Restoring the Palisades
Below are resources for L.A. homeowners embarking on the rebuilding process after the wildfires—offering an outline of the essential steps to take during recovery. This online resource, developed by the Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA), features a carefully curated list of verified general contractors and architects, all with active licenses, who are prepared and eager to assist homeowners throughout Los Angeles County. These experienced professionals are equipped to guide residents through every stage of the rebuilding journey, ensuring that homes are restored efficiently, safely, and in compliance with updated standards.
Compliance and Planning: Insurance, Lender, and Home Documentation
Review your insurance coverage limits and if areas such as required building code upgrades are included. In addition, mortgage lenders may have specific requirements. Each party has its own set of requirements regarding how claims and funding are processed. Insurance companies typically have specific guidelines for assessing damage, filing claims, and releasing funds for repairs or rebuilding, while lenders may require proof of contractor insurance coverage or specific steps to be taken as the rebuilding work progresses. It’s important to understand these requirements thoroughly, as navigating them is essential for a smooth recovery.
Before meeting with an architect or designer, homeowners can request their plans via email at records.ladbs@lacity.org and at the One-Stop Rebuilding Center in person. Government issued ID, a copy of the property’s recorded deed, and completion of this form are required to obtain plans. Ideally, you should obtain the original drawings (i.e. plan specifications) of your home prior to the rebuilding and permitting process.
Choosing and Onboarding the Right Professionals: Architect, Designer, and Contractor
Deciding between an architect, building designer, or general contractor depends on the scope of your project and your specific needs. If your project involves custom designs or major structural changes, an architect is the best choice, as they are trained to navigate complex design challenges and ensure compliance with building codes. Building designers, who are typically unlicensed and limited to single-family homes, can be ideal for simpler designs but need to collaborate with licensed engineers for more technical aspects. General contractors, on the other hand, are hired to manage the entire construction process, including coordinating subcontractors. If you'd rather not manage subcontractors individually, hiring a general contractor is often the most efficient solution. Alternatively, a design-builder—an integrated firm offering both architectural/design services and general contracting—can streamline the process by promoting smoother communication and a more cohesive approach to your project.
When hiring a contractor, confirm that they are licensed and registered with the California State License Board (CSLB), ensuring they meet state standards. To help property owners access trusted professionals for rebuilding efforts, BCA has compiled this partial list of licensed contractors and architects. Please note that the list below is for informational purposes only. Inclusion of any consultant does not imply endorsement or guarantee of their services. If you’d like to be included in the list of contractors, fill out this form. Once we verify your active license, you'll be added to this webpage.
L.A. County General Contractors
COMPANY NAME | CONTACT NAME | EMAIL ADDRESS | TELEPHONE | CSLB# | SERVICE DESCRIPTION | WEBSITE | ADDRESS OF COMPANY HEADQUARTERS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nielsen Environmental | Kevin Nielsen | kevin@nielsenenviro.com | (323) 951-9722 | 946801 | Debris Removal/Asbestos Abatement & Demolition | www.nielsenenviro.com | 10445 Wilshire Blvd#2003 Los Angeles CA. 90024 |
JGC INC. | Jaime Garcia | contactjgcinc@gmail.com | (818) 402-5564 | 990832 | We provide quality hardscape, concrete and landscape services in Los Angeles and have been for over 10+ years. | Instagram @jgcinc | 9609 Langdon Ave North Hills Ca 91343 |
Uhles Construction, Inc | Scott Uhles | suhles@delanegroup.com | (805) 458-3439 | 473748 | General Contractor | 2812 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA | |
Scope Enviornmental dba CBC Cleaning and Construction | Gene Kucherov | gene@scopeclean.com | (888) 504-5525 | 1080028 | demolition, hazardous material cleanup, asbestos and lead abatement, complete construction, mold remediation, water damage restoration, smoke damage restoration, carpet and tile cleaning, | https://www.yelp.com/biz/scope-environmental-chatsworth | 25042 Anza Dr. Valencia, CA 91355 |
Alloi Architecture + Construction | Marcos Santa Ana | hello@alloi.us | (310) 204-2811 | B924675 | We are an Architect-Led Design Build firm specializing in custom high performance design and construction homes. We can be your architect and builder. | www.alloi.us | 8616 La Tijera Blvd #101, Los Angeles, CA 90045 |
