CoSTA Rebuild
LA FIRE RECOVERY
Contents
The recent fires in Los Angeles have left a lasting impact on our community, affecting countless families, homes, and businesses. At Costa Custom Homes, we stand with our neighbors during this time of rebuilding and recovery. We understand the immense challenges ahead and are here to offer guidance and support. Our team has put together a comprehensive guide on fire recovery in Los Angeles, including rebuilding options, wildfire insurance claims, and sustainable home design. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
LOS ANGELES FIRE RECOVERY: STEPS TO REBUILD YOUR HOME AFTER A WILDFIRE
1. Assess the Situation and Ensure Safety
- Secure the Property: Ensure the site is safe to enter. Hire professionals to assess the structural integrity and remove hazardous materials like asbestos or fallen debris. Please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re happy to connect you with qualified and trusted companies.
- Obtain Temporary Shelter: If the home is uninhabitable, arrange for temporary housing for yourself and your family, which may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance (via Additional Living Expenses). Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply for federal aid.
- Document Damage: Take photos and videos of the damage. This will be important for insurance claims, legal purposes, and obtaining necessary permits for rebuilding.
2. Contact Your Insurance Provider
- File a Claim: Report the fire damage to your insurance company immediately. Provide them with detailed documentation (photos, lists of damaged items, and any fire reports).
- Meet with an Adjuster: The insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the damage. Be prepared to discuss the damage, loss of property, and the extent of repairs needed.
- Obtain Coverage Information: Clarify what’s covered by your policy (structural damage, personal property, temporary living costs, etc.) and review your deductible, coverage limits, and any exclusions.
3. Gather Permits and Plan for Reconstruction
- Apply for Necessary Permits: You will need permits for rebuilding (e.g., building, electrical, plumbing). Contact the City of Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety to understand which permits are required. To ensure a smooth rebuilding process, visit our permit requirements page for detailed information on the permits you’ll need to get started. In response to the wildfire devastation, the City of Los Angeles (City), Mayor Bass issued Emergency Executive Order No. 1 on Jan. 13, 2025 (LA Order) in order to streamline the approval processes for reconstruction of properties damaged by wildfire, mirroring the focus of the governor’s orders
- Hire Professionals: Consider hiring an architect or structural engineer to design the plans for rebuilding. This is especially important if your home needs to be redesigned to meet updated building codes or fire-resistant standards.
- Plan for Fire-Resistant Construction: While re-building, you may need to use fire-resistant materials or implement fire-safe landscaping practices.
- Consult Contractors: Get estimates from contractors for the rebuilding work. Ensure they are licensed, insured, and experienced with fire rebuilds. Choose a contractor that can manage the rebuilding process efficiently.
4. Demolition and Cleanup
- Demolish Damaged Structure: Usually, if the home is a total loss, it may need to be demolished before rebuilding. However, according to Los Angeles City Mayor Bass’ Emergency Executive Order no.1, issued on January 13, 2025, demolishing for fire damaged buildings can occur without the need for fire permits.
- Remove Hazardous Materials: Ensure the removal of hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead, if present in the building. Environmental regulations will need to be followed during the cleanup process. Additionally, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an executive order providing emergency measures for areas affected by fires in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. It includes suspensions of certain regulations to facilitate faster recovery, including temporary waivers on vehicle registration, environmental rules for debris cleanup, and health facility requirements. These provisions aim to support residents, businesses, and recovery efforts through streamlined processes. You can view the full details of the Executive Order N-2-24 here.
- Clear the Site: Once demolition is complete, the site should be cleared of debris and prepared for construction. A grading permit may be required if you need to level or prepare the land for the new foundation.
Please review our rebuild permit guidance for more information.
5. Rebuilding the Structure
- Foundation Work: If the foundation is still intact and safe, repairs or reinforcement may be necessary. If it was damaged, a new foundation will be laid.
- Framing and Structural Work: Once the foundation is ready, the framing of the house begins, which includes the installation of walls, roof, windows, and doors.
- Utilities Installation: Reconnect or install utilities such as electricity, water, sewer, gas, and HVAC systems. This requires separate permits and inspections.
- Fire-Resistant Materials: Given California’s fire risks, your new home will need to use fire-resistant materials such as concrete, metal, or fire-resistant wood for construction.
At Cōsta Custom Homes, we take a personalized, thoughtful approach to every project, ensuring that each step of the rebuilding process aligns with your unique needs and vision. Learn more about our approach.
6. Interior Work
- Insulation and Drywall: Once the basic structure is in place, insulation, drywall, and other interior elements will be installed.
- Plumbing and Electrical Systems: >The new plumbing and electrical systems will be installed and need to be inspected before proceeding with further construction.
- Flooring and Finishes: Once the systems are in place, the next steps are flooring, cabinetry, countertops, painting, and other finishing touches.
- Kitchen and Bathroom Installations: Final installations of kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, and other elements will be done.
7. Inspections and Approvals
- Building Inspections: Throughout the construction process, your contractor will need to schedule inspections for the various stages (foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, etc.). These inspections ensure that the work complies with local building codes.
- Final Inspection: After the construction is complete, a final inspection will be conducted to ensure everything is up to code and safe to occupy.
- Certificate of Occupancy: Once the final inspection is passed, you will receive a certificate of occupancy, which legally certifies that the house is ready for move-in.
8. Move Back In and Finalize Details
- Review Insurance Policy: Once the rebuild is complete, update your homeowner’s insurance to reflect the new value of the property and any additional coverage needs.
- Move In: Once the home is inspected and approved, you can move back in.
- Keep Documentation: Retain copies of all documents related to the rebuild, including permits, contracts, insurance claims, and receipts for tax and legal purposes.
9. Restoration and Landscaping
- Landscaping: Rebuild any landscaping elements that were lost in the fire, making sure to follow fire-safe landscaping guidelines to minimize future risk.
- Restore Outdoor Structures: If you had additional structures like sheds, fences, or garages, they can be rebuilt at this stage as well.
CURRENT LA FIRE RESOURCES
Donate and Follow for Updates
- Follow LAFD for resources and up-to-date information: @losangelesfiredepartment
and @lafdfoundation - Download the Watch Duty App for real-time updates and alerts with maps: @watchdutyapp
LA Area Shelters
- Westwood Recreation Center 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles (Pets accepted) map
- Pasadena Civic Auditorium 300 E Green St., Pasadena map
- El Camino Real Charter High School 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills map
- Ritchie Valens Recreation Center 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima map
- Sepulveda Recreation Center 8825 Kester Ave., Panorama City map
Additional Support
- Review Insurance Policy: Once the rebuild is complete, update your homeowner’s insurance to reflect the new value of the property and any additional coverage needs.
- Keep Documentation: Retain copies of all documents related to the rebuild, including permits, contracts, insurance claims, and receipts for tax and legal purposes.
Let’s Rebuild Together
While the road to recovery may seem daunting, it is also an opportunity to rebuild stronger and more resilient homes and communities. At Costa Custom Homes, we are committed to assisting homeowners across Los Angeles with thoughtful, sustainable design solutions that honor the past while embracing the future.
If you have any questions, need assistance, or just need some free advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Together, we will rebuild and restore the vibrant spirit of our community.
