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Rebuilding After the Eaton Canyon Wildfire: How to Choose the Right Architect, Contractor, and Design Team

  • mtewasart
  • Aug 6
  • 3 min read

If your home was damaged or destroyed in the Eaton Canyon or the Pacific Palisades Wildfires, you're not alone — and you don’t have to navigate the rebuilding process by yourself. Whether you're just starting or already working with an architect, this guide will help you understand what to look for when choosing the right team to rebuild your home after a wildfire.


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Step 1: Find an Architect Familiar with Local Rebuilding Requirements


When rebuilding after a wildfire, it’s important to work with an architect who understands:

  • California Residential Code (CRC) also known as Title 24, Part 2.5. CRC includes regulations for structural design, fire safety, energy efficiency, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems

  • The Permitting Process for Los Angeles County. As of the date of this blog, LA County’s turn around time is an average of 30 days, and delays can arise from incomplete applications or issues with compliance.


Tip: Familiarity with local permitting, defensible space requirements, and the ability to collaborate with your broader team will ensure your reconstruction runs smoothly.



Step 2: Don’t Overlook Interior and Landscape Design


Depending on your project, you may want to bring in:

  • An interior designer or design consultant to help with finishes, lighting, and layout

  • A landscape architect or experienced GC to design fire-safe outdoor spaces and erosion control


Interior design or landscape design is not automatically included in the scope of work. Whether you are working with an architect or a general contractor, be sure to ask if they offer these services.


Example: If you plan to rebuild a backyard with a pool, indoor/outdoor living, outdoor kitchen, or fire pit, you’ll need a consultant with the expertise to advise you and who can coordinate with your team to meet fire safety guidelines..



Step 3: Budget for Specialty Features and Consultants


If you plan to rebuild with customization for your home, it means you are thinking beyond the basics. Be sure to include these in your budget for your smart home:

  • Swimming pool design and engineering

  • Fireproof safes for valuables and documents (consult a safe expert)

  • Smart home systems (security, solar, backup power)

  • Custom features like wine cellars, home gyms, or media rooms

  • IOT technology appliances and home automation will require an electrical consultant.


Pro Tip: Ask early so you can plan accordingly.



Step 4: Choose a General Contractor You Can Trust


Your general contractor (GC) will be your partner throughout the rebuild. Look for a builder who:

  • Has experience with home construction in Southern California

  • Can coordinate with your architect, designers, and specialty consultants

  • Offers transparent pricing, scheduling, and communication

  • Provide references


Red Flag: Avoid contractors who promise fast timelines without reviewing your plans or permits, do not provide a breakdown of their services, and use technical terms without explaining their meaning in a manner you can understand.


Rebuilding after a wildfire is a deeply personal and often overwhelming journey—but with the right team, it becomes a manageable and even empowering process. By choosing professionals who understand local codes, offer collaborative design services, and bring transparency to construction, you’re setting the foundation for a safer, smarter, and more resilient home.


Whether you're working with an architect, a general contractor, or a full-service design-build team, asking the right questions early will help you avoid costly delays and ensure your vision becomes a reality. Your home is more than a structure, it's your sanctuary. Choose a team that treats it that way.


Brascia Builders: A Trusted Partner in Wildfire Recovery

 
 
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