Gundry Partners LP DBA Howard CDM | Jeff Dorner | jdorner@howardcdm.com | (562) 427-4124 | 1006248 | General Contracting, Design Build | www.howardcdm.com | 17434 Bellflower Blvd, Suite 300 Bellflower CA 90706 |
COMPANY NAME | CONTACT NAME | EMAIL ADDRESS | TELEPHONE | CSLB# | SERVICE DESCRIPTION | WEBSITE | ADDRESS OF COMPANY HEADQUARTERS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RS BUILT CONSTRUCTION INC | Rafael Serrano | rserranowebuilt@yahoo.com | (323) 477-9839 | 1014-846 | We are an B General contractor company, We specialize in New foundation and rough framing, kitchen and bathrooms, and more with very competitive prices | 1025 Meadowlake Ln, Lake Elsinore CA 92530 | |
Forest Construction | Ernesto Sepulveda | es@forestconstruction.com | 805-386-8000 | 398317 | Build Custom Homes | www.forestconstruction.com | 3365 Somis Road Somis CA 93066 |
Showcase Design Build Inc | Ernesto Sepulveda | esepulveda@showcasedesignbuild.com | 805-386-8000 | 826284 | Remodel Cabinet Sales Cabinet Installation | ShowcaseDesignBuild.com | 3365 Somis Road Somis CA 93066 |
Empress Builders | Imer Bauta | imer.bauta@empressbuilders.com | 310-428-5806 | 1077170 | We are a luxury custom home builder | empressbuilders.com | 917 Glenneyre St, Ste 8, Laguna Beach, CA |
Bailey Construction Company | Darryl Bailey | baileyconst1@gmail.com | 213-606-5800 | 364640 | 30 years experience doing fire rebuilds | palisadefirerebuild.com | Los Angeles |
Prefabricated Home Development | Vida Tarassoly | vtarassoly@rubiconeng.com | 714-352-0215 | 850419 | Dealer of high-end manufactured homes. We are engineers and contractors. Services include financing, sale of the manufactured homes, design, permits, attachment to foundation. | prefabhomedevelopers.com | 333 City Blvd. West, Suite 329 |
SHIELDS CONSTRUCTION INC | Josh Shields | josh@shieldsconstructioninc.com | 714-501-6600 | B690756 | General building contractor custom residential homes. | www.shieldsconstructioninc.com | 332 Forest Ave Ste 9, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 |
G.E. Construction Contractors, Inc. | Karim Rawji | karim@gegeneral.com | 714-282-0300 | 861146 | All Construction, Clean up, Service | www.gegeneral.com | 22835 Savi Ranch Pkwy, Suite C, Yorba Linda, CA 92887 |
Raully Jones Construction Inc. | Raully Jones | rj@raullyjonesconstructioninc.com | 415-798-0459 | 1042737 | We provide design consultation, demolition, foundation, all phases of construction, & construction management. | Raullyjonessconstruction.com | |
MGA ENTERPRISES LLC DBA, Hammer & Nails Construction Company | Mike Abdelnour | mikeabdelnour@gmail.com | 619-846-5790 | CA Lic #847615 | General Construction: New and restoration | 9121 Inverness Rd. Santee, CA 92071 | |
Synergy Modular, Inc | Justin Stewart | justin@synergyi.com | 425-488-4500 | 1054528 | Commercial and Residential Construction, using both traditional and modern modular and offsite construction methods | www.synergyi.com | 14040 NE 181st St, Woodinville, WA 98072 |
Hiteshew Construction | James Hiteshew | info@hiteshewconstruction.co | 626-628-9967 | 908516 | Post fire reconstruction residential and commercial | Hiteshewconstruction.co | 2860 Olive Highway Oroville, CA |
GONTERMAN CUSTOM HOMES | Jason Gonterman | jason@gontermanconstruction.com | 949.697.0746 | 858073 | Luxury custom home builder | www.gontermancustomhomes.com | 502 30th St. Newport Beach, CA 92663 |
JDB Builders, Inc. | Michael Fanghella | michael@jdb-builders.com | 951.823.3008 | #1077599 | JDB Builders Inc. full-service design build general contractor for Custom Homes, Renovations & Fire Restoration for Residential & Commercial properties. Architectural | MEP | Civil Engineering| | https://jdb-builders.com/fire-restoration-and-recovery-services-in-southern-california/ | 11801 Pierce St Ste 200, Riverside, CA 92505 |
MSI Construction | Richard Vasso | rich@msi-construct.com | 805-901-3924 | 938830 | General Contractor, Custom Home Construction | www.msi-construct.com | 1792 Callens Rd, Suite D, Ventura CA 93003 |
SDS HOMES CONSTRUCTION | SEAN COY | info@sdshomes.com | 951-292-0271 | 1074024 | As Southern California's leading custom home builder, SDS Homes Construction excels in the artistry of crafting luxury homes of unparalleled quality across the region. | https://sdshomes.com/ | 42400 Winchester Road |
Butterfly Dwellings, Inc. | Mark Rapparport | hello@butterflybackyard.com | (949) 423-6702 | 1129688 | Full service designer and builder specializing in home and ADU development. | www.butterflybackyard.com | 3406 Via Lido Dr. Suite 1A, Newport Beach, CA 92663 |
Alborz Construction Inc. | Mike Gholmakani | Mike@AlborzConstructionInc.com | (805) 393-2166 | 717934 | Alborz Construction Inc has delivered quality and dependable building services for nearly 30 yrs across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Kern counties, earning trust through experience and professionalism. | AlborzConstructionInc.com | |
KEBECO CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC | Kenneth Collins Sr | Kebecoconstruction@gmail.com | 661-492-2552 | 777438 | All residential building services demo, restoration, new build construction, ADU Design/Build | www.kebecoconstruction.com | 44406 15th Street East, Unit #14 Lancaster, CA 93535 |
