a carpenter for $35 to $100 per hour, plus the cost of materials, to install shiplap around your fireplace. If you need help installing a fireplace before adding the shiplap, labor can cost $225 to $2,180 for fireplace installation costs. 

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.