5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Fire Rebuild Contractor
After a wildfire, you'll be contacted by dozens of contractors — some qualified, many not. Asking the right questions upfront protects your investment, your timeline, and your peace of mind. Here are the five questions every homeowner should ask before signing a contract.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured for Fire Rebuild Work?
Why it matters: California requires a valid CSLB (Contractors State License Board) license for any project over $500. For fire rebuilds, you want a general building contractor (B license) with specific experience in disaster reconstruction. Verify the license number at cslb.ca.gov — don't just take their word for it.
2. How Many Fire Rebuilds Have You Completed?
Why it matters: Fire rebuilds are fundamentally different from remodels or new construction. They involve insurance coordination, hazardous material handling, expedited permitting, and building in devastated areas with limited infrastructure. A contractor who's done dozens of fire rebuilds will navigate these challenges efficiently; one who hasn't will learn on your dime.
3. Will You Coordinate With My Insurance Company?
Why it matters: The best fire rebuild contractors work directly with your insurance adjuster to ensure your claim covers the true cost of rebuilding to current code. They provide detailed, line-item estimates that adjusters can process quickly, and they handle supplemental claims when unexpected conditions arise.
4. Who Will Manage My Project Day-to-Day?
Why it matters: Some contractors hand off projects to subcontractors with minimal oversight. You need to know who your point of contact will be, how often you'll receive updates, and whether there's a dedicated project manager assigned to your rebuild.
5. What Does Your Contract Include — and What Doesn't It?
Why it matters: Vague contracts are the single biggest source of disputes in fire rebuilds. Your contract should specify exactly what's included (and excluded), a detailed payment schedule tied to milestones (not dates), allowances for finishes, and a clear change-order process.
Red Flags to Watch For
After major wildfires, unlicensed and out-of-state contractors flood affected areas looking for work. Be wary of anyone who:
- Asks for more than 10% down or a large upfront deposit
- Pressures you to sign immediately or claims a "limited-time" discount
- Can't provide a verifiable CSLB license number
- Offers a price significantly lower than other bids (low-ball bids often lead to change orders)
- Won't put the full scope of work in writing
- Has no local references or no fire rebuild experience
Why Experience Matters Most
A fire rebuild isn't a normal construction project. It requires navigating insurance bureaucracies, handling hazardous materials, working with multiple government agencies, and building in communities that are simultaneously recovering. The contractor who remodeled your neighbor's kitchen — no matter how good — may not have the systems, relationships, or expertise to manage a complete fire rebuild.
At 1st Choice Development, we currently have 50+ fire rebuilds in progress across Altadena and Pacific Palisades. Our team has been building in Los Angeles for 37 years, and we hold CSLB License #576474. We welcome every one of these questions — and we have clear, documented answers to all of them.
Ask Us These Questions
We're confident in our answers. Schedule a free consultation and see why homeowners choose 1st Choice.
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