COOL WHITE SCIENCES INC. | RAFAEL CARDENAS | rafa@coolwsci.com | 323-925-6045 | 1035406 | WE PERFORM ALL TRADES; DEMOLITION, GRADING, UNDERGROUND, FRAMING, PLUMBING ELECTRICAL, HVAC, ROOFING, INSULATION, PLASTERING, DRYWALL, ASPHALT AND OTHERS | 12600 BROOKHURST ST. SUITE 200, GARDEN GROVE, CA 92840 | |
Marquez Builders | Stephanie Marquez | info@mbi.builders | (415) 531-3181 | 1090771 | General contractor with in house concrete, framing, insulation, drywall and finishes. | https://mbi.builders/ | 1234 Palou Ave. San Francisco, CA 94124 |
ARCA Builders | Jeremy Lepine | Jeremy@arcabuilders.com | 424-425-3838 | 1053406 | General Contractor, Design / Build of luxury custom homes | arcabuilders.com | 4019 Channel Pl. Newport Beach, CA |
K.C. Parnell General Contractor | Kevin C. Parnell | kevin@kcparnell.com | (800) 536-1875 | 492394 | From grading land, right through turn key residence. Our company also has architects, engineers and designers at our immediate disposal. | http://kcparnell.com | 1158 Monte Sereno Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 |
Billywood Construction | Billy Marcy | billywoodconstruction@gmail.com | 530-300-1550 | 942506 | New homes from ground up, additions, remodeling and repairs | billywood.net | 191 Twin Rivers Dr. Yuba City CA 95991 |
HuaMei Construction | Ella Tsai | ella.etdesign@gmail.com | 626-790-9888 | 1051093 | We feel your pain! We are professionals design and build company, we can help rebuilt your dream house in a low budget. | 21528 Lost River Dr. Diamond Bar, CA 91765 | |
Benjamin G Saputelli Building And Quality Construction | Benjamin | bgsbuildinginc@gmail.com | 831-277-2000 | 998622 | Building residential and commercial | Benjamin G Saputelli Building And Quality Construction of Carmel California | 20563 Kincannon Rd. Carmel Valley, CA |
DD Build Construction Inc. | Jeff Goodrich | jeff@ddbuild.com | 949-813-1998 | b-928907 | design build company- we do design plans. ready for permit. Build complete home including landscaping, hardscape, outdoor structures, everything start to finish. | ddbuild.com | 7124 LAKEHEAD WAY, DISCOVERY BAY, CA 94505 |
Symbian Construction Company | Marc Bandy | marc@symbianconstruction.com | (415) 895-6756 | 1050720 | We provide ground up construction including; framing, through finish, foundation, retaining walls, grading, trenching, drainage, pier drilling & concrete flatwork. | https://symbianconstruction.com/ | 7250 Redwood Blvd. Suite 300 Novato, CA 94945 |
San Diego Flooring and Decor Inc. | Fernando Damirez Aguirre | sandiegofloordecor@gmail.com | (619) 490-3200 | 998623 | Flooring, complete kitchen and bathroom remodels, cabinets l, countertops, framing, plumbing, electrical drywall and painting | https://g.co/kgs/eFB2wvi | 2504 Transportation Ave. Ste. H National City, CA 91950 |
Rojo Construction | Dan Sauvageau | dan@rojocorp.com | (323) 686-2111 | 1087425 | Dirt-to-doormat custom home builder. Grading, foundation, framing, siding/stucco, sheetrock, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, Fire Sprinklers, Insulation, Cabinetry, Flooring, Painting | https://rojocorp.com | 6112 Palmaya Ln., Orangevale CA 95662 |
IE Construction Services | Abdo Awad | abdou@ieconstructionservices.com | (909) 435-9595 | 1128697 | Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, flooring, concrete and masonry, painting, drywall, framing… in addition to the engineering services. All our work is managed by our Engineer project manager. | http://www.ieconstructionservices.com/ | P.O Box. 8021 Redlands, CA 92375 |
Focil Construction | Catalina Focil | catalina@focilconstruction.com | (805) 405-9225 | 1022003 | Full-service design and build firm. We handle every step of your new home project—from planning and permits to construction and final finishes. One team, start to finish. | https://focilconstruction.com/ | 2636 Conejo Center Drive |
Hidden Hills Construction | Keegan Murphy | keegan@hiddenhillsconstruction.com | 310-270-6944 | 1065969 | Pre-Construction + Construction + Design Management | www.hiddenhillsinc.com | 2600 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92663 |
Mavericks Builders Inc | Robin Nielsen | robin@mav-build.com | 415-604-0070 | 1042971 | General construction, home and commercial new construction and remodel, design collaboration | www.mavericksbuilders.com | 1437 Sproul Avenue Napa, CA 94559 |
Apex Pro Construction Inc | Alberto Hernandez | alberto@apexproconstructioninc.com | 951-496-5690 | 1125637 | Licensed general contractor providing fire cleanup, demolition, full residential & commercial rebuilds per local codes. Fast, reliable, and experienced in post-wildfire recovery projects. | www.apexproconstructioninc.com | 28372 Cosmos Dr. Winchester, CA 92596 |
Pramira Inc. | Jhoy Yacanle | Jhoy.Yacanle@pramira.com | 714-467-2775 | 1066171 | Our business comprises of several divisions, providing services from engineering to multi-trade construction. | www.pramira.com | 404 N Berry St. Brea, CA 92821 |
