A Homeowner’s Essential Guide to Fire Recovery

If you're reading this, you've likely just been through something no one should have to go through. Losing a home to fire is disorienting in a way that's hard to describe to anyone who hasn't lived it. The to-do list feels endless, the decisions feel too big, and it can be hard to know where to even begin.

You don't have to figure it out alone. At Homebound, we understand what it’s like to lose a home to fire, and since then, we've helped hundreds of families rebuild after wildfires across California and Colorado, as well as hurricanes in the Bahamas. Our team was founded in the aftermath of the 2017 Tubbs Fire, and we've spent years helping families navigate insurance, design, permitting, and construction as they rebuild their homes and communities. We've learned a lot along the way, often the hard way, and we want to share that with you.

For some, rebuilding might not be a priority (or the right choice) at the moment, and we completely understand that. But if it is for you, this guide to rebuilding after a fire walks through what the first 30 days typically look like, then what to expect as you move from paperwork into actual construction. Take it one step at a time. There's no need to read this all at once, and there's no wrong pace to move at.

Critical Steps to Take in the First 30 Days

The days and weeks after a fire can feel overwhelming, and there is often a great deal of information to process in a short period of time. While every situation is different, focusing on a few key priorities early on can help you stay organized, protect your interests, and lay the groundwork for the recovery and rebuilding process ahead.

1. Contact Your Insurance Carrier

If you have lost your home and have residential property insurance, here are a few suggestions below to chat with your insurance carrier about. These talking points will help you better understand what coverages are available to you, and how to utilize them during a natural disaster such as a wildfire.

• Call your insurance company or agent first thing. Report your claim as soon as possible.
• Ask for a Certified Copy of your insurance policy. You can review it at length with your agent so you better understand the coverages available at the time the event occurred.
• Ask for a detailed explanation of the insurance claims process. This includes what to expect, what is expected of you, and timelines.
• Determine whether or not you have ALE (Additional Living Expense) coverage. If you do, keep receipts and records of all expenses that you have incurred as a result of being displaced due to the fire. Costs associated with being displaced may be reimbursable (food, travel, accommodations, clothing, medication refills, pet housing, etc.)
• Start making a detailed list of the items lost on your property. This would include characteristics of your home/main dwelling, personal property (furniture, clothing, electronics, etc.), and other structures located on the property (detached garages, sheds, fencing, storage tanks, etc.). The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to recall items lost. Use photos, videos, or anything that can help recreate the property before the event occurred. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to prove your loss to the carrier, not the other way around.
• Ask a lot of questions! The more questions you ask, the better you will understand the process and what is expected of you. If something does not sound right, ask questions until you are satisfied with the answer. If you need additional guidance, here are other resources available to help guide you through the claims process such as:
  The Department of Insurance Help CenterPublic Insurance Adjusters
  Attorneys (Property Loss and Insurance Litigation specialists)

Many homeowners find that understanding policy language and coverage limits can be one of the most challenging parts of the recovery process. Homebound's rebuild team includes insurance specialists who help homeowners review coverage, understand rebuilding budgets, and prepare for the next stages of the rebuilding journey.

2. Forward Your Mail and Cancel Utilities

Once you’ve determined your temporary location, request mail forwarding through the USPS website here. Important documents, such as insurance correspondence, may arrive by mail, so it’s essential to set this up promptly to avoid missing anything critical.

In addition to mail, you may also need to cancel utilities to avoid being charged for services like garbage. Contact your utility directly to cancel these services.

3. Research Debris Removal Services

The county or state will eventually organize debris removal on your lot, but you can also opt to use a private debris removal service provider if you’d like to move more quickly, or if you want a better chance of preserving your home’s original foundation.

Note: In some cases, portions of the existing foundation may be eligible for reuse following a structural evaluation. Reusing approved site elements can help reduce rebuilding costs and timelines.

If you choose to use a private debris removal provider, make sure that the company is licensed and insured. A few indicators of a reputable and well-managed debris removal company are uniformed employees, well-marked vehicles, and many positive and unbiased customer reviews online.

4. Know What To Do if Your Lot is Possessed

If your home sustains heavy damage, the county may take possession of the lot, and prohibit access to the site without special permission until the debris is tested for toxic chemicals such as lead and asbestos.

