Home Improvement • FIRE DAMAGE
Fire Damage Assessment & Structural Safety Inspection
ByMichael Peterson|November 27, 2026
Our licensed fire-rebuild specialists conduct comprehensive post-fire structural inspections.
After a wildfire, hidden structural damage can compromise framing, foundations, roofing systems, and load-bearing walls. Our licensed fire-rebuild specialists conduct comprehensive post-fire structural inspections to determine whether your Palisades or Altadena home is safe to restore or requires partial or full reconstruction.
We assess:
- •Structural integrity
- •Smoke and heat damage
- •Electrical hazards
- •Foundation stability
- •Roof and attic damage
Safety comes first before any rebuild begins.
Smoke, Soot & Hazardous Material Remediation
ByMichael Peterson|November 27, 2026
Wildfire damage goes beyond visible burns. Toxic ash, smoke residue, and contaminated debris must be professionally removed before reconstruction.
Our post-fire remediation process includes:
- •Debris removal and site clearing
- •Smoke and soot decontamination
- •HEPA filtration and air purification
- •Hazardous material handling
- •Soil and surface testing (when required)
Proper cleanup ensures your rebuild meets California health and safety standards.
California Fire-Code Rebuild & Home Hardening
ByMichael Peterson|November 27, 2026
Rebuilding in Palisades and Altadena requires compliance with updated California wildfire building codes, including Chapter 7A fire-resistance standards.
We incorporate:
- •Class A fire-rated roofing systems
- •Fire-resistant siding and exterior assemblies
- •Ember-resistant vents
- •Non-combustible decking materials
- •Defensible space planning
Fire-hardening reduces future wildfire risk and improves long-term property resilience.
Full Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Replacement
Wildfires often destroy or contaminate essential home systems. Rebuilding requires safe replacement of:
- •Electrical panels and wiring
- •HVAC systems and ducting
- •Plumbing lines and fixtures
- •Gas lines and safety shutoff systems
- •Solar and battery storage (if applicable)
All systems are rebuilt to current California building codes and inspected prior to occupancy approval.
Fire-Rated Windows, Doors & Exterior Openings
Windows and doors are common wildfire vulnerability points. During fire-rebuild projects, we install:
- •Dual-pane tempered glass windows
- •Fire-rated exterior doors
- •Ember-resistant vent systems
- •Protected eaves and soffits
- •Sealed garage door assemblies
Upgrading openings significantly reduces ember intrusion and future fire exposure.
Wildfire Insurance Coordination & Rebuild Documentation
Navigating wildfire insurance claims can delay reconstruction if not managed correctly. We assist homeowners with:
- •Scope-of-loss documentation
- •Contractor estimates aligned with adjuster requirements
- •Code upgrade documentation
- •Supplemental claim coordination
- •Inspection and compliance reporting
Proper documentation helps prevent payout delays and rebuild interruptions.
Fire Rebuild Permits & Los Angeles Approval Process
Wildfire rebuilds require strict permitting compliance in Los Angeles County. Permit delays remain a major obstacle for displaced homeowners.
We support:
- •Fire rebuild permit applications
- •Plan check coordination
- •Title 24 energy compliance
- •Zoning and coastal considerations (Malibu / Palisades)
- •Final inspection approvals
Starting the permit process early can significantly reduce rebuild timelines.
MP
Michael Peterson
Contributing Writer
Michael Peterson is a licensed contractor and home renovation specialist with over 25 years of experience. Based in Los Angeles, CA, he has been writing about ADU development and construction best practices since 2010.