Ebtide Construction | Ryan Eberle | ryaneberle@yahoo.com | (949) 929-3002 | 953875 | Design & build firm | EbtideConstruction.com | 930 N Lacy St., Santa Ana CA 92701 |
Flannery Construction | Shawnn Flannery | flanneryconstruction@hotmail.com | 209-768-3815 | 896637 | Flannery Construction is a licensed and bonded General Construction firm that specializes in residential new build and renovations construction. | www.flannery-construction.com | PO Box 653 Tuolumne, CA 95379 |
Reyes Design and Build | Raul | reyesdes69@gmail.com | 714-269-5071 | 965809 | We will oversee the complete design and construction process. | www.reyesdesignandbuild.com | PO Box 5103 Anaheim, CA 92814 |
Pramira, Inc. | Omar Houari | omar.houari@pramira.com | (877) 650-2385 | 1066171 | Pramira is a licensed general contractor specializing in ground-up residential and commercial rebuilds, delivering safe, resilient, and code-compliant construction. | www.pramira.com | Brea, CA |
DJB Custom Remodeling | Dennis Bower | djbcustom@gmail.com | 650-288-8881 | 998777 | We offer residential new home construction and residential remodeling at all levels | djbcustomremodeling.com | 1335 Henderson Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025 |
L.A. County Architects
COMPANY NAME | CONTACT NAME | EMAIL ADDRESS | TELEPHONE | CA ARCHITECTS BOARD# | SERVICE DESCRIPTION | WEBSITE | ADDRESS OF COMPANY HEADQUARTERS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Estudio 09 LLC | Jenny Donaire | jenny@estudio09.net | (818) 626-4523 | We provide residential design services as well as construction and remodeling. We have experience with fire projects and hillside projects on difficult sites. | www.estudiodonaire.com | 17641 Los Alimos St, Granada Hills CA | |
AAA Architecture | Randolph Ruiz | Randolph.ruiz@gmail.com | (818) 416 4888 | C30117 | Full-Service Architectural Services, from master planning and feasibility, through design, and construction administration. | www.AAAarch.com | 2222 10th Street Santa Monica CA 90405 |
CARA | Chantal Aquin | chantal@cara-architecture.com | (781) 718-1133 | C35522 | FULL service: ARCHITECTURE, INTERIOR, LANDSCAPE CONCEPT- single family home and multi-residential | www.cara-architecture.com | 3414 Winslow Drive, Los Angeles, 90026 |
Lewis Schoeplein architects | Toni Lewis | toni@lewisschoeplein.com | (310) 231-0300 | C26532 | Architectural design and permitting | https://lewisschoeplein.com/ | 2018 S Westgate Avenue, Unit Z, Los Angeles, CA 90025 |
Kingsley Stephenson Architecture | Amelia Stephenson | amelia@kingsley-stephenson.com | (310) 748-9551 | 32340 | Residential architectural design | www.kingsley-stephenson.com | 8520 Allenwood Road, Los Angeles, CA 90046 |
Masbuild Inc | Charles T. Bryant | charles@masbuild.com | (626) 792 2555 | C21528 | Architecture Design Services | www.masbuild.com | 221 E Walnut St Suite 234, Pasadena, Ca 91101 |
Ampdesign Inc. | Andrew Matt | andrew@ampdesigninc.com | (213) 505-6434 | C35211 | Architectural services | https://www.ampdesigninc.com/ | 1106 South Burnside Ave. Los Angeles, Ca. 90019 |
ResolveArchitecture Inc. | Steve Chung | schung@resolvearc.com | (213) 718-6464 | C35456 | ResolveArchitecture is a fully integrated design studio in architecture, urban design & planning and interior design. | https://www.resolvearc.com | 25560 Wilde Avenue, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381 |
Mutu Architecture | Courtney Embrey | courtney@mutuarchitecture.com | (949) 945-3387 | C-37260 | Full-service architecture firm, with a focus on single family residential and commercial, specializing in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. | https://mutuarchitecture.com/ | Long Beach, CA |
LA Green Designs | Jose Martinez | jose@lagreendesigns.com | (626) 319-4102 | Design build services, value engineering, residential design, residential construction, project management, permit expediting, permit liaison, green building design | www.lagreendesigns.com | 3756 WEST AVENUE 40 SUITE K508, LOS ANGELES, CA 90065 | |
LOC Architects | Poonam Sharma | poonam@loc-arch.com | (213) 537-0480 | Full service architecture, master planning | https://www.loc-arch.com/ | 3203 E. 4th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063 | |
Cindy Grant Architecture, Inc. | Cindy Grant | cindy@cindygrant.com | (818) 379-9566 | C 27260 | Custom Home Design in both traditional vernacular and modern styles. | https://cindygrant.com/ | 14971 Sutton Street, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 |
HH Fremer Architects | Hal Fremer AIA | h.fremer@fremerarchitects.com | (310) 968-5200 | C13638 | Complete Architectural Services inclusive of PreDesign and Assessment services to assist Owners in determining Financial feasibility of reconstruction. Also experienced in assessing Insurance recovery | www.fremerarchitects.com | 2120 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 210 |
Design Opera, Inc. | Gregory De Peña | gregory@designopera.com | (310) 990-5534 | #C32447 | Residential Architecture, Commercial Architecture, Design, Consulting | http://www.designopera.com | 8322 Beverly Blvd. Suite 303-C, 90048 |
