Homeowner’s Rebuild Checklist

Step 1: Secure Housing & Financial Assistance

✅ Contact your insurance company

• Ask about replacement cost vs. actual cash value payouts

• Request advance payments if available

• Confirm coverage for temporary housing and living expenses

✅ Apply for financial aid

• FEMA Disaster Assistance (www.disasterassistance.gov)

• SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loans (www.sba.gov)

• State and local rebuilding grants

✅ Find temporary housing

• Live in an RV, mobile home, or modular home on your property (approved for 3+ years)

• Rent a unit (rent price protections are in effect)

• Stay in FEMA housing or a temporary community site

✅ Set a realistic budget

• Estimate rebuild costs ($500–$1000 per sq. ft. depending on materials and labor)

• Factor in permits, debris removal, and upgrades required by code

• Track out-of-pocket expenses for potential reimbursements

Step 2: Begin the Rebuilding Process

✅ Visit the Disaster Recovery Permitting Center

• Located in fire-affected areas for fast-tracked approvals

• Representatives from Building & Safety, Public Works, Planning, and Utility Departments will assist you

✅ Start the permit process (fast-tracked to 30 days)

• Get a building permit for your home

• Apply for utility reconnections (approved in 5 days)

• Ensure engineering and environmental assessments are completed

✅ Understand zoning and rebuilding options

• "Like-for-like" homes (up to 110% of original size) can be rebuilt without extra approvals

• Larger expansions will need to follow current zoning codes

✅ Decide on your construction method

• Traditional rebuild (stick-built home)

• Modular/prefabricated home (faster and more cost-effective)

• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) (can be built before the main home)

✅ Prepare for construction costs

• Demolition and debris removal

• Upgrading to fire-resistant materials (some may qualify for insurance discounts)

• Labor costs and contractor fees

Step 3: Hire a Reputable Contractor & Protect Yourself

✅ Find a licensed contractor

• Verify at CSLB.ca.gov

• Check reviews, references, and recent work

• Ensure they carry liability insurance and workers’ comp

✅ Get multiple bids

• Obtain at least 3 written estimates

• Watch out for bids that are too high or too low

✅ Review the contract carefully

• Clearly define scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and materials

• Ensure permits and inspections are part of the agreement

• Never pay in full upfront (a deposit of 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, is standard)

✅ Be aware of scams

• Avoid contractors who demand full payment upfront

• Be cautious of door-to-door offers in disaster zones

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

Step 4: Build a Fire-Resilient, Code-Compliant Home

✅ Use fire-resistant materials

• Roofing: Metal, tile, or fire-resistant asphalt shingles

• Siding: Fiber cement, stucco, or stone (instead of wood)

• Windows: Double-pane tempered glass with fire-rated frames

• Decking: Composite or concrete (instead of wood)

✅ Follow new fire safety building codes

• Sprinkler systems (required in new homes)

• Ember-resistant vents (protects against flying embers)

• Defensible space landscaping (maintain 100 feet of cleared area around your home)

✅ Plan for long-term sustainability

• Solar panels + battery backup (reduces reliance on power grid)

• Rainwater collection & fire-resistant landscaping

• Passive house design for energy efficiency

Step 5: Stay on Track & Finalize Your Rebuild

✅ Monitor progress & inspections

• Schedule city inspections (within 2 business days)

• Keep detailed records of all costs and communications

✅ Prepare for move-in

• Secure a certificate of occupancy

• Transfer utilities, mail, and insurance policies

• Complete final walk-through with the contractor

✅ Know your post-rebuild rights

• Ensure all warranties for materials and workmanship are documented

• If issues arise, report problems to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

Final Notes

✔ Start early – The faster you begin permits and hire professionals, the better.
✔ Stay informed – Attend community meetings and check for updates on rebuilding resources.
✔ Protect yourself – Be aware of contractor scams and predatory lenders.