After the lot is turned back over, maintain caution when visiting the site. Embers beneath the first layer of debris may flare back up when exposed to oxygen, and smoldering areas on the ground can be hard to spot. If you visit your lot, make sure to wear thick boots and gloves.

Rebuilding After a Fire: The Major Milestones

Once immediate needs have been addressed, many homeowners begin thinking about the long road to rebuilding. While every project is unique, most rebuilds follow a similar path from planning and permitting through construction and final inspections. Understanding these major milestones can help you set realistic expectations, make informed decisions, and feel more confident as you move forward.

PreConstruction

The PreConstruction phase includes everything that will need to be done before you start building your new home. The following PreConstruction steps can take anywhere from 3–12 months, depending on your architecture plans and permitting, which include:

• Produce all necessary reports, including a Site Report, Geotechnical Report, Topographic Map, & Arborist Report.
• Gather all site-specific requirements. After a fire, there may be additional site-specific considerations to address. For example, in Malibu, a customer’s septic tank was completely destroyed. Resolving the issue required the expertise of three different specialists to design and rebuild a septic tank tailored to the site’s unique needs.
• ‍Begin the Architecture & Design phase for your new home. After a natural disaster, the architecture and design process can be especially taxing. When designing a home, there are thousands of decisions to make. Work with an architecture and design team that has expertise in curating packages to minimize decision fatigue while giving you flexibility over the decisions that matter most to you. Major steps include: Concept design, Schematic design, Design development, Construction drawings, individual product selections—and don’t forget landscaping. The decisions don't stop there, though. One of the most consequential choices you'll make in the rebuild process is choosing the right home builder: someone with the experience, transparency, and communication to see you through to the end.‍
• Research all jurisdiction-specific requirements. In California, examples of these are Title 24 and Cal Green.‍
• Submit all documents for permitting. Whether you’re selling or staying to rebuild, you’ll need all appropriate documentation—available at local government crisis websites.
• Lock in your builder's pricing structure. Insurance reimbursement and construction costs move on two different timelines. Your insurer typically pays out based on a fixed estimate, but if your builder is working on a cost-plus contract, your actual costs can keep climbing well after that number is set. In a fixed price contract, the total cost is locked in before construction starts, so you and your insurer are working from the same number from day one.

Because these steps are closely connected, many homeowners choose to work with a team that can coordinate architecture, permitting, budgeting, and construction under one roof. Homebound's rebuild program is designed to guide homeowners through each phase of the process while providing clear timelines, transparent pricing, and ongoing support.

Government Action and Permitting

The ease of rebuilding largely depends on the actions taken by the broader county.

In Santa Rosa, CA, the local government expedited the permitting process for rebuilds and, for about a year after the fires, brought in a third-party contractor to manage the surge in permit applications. These strategies significantly accelerated the rebuilding process.

Construction

Construction begins once permitting has been approved. Depending on the build, construction can take as little as 6 months to over a year. Factors that affect construction are the weather, supply chains, crew availability, etc. Here are the major milestones in construction with some examples of the activities within those milestones:

• Site development
  ~ City & soils certifications
• Foundation
• Framing
  ~ Rough framing and roofing
• Mechanicals
  ~ Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Fire Sprinklers, Insulation
• Exterior Finishes
• Interior Finishes
  ~ Drywall, Cabinets, Carpentry, Pain, Trims, Flooring
• Final walkthroughs

Other Important Factors for Home Rebuilds

There is unfortunately no way to rebuild a home that will be 100% fireproof. However, there are several ways to design and build smartly to take precautions, in addition to your community beginning to make new policy changes.

• Consider fire-safe landscaping. While landscaping adds beauty to your property, certain plants and flowers can act as fuel, allowing a fire to spread closer to your home. Many municipalities have established rules and regulations to ensure your landscaping prioritizes safety.‍
• Build ahead of code requirements. Many designers create homes that meet only the current basic requirements. Ask your designers about upcoming code changes and ensure your home is designed to meet those as well. This approach provides the most modern, up-to-date protection for your property.‍
• Choose your materials carefully. While it's impossible to build a completely fireproof house, you can select materials that are less flammable. For instance, stucco is less likely to ignite compared to shingles.‍
• Explore other innovative fire safety solutions that may be available. For example, a pool beneath the home that can release a wave to cover the house during a fire, or exterior sprinkler systems designed to protect the structure.