LHOOQ Design | Seth Ellsworth | info@lhooqdesign.com | (415) 416-0136 | C-35059 | Full Architectural Services | https://lhooq.design/ | Santa Monica, CA 90404 |
Millán Architect Studio Inc. | Ed Millán | ed@millanarchitect.com | (424) 443-8654 | C-38484 | Design, drafting, entitlements, permitting, and project management for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, specializing in complex permitting in historic, coastal, and hillside zones. | millanarchitect.com | 73 Market Street, Venice, CA 90291 |
Studio Murnane | Josh Sarvinksi | josh@studiomurnane.com | (323) 284 8921 | C34176 | We provide architectural design, documentation, permitting, and construction administration, along with material, furniture, and equipment procurement to support construction projects. | studiomurnane.com | 2898 Rowena Avenue, 102, Los Angeles, CA 90039 |
Addison Schierbeek architects | Jefferson Schierbeek | jefferson@addisonschierbeek.com | (310) 963-0563 | C22018 | residential architecture design and documentation | www.addisonschierbeek.com | 3456 Ashwood Avenue |
COMPANY NAME | CONTACT NAME | EMAIL ADDRESS | TELEPHONE | CA ARCHITECTS BOARD# | SERVICE DESCRIPTION | WEBSITE | ADDRESS OF COMPANY HEADQUARTERS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paul Hastings Design | Paul Hastings | paul@paulhastingsdesign.com | 707-328-5309 | Residential design, construction drawings, obtaining building permits | https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/paul-hastings-design-pfvwus-pf~1451923116/__public | 1612 Bryden Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 | |
designpad architecture | Patrick Perez | patrick@designpad.net | (415) 370-7269 | 30230 | Full service residential and commercial architecture design. | www.designpad.net | 4681 TELEGRAPH AVE., Oakland CA 94609 |
Suzanne Greischel architecture+interiors | Suzanne Greischel | suzanne@greischel.com | (415) 613-3673 | C 27372 | I work personally with clients on residential projects of all levels, from $800,000 to $30m construction budgets. All my clients are my good friends now! I create a project that is unique to them. | greischel.com | Bay Area, CA |
Maureen Dant Architect | Maureen Dant | maureendant@att.net | (619) 851-7354 | C35974 | 23+ years experience with custom residential architecture, specializing in coastal and historical properties. | 163 Hope St. Ramona, CA 92065 | |
See Arch | Sarah Ebner | sarah@see-arch.com | (707) 806-8800 | C35701 | We offer a complete range of residential architectural services and have experience with wildfire rebuilds in Northern California as well as wildfire resilient design. | https://www.see-arch.com/ | 814 Camelia St. Berkeley CA 94710 |
VP Studio Architects Inc. | Vito Picicci | vpicicci@gmail.com | (647) 802-0552 | C-40760 | Architectural Design Services | https://issuu.com/saplysarchitects.ca/docs/saplys_architects_project_portfolio_-_reduced | 6920 S. Cimarron Rd. Suite 100 Las Vegas NV 89113 |
8th Wave Architecture | Robin Stephani | robin@8thwave.co | (707) 479-5373 | 26046 | Residential Architecture | Www.8thwave.co | 729 Sebastopol Ca 95472 |
Carlson Architects | Keith Carlson | keitharchitect@gmail.com | (201) 577-1503 | C 26305 | Full-service architectural firm licensed in California. We collaborate with clients to deliver custom-tailored solutions. | https://carlsonarchitects.com/ | 16 Ridgewood road Ridgefield CT 06877 |
MY studio | Matthew Yam | matthew.kawai.yam@gmail.com | (626) 500-8324 | Architecture service | https://matthewyam.wixsite.com/architecture/portfolio | 110 Innovation Drive | |
CAZA ARCHITECTS | Daniel Cazarez | daniel.cazarez99@gmail.com | (909) 272-0321 | C-41625 | Architectural Design Services | www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-cazarez-995624148 | 5022 Agave Avenue, Fontana, CA 92336 |
Gary A Burke, Architect | Gary Burke | gary@garyaburke.com | (530) 575-0336 | C-27081 | We are a full service architectural firm. We provide design, construction documents, consultant coordination, and agency representation. | garyaburke.com | 148 Celesta Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945 |
Carpira Design Group | Sam Monfared | info@carpira.com | 310-795-4009 | Architectural drawings | www.carpira.com | 30025 Alicia Pkwy #198 Laguna niguel, CA 92677 | |
Rad Architects | Rad Culqui | rc@rad-arc.com | (210) 308-5000 | C35753 | We are a full service architecture firm | www.rad-arc.com | 21 s california st #205 |
Vessel Studio | Shawn Brown | shawn@vessel-studio.com | 917.331.0237 | C-37882 | Full service Architectural Design + Project Management | www.vessel-studio.com | 644 Trophy Trail, Topanga, CA 90290 |
Sterling | Huddleson Architecture | Braden Sterling | braden@sterlinghuddleson.com | 805-407-4793 | C-18541 | Architectural design, construction documents, permitting and all services related to | www.sterlinghuddleson.com | 1482 east valley rd santa barbara ca 93108 |
Heitler Houstoun Architects | Kimberly Coca | kcoca@h-h-architects.com | 212-533-4250 | C-41607 | Heitler Houstoun Architects specializes in architecture, interiors, and project management, creating sustainable, inspiring spaces across residential, retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors. | www.h-h-architects.com | 15 W 36th Street New York, NY 10018 |
