Rebuild FAQ

Yes. California law (SB 63, AB 2295) prohibits local governments from banning reconstruction of fire-damaged homes. You have the right to rebuild on your lot.

Most rebuilds take 18 months to 3 years from debris clearance. The biggest variables are permit processing time, contractor availability, and insurance settlement speed.

California requires 100 feet of defensible space around any structure in a fire hazard zone — 0–30 ft is a 'lean, clean, green' zone; 30–100 ft reduces fuel. CAL FIRE inspects compliance.

No. California law (Gov. Code 65852.25) allows you to rebuild up to 110% of the original square footage on the same footprint, and many jurisdictions allow design changes.

In most LA County areas, yes — up to 110% of original sq footage under state law, and some local fast-track programs allow more. Confirm with your jurisdiction.

In LA County, expect $300–$850+ per square foot depending on home style, lot conditions, and finish level. A 2,000 sq ft home typically runs $400,000–$900,000 all-in. Modern and hillside homes cost more; farmhouse and craftsman styles tend to come in lower. Fire-hardening requirements (Chapter 7A) add $25,000–$55,000 to most rebuilds regardless of style. Our cost guides break this down by home style.

Usually not entirely. Most homeowners discover a gap between their insurance settlement and actual rebuild costs — often 15–35%. This happens because policies were written years ago when construction costs were lower, and because custom elements are hard to value accurately. If you have a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy, you are entitled to current replacement cost. If you have an Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy, the payout is reduced for depreciation. Documenting your home's features thoroughly before accepting any settlement is critical.

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents you (not the insurance company) in negotiating your claim. They typically charge 10–15% of your settlement. Research suggests they recover 20–50% more than unrepresented homeowners on large claims. Consider hiring one if your initial estimate seems low, your claim is complex, or your insurer is being unresponsive. Verify their license at the California Department of Insurance website before hiring.

ALE stands for Additional Living Expenses — also called Loss of Use. It covers the difference between what you normally spend to live and what you're spending now that you're displaced (rent, hotels, extra meals, storage, pet boarding). California law requires ALE for at least 24 months, and longer if your rebuild takes more time. Keep every receipt and submit them to your insurer regularly. Most homeowners leave significant ALE money unclaimed simply by not documenting expenses.

Properties in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas — including Altadena and Pacific Palisades — must meet Chapter 7A of the California Building Code. This requires ignition-resistant roofing (Class A), ember-resistant vents, multi-pane tempered windows, ignition-resistant exterior siding, and non-combustible materials within 5 feet of the structure. These requirements are mandatory for permit approval and add $25,000–$55,000 to most rebuilds.

Yes, and it's an excellent time to do it. Permitting an ADU alongside your main house is often faster and cheaper than adding one later. LA County's Bundled Projects Pilot allows you to submit both applications together. An ADU typically adds $250–$600/sq ft depending on size and complexity. Some homeowners use ADU rental income to offset mortgage or reconstruction loan costs. Notify your insurance company before breaking ground — ADUs may require a policy rider.

Yes. You are not required to recreate your original floor plan. You can reconfigure rooms, move walls, add or remove features, and change the layout entirely — as long as you stay within allowable square footage and meet current building codes. Some fast-track permit programs (designed for identical rebuilds) may not apply if you significantly change the design, so confirm with your jurisdiction before finalizing plans.

Under LA County's fast-track program for fire rebuilds, like-for-like projects (same footprint, up to 200 sq ft larger) can be approved in 1–3 business days. More complex projects or custom designs typically take 4–8 weeks. As of early 2026, LA County has issued 2,600+ fire rebuild permits with ~3,340 still under review. Submitting a complete application — with all required documents — is the single most important thing you can do to avoid delays.

Post-disaster contractor fraud is real. Always verify a contractor's license is current at CSLB.ca.gov before signing anything. Look for contractors with specific California rebuild experience — not just general construction. Be wary of contractors who approach you unsolicited or ask for large upfront payments (10% deposit is normal; 50% upfront is a red flag). Ask for references from recent fire rebuild projects and call them. Our vetted contractor network connects you with builders who specialize specifically in post-wildfire rebuilds.

This is a personal and financial decision, but a few data points: fire-damaged lots in Altadena and Pacific Palisades have been selling for 60–85% of pre-fire land value, suggesting the market values rebuilding potential. If you have strong insurance coverage and a good contractor, rebuilding often comes out ahead financially — and you end up with a modern, fire-hardened home. Selling makes more sense if you're underinsured, ready to move to a different area, or simply don't want the rebuild process. Either way, don't rush the decision.