Build Back More Resilient with Wildfire Prepared Home

Rebuilding after a wildfire is also an opportunity to build a home that holds up better in the next one. The Wildfire Prepared Home program, a program of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), gives homeowners a science-based, third-party standard for reducing wildfire risk, built on research rather than guesswork.

The program is available to homeowners in Colorado, California, and several other western states. It covers the specific building features and landscaping conditions that research shows matter most: Class A fire-resistant roofing, ember-resistant vents, noncombustible siding on the lowest six inches of exterior walls, and a clear five-foot perimeter around the home free of vegetation and combustible materials. Homes that meet all requirements earn a Wildfire Prepared Home designation. Those meeting additional criteria qualify for the higher-level Wildfire Prepared Home Plus.

If you're planning a rebuild, talk to your builder about which of these requirements you can meet from the start. Building to this standard during construction is significantly less expensive than retrofitting later, and it may also affect your insurance options down the line.

You can take a free online assessment at wildfireprepared.org to see where your current or planned home stands.

Moving Forward After a Fire

Recovering from a fire is a journey that unfolds over time, and every homeowner's experience is unique. While the path ahead may feel uncertain, taking recovery one step at a time can make the process more manageable. From working through insurance claims and debris removal to designing and rebuilding your home, each step brings you closer to creating a safe and welcoming place to call home again.

As you move forward, remember that you do not have to navigate the rebuilding process alone. Experienced professionals, community resources, and trusted partners can help guide you through important decisions and provide support along the way. With patience, planning, and the right team by your side, it is possible to rebuild not only your home, but also a sense of stability and confidence for the future.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for sharing it with anyone who may need support during this challenging time. As always, we're here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out in the comments section below.

Rebuilding After a Fire FAQs

What is the insurance claim process for a house fire?

The insurance claim process after a house fire begins by contacting your insurance carrier and reporting the loss as soon as possible. Your insurer will assign a claims representative or adjuster who can explain your coverage, next steps, and documentation requirements. Keep records of conversations, save receipts for expenses related to displacement, and create an inventory of damaged or destroyed belongings. Photos, videos, and past records can help support your claim. Asking questions throughout the process can help you better understand timelines, available benefits, and what to expect as your claim moves forward.

What are the first things I should do after a house fire?

After a house fire, focus first on the safety and well-being of everyone in your household. Contact your insurance carrier to begin the claims process, arrange temporary housing if needed, and save receipts for expenses related to displacement. Forward your mail, contact utility providers about service changes, and begin documenting damaged property and personal belongings. Follow guidance from local authorities regarding site access and debris removal. Taking these steps early can help you stay organized and make the recovery process easier to navigate.

How do I tell whether a fire-damaged home can be repaired or needs to be rebuilt?

A licensed structural engineer, restoration specialist, or experienced builder can evaluate the extent of the damage and determine whether repair or rebuilding is the best path forward. They will assess key components such as the foundation, framing, roof, and utility systems, while also identifying damage caused by heat, smoke, or water. Building code requirements and the overall condition of the home may also influence the decision. A professional assessment can provide clarity on safety, costs, and the options available for restoring your property.

What questions should I ask a fire restoration contractor?

When speaking with a fire restoration contractor, ask about their licensing, insurance, and experience with fire-damaged homes. Request references from past clients and ask how they assess structural, smoke, and water damage. It is also helpful to understand their project timeline, communication process, and whether they can coordinate with your insurance carrier. These conversations can help you evaluate their qualifications and determine whether they are a good fit for your recovery and rebuilding needs.

What should I prioritize during the rebuilding process?

During the rebuilding process, focus on creating a safe, durable home that supports your family's long-term needs. Early priorities often include site assessments, permitting, design decisions, and establishing a realistic budget and timeline. As plans take shape, consider opportunities to improve resilience through thoughtful landscaping, durable materials, and features that align with current building standards. Staying organized and maintaining clear communication with your design and construction team can help keep the project moving forward and reduce stress along the way.

How long does it take to rebuild a house after a wildfire or other natural disaster?

The timeline for rebuilding varies based on the extent of the damage, local permitting requirements, design complexity, and contractor availability. In many cases, homeowners can expect the process to take anywhere from several months to more than a year. The rebuilding journey often includes site assessments, architectural planning, permitting, debris removal, and construction. Communities recovering from a widespread disaster may also experience delays due to increased demand for labor, materials, and government resources. Working with an experienced team can help you understand the timeline for your specific property and plan accordingly.