WMM Construction Corp | Jack Dooley | jdooley@westmodular.com | (347) 835-8150 | C29521 | We design, engineer, permit, build, manufacture, certify, warranty premium & luxury single family homes using high end modular construction, in a fraction of the time & at a huge price discount. | www.westmodular.com | Orange County |
CASS CALDER SMITH ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS | Suzanna Koolidge | suzanna@casscaldersmith.com | (310) 564-5164 | C 22469 | Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors is a multidisciplinary design firm specializing in architecture and interior design for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. | https://www.casscaldersmith.com/ | 44 McLea Ct., San Francisco, CA 94103 |
John J. Fabrocini Architect | John J Fabroini | jfabarch@gmail.com | 818.516.5751 | C 012736 | Architectural Design Services | Roseville, CA | |
AriaTouch | Christopher Staggs, AIA | chris@ariatouch.com | 951-236-9628 | Planning, Architecture, Design, Construction Management | AriaTouch.com | 502 Main St., Oregon City, Oregon 97044 | |
Wright Architects | Owen Wright | owen@wrightarchinc.com | (530) 559-2509 | C-41138 | Custom residential architecture, planning services | 13011 Palisade St. Truckee, CA 96161 | |
Arri / LeCron Architects. | James LeCron | jgl@arrilecron.com | 805 403-8282 | C-22613 | Architectural design services utilizing expertise in fire-smart construction & cutting edge aesthetics & technology to insure your state of the art fire-smart home. | www.firesmarthouses.com | 109 Oliver Rd. Santa Barbara,Calif. 93109 |
Gregory N Bryant Architect PC | Gregory Bryant | grgbryant@gmail.com | 805.302.2092 | C-34037 | Architectural planning & design | 25 Rolling Oaks Drive Suite 109 -Westlake Village, CA 91361 | |
Studio Sarah Willmer, Architecture | Kelley Coelho | kcoelho@studio-sw.com | 415-642-1166 | C-29126 | Fire rebuild design services for both "Like-for-Like" or New Construction. We can assist owners in the preliminary phase (existing drawings for insurance claims) and full design services | www.studio-sw.com | 2601 Mission St, Suite 502, San Francisco, CA 94110 |
neis design | Michael Neiswander | michael@neis.design | 770-335-0857 | we provide design services for small and large scale residences | https://www.neis.design/ | 3834 Clayton Avenue West | |
JDB Builders, Inc. | Michael Fanghella | michael@jdb-builders.com | 951.823.3008 | License #C-32567, Charles Matthew, Senior Architect for JDB Builders and Riverside Engineering | JDB Builders Inc. full-service design build general contractor for Custom Homes, Renovations & Fire Restoration for Residential & Commercial properties. Architectural | MEP | Civil Engineering| | https://jdb-builders.com/fire-restoration-and-recovery-services-in-southern-california/ | 11801 Pierce St Ste 200, Riverside, CA 92505 |
John MacDonald, Architect | John MacDonald | jhmacdonaldarchitect@gmail.com | 805-995-1398 | C28790 | Residential architect specializing in custom view homes. 30 years experience - have references. | johnmacdonaldarchitect.com | 2813 Santa Barbara Ave. Cayucos, CA 93430 |
Designpad architecture | Patrick Perez | patrick@designpad.net | 415-370-7269 | 30230 | Full architectural design | www.designpad.net | 4681 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA 94609 |
A•SQUARED | Jose A Garcia | tony@asquared.studio | 619-925-1061 | C 33764 | Full suite of architectural services from Schematic Design through Construction Administration, Including architectural interior design and exterior entertainment spaces. | https://www.asquared.studio | 7851 University Ave #207, La Mesa, CA 91941 |
Butterfly Dwellings, Inc. | Mark Rapparport | hello@butterflybackyard.com | (949) 423-6702 | Full service designer and builder specializing in home and ADU development. | https://www.butterflybackyard.com | 3406 Via Lido Dr. Suite 1A, Newport Beach, CA 92663 | |
AEC Moreno Corporation | Samantha Jimenez | samantha@aecmoreno.com | (909) 440-2855 | 28223 | Architectural, structural engineering, and civil engineering plans. | https://www.aecmoreno.com/ | 236 W Orange Show Rd. Suite 112 San Bernardino, CA 92408 |
ARCA Builders | Jeremy Lepine | Jeremy@arcabuilders.com | 424-425-3838 | General Contractor, Design / Build of luxury custom homes | arcabuilders.com | 4019 Channel Pl, Newport Beach, CA | |
HuaMei Construction | Ella Tsai | ella.etdesign@gmail.com | 626-790-9888 | We feel your pain! We are professionals design and build company, we can help rebuilt your dream house in a low budget. | 21528 Lost River Dr. Diamond Bar, CA91765 | ||
Studioo15 Architecture Inc | Alfonso Duran Jr., AIA | alf@studioo15.com | (213) 509-0474 | 40148 | Residential architectural design | www.studioo15.com | 2380 Avenida Otono Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 |
DD Build Construction Inc. | Jeff Goodrich | jeff@ddbuild.com | 949-813-1998 | na | design build company- we do design plans. ready for permit. Build complete home including landscaping, hardscape, outdoor structures, everything start to finish. | ddbuild.com | 7124 Lakehead Way, Discovery Bay, CA 94505 |
Hidden Hills Construction | Keegan Murphy | keegan@hiddenhillsconstruction.com | 310-270-6944 | Pre-Construction + Construction + Design Management | www.hiddenhillsinc.com | 2600 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92663 | |
Element Design Studio Corp. | Isaac Hendricks | isaac@elementdesignstudio.com | (805) 667-8161 | pending, current NCAB memeber | We specialize in residential design, interior design and landscape design. | www.elementdesignstudio.com | 1070 E Front St. Ventura, CA 93001 |
Garcia Tamjidi, INC | Michael L Garcia | mg@garciatamjidi.com | (415) 788-5800 | C24690 | Complete Architectural Design Services | www.garciatamjidi.com | 10 Lombard Street |
William Fisher Architecture Inc | Bill Fisher | bill@modern-architecture.com | (831) 246-0117 | C-11008 | For service design company. Licensed architects and engineers. | Modern-architecture.com | 303 Potrero St. 42-102 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 |
Reyes Design and Build | Raul | reyesdes69@gmail.com | 714-269-5071 | We will oversee the complete design and construction process. | www.reyesdesignandbuild.com | PO Box 5103 Anaheim, CA 92814 | |
Riviera Building & Development Inc. | Danny Block | dannyb@ivierabd.com | (949) 544-9388 | 30 years of successful Commercial and Residential experience | rivierabd.com | 888 San Clemente St. Newport Beach, CA 92660 |
Consider selecting a contractor with experience in fire damage restoration, as this specialty involves unique challenges like structural instability and fire-resistant materials.
- Verify that the contractor is bonded and carries proper liability insurance. Bonded contractors provide financial protection if they fail to meet obligations. Liability insurance protects you from accidents or injuries on the job site.
- Confirm that the contractor has Workers Compensation (WC) insurance for all employees before the start of the project. While the CSLB requires WC insurance for contractors with employees, some contractors may claim an exemption when getting licensed and only obtain WC insurance once they begin work.
- Consider a contractor that holds certifications for fire restoration work, such as those from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) or the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Contract Review and Permit Application Process
Before signing a contract, review the terms to make sure you fully understand your rights and responsibilities, one that addresses the following points:
- Scope of Work: The contract should include a clear outline of the specific tasks, repairs, or installations that will be done. Be sure to clarify anything that is not included in the contract to avoid misunderstandings later.
- Permits: Clarify whether the contractors will include permit acquisition as part of their services. If the architect, building designer or contractor is not handling permits, you will need to take responsibility for obtaining them yourself.
- Payment Schedule: The payment schedule should be clear, fair, and tied to specific project milestones or phases. By law, a contractor cannot request a down payment of more than 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less, with few exceptions. Be sure to confirm the rebuilding funding process with your insurance company or mortgage lender(s), as they may have specific rules that affect when and how funds are made available. For example, they may require inspections before releasing funds, and they could issue joint checks made payable to both you (the homeowner) and the lender.
- Insurance: As mentioned above, It is a requirement that all contractors have workers compensation insurance. In addition, general liability insurance is advisable. These requirements should be included in the contract details.
- Timeline for Completion: A realistic and agreed-upon timeline should be included in the contract, along with the estimated completion date. Discuss and agree upon what will happen if there are delays—whether caused by weather, material shortages, or other factors.
- Material Choices: Consider that the contract includes a detailed list of the materials to be used, particularly when rebuilding after a fire, such as the use of fire-resistant materials for roofing, siding, insulation, and other key elements. Verify that the rebuild complies with all building code and safety standards. The contractor should also specify where and how these materials will be sourced.
- Project Contingencies: When planning your project, allow for potential contingencies, such as price escalations for building materials or minor changes to the scope of work. Ensure these possibilities are addressed in the contract, with clear terms for how such changes will be handled and any associated costs.
- Warranties on Work Performed: Under California law, contractors must warranty their work for at least one year. The length of the warranty and what it covers (e.g., structural work, materials, plumbing, etc.) should be outlined clearly.
- Legal Advice: If any part of the contract is unclear, or if you’re uncertain about any legal terms, consult with an attorney who specializes in construction or contract law.
- Mechanics Lien rights: It is important that the general contractor and all subcontractors are paid promptly, within 30 days. Contractors and subcontractors will typically serve a preliminary notice to the property owner reserving their rights to file a mechanics lien against the property for non-payment of goods or services. As progress payments are made, your general contractor should provide you with the forms “Conditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment” as well as “Unconditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment.”
Before beginning any rebuilding work, check with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and the Bureau of Engineering (BOE), to determine which permits are required for your specific rebuild. Fire-damaged properties often require specialized permits due to the nature of the damage, particularly when the rebuild involves structural, electrical, plumbing, or other systems. Once your plans are approved, you will receive the authority to proceed with construction. Securing the right permits ensures that the work complies with local building codes and regulations, helping prevent future issues related to safety, legality, or insurance claims. Additional considerations should be made in the following scenarios:
- Changes to the Property’s Footprint: If your rebuild involves changing the property’s footprint or is utilizing the 110% allowance—such as adding rooms, extending the structure, or altering the layout—these changes must be covered in your building permit. Expanding the square footage or modifying the layout can affect zoning requirements, setbacks, and compliance with local laws. Confer with Los Angeles City Planning to sort out any discretionary approvals.
- Utilities: Verify that the utilities in place will support the scope of your reconstruction. The rebuilding process may require changes to categories such as water, sewer, gas, and electric services to accommodate the new structure. Consult with contractors and utility providers early on to ensure that the utility infrastructure supports your rebuilt home and complies with local regulations.
- Public Works: Your improvement may include a new driveway or other public works repairs or Public Right of Way (PROW) improvements and will require a permit by the Bureau of Engineering (BOE).
- Permit Fees: It's important to check the cost for each required permit and factor these fees into your overall budget. Keep all permit receipts and documents in a safe place during the reconstruction.
- Environmental and Safety Regulations: Depending on the location and extent of the fire damage, there may be additional environmental regulations to consider, such as asbestos removal, lead paint remediation, or soil contamination. Permits related to hazardous material removal may be required.
Site Preparation and Infrastructure Restoration
If the building is being partially reconstructed, it is important that the areas to remain are protected and secured and may need to be inspected by LADBS. Once all site demolition and abatement are completed it must be inspected by LADBS. Contact the relevant utility providers for verification of disconnection and guidance on future reconnecting services to the property. If additional utility-related work is required, such as upgrades or reconnections, this will need to be covered under a permit issued by BOE.
If your home is being repaired with part of the foundation remaining, inspecting the foundation is a crucial first step in the rebuild, as any cracks or structural weaknesses must be addressed before proceeding. A licensed engineer can assess whether fire, water, or other forces have compromised the foundation. If damage is found, repairs or even full replacement may be necessary to ensure the foundation can support the rebuilt structure. Once the foundation is stable, the next step is to inspect and repair or rebuild load-bearing walls, beams, and supports.
Once the foundation and structure are secure or rebuilt, focus will shift to restoring or replacing the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. These systems must meet current building codes and fire safety regulations. Each system will require inspection before proceeding with further work, ensuring compliance throughout the rebuild.
Finalizing Construction: Safety, Inspections, and Interior Finishes
As part of the rebuild, ensure the installation of essential fire safety measures, including:
- smoke detectors and fire alarms;
- sprinkler systems, if required;
- fire-resistant materials such as fireproof drywall or insulation;
- updated electrical systems with proper grounding.
If new fire sprinklers are installed, it may require a new water meter. Contact the Los Angeles Fire Department and Department of Water and Power for guidance.
Securing the necessary inspections from local authorities is a key step in ensuring your rebuild complies with approved plans and building codes. Inspectors will review critical aspects like grading, foundations, framing, steel, electrical, plumbing, and other work to ensure proper installation and repair. Scheduling these inspections not only guarantees compliance but also offers peace of mind. Check your permit(s) carefully for these requirements and keep copies of all inspections and approvals.
Once structural repairs and systems work are complete, the rebuild shifts to the final finishes. This phase includes installing drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and painting, transforming the space and restoring both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. After building insulation, contractors will begin installing drywall on the walls and ceilings, followed by flooring and cabinetry to define the living areas. After these elements are in place, the final step involves painting, providing the needed surface protection inside and out. When selecting materials for this phase, it's wise to prioritize fire-resistant and durable options. Choosing materials that not only meet building requirements, but can withstand wear and tear will contribute to the home’s longevity and resilience.
Once construction is complete, schedule a final inspection with all relevant agencies that issued permits to ensure the rebuild meets safety codes and regulations. Inspectors will review compliance with structural integrity, plumbing, electrical systems, and fire safety standards. Additionally, if a Public Right of Way (PROW) permit was issued by BOE, a Public Works inspector may also need to conduct a final inspection of the premises. After passing the final inspection, LADBS will issue a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO), confirming the building is safe for habitation. This document is essential for moving back into your home. It may also need to be provided to your insurance company or lender.
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