Disaster Restoration Process
In light of the recent wildfire events in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, it’s important to gather as much information to begin your home restoration process. Here are the steps including approximate timeline that we outline to help with anybody that’s impacted by this event.
1. Immediate Steps After the Fire
Notify Your Insurance Company (1–2 days)
Contact Immediately: Inform your insurer of the loss and start the claims process.
Provide Initial Information: Describe the extent of the damage and confirm your policy details.
Request ALE (Additional Living Expenses): If your home is uninhabitable, your policy may cover temporary housing, meals, and related expenses.
Document the Damage (3–7 days)
Photos/Videos: Document the fire damage thoroughly before any cleanup.
Inventory of Lost Items: Create a list of damaged or destroyed items, including estimated values and receipts, if possible.
2. File an Insurance Claim (Within 1–2 weeks)
Submit Claim Forms: Provide all required documentation, including photos, inventory, and receipts.
Temporary Housing: Begin ALE reimbursement requests for hotel stays, rental homes, or other needs.
Work with the Adjuster: An insurance adjuster will visit the property to assess the damage.
3. Assessment and Settlement Offer (2–6 weeks)
Adjuster Inspection: Be present during the adjuster’s visit to point out all damage. At this stage, if you happen to have a contractor in mind, it will be helpful to have them walk the property along with the adjuster.
Review Initial Offer: The insurance company will issue a settlement offer based on their evaluation.
Negotiate if Necessary: If the offer is insufficient, provide additional estimates or evidence to justify a higher payout.
4. Plan for Rebuilding (6–12 weeks)
Hire a architect and contractor:
Local architect: Choose a local architect that’s familiar with the local building code and city planning department so your permitting process can potentially be quicker than others.
Licensed and Insured: Choose a reputable contractor experienced in rebuilding wildfire-damaged homes and have worked with insurance companies.
Obtain Detailed Estimates: Get multiple detailed estimates that include materials, labor, and timelines from the contractor.
Submit Estimates to Insurer:
The insurance company must approve the contractor's estimate before rebuilding begins.
5. Rebuilding Process (24 months or more)
Permits and Approvals (6+ months):
Apply for Building Permits: Permitting timelines may vary depending on your local jurisdiction. Expected that your city will be very back up by all the applications. Be sure to account for extra processing time.
Comply with Wildfire Building Codes: Rebuilding often requires compliance with updated wildfire-resilient building standards.
Construction Phases (12-18 months):
Demolition and Site Prep: Clear debris and prepare the site.
Foundation and Framing: Lay the foundation and frame the structure.
Exterior Work: Roof, windows, siding, and other exterior finishes.
Interior Work: Electrical, plumbing, drywall, painting, and flooring.
Final Touches: Landscaping and final inspections.
Inspections and Payments:
Insurers usually disburse payments to the contractors in stages, contingent on inspection completion (e.g., after demolition, framing, and completion).
6. Move Back In and Close the Claim (12–18 months)
Final Inspection: Ensure all work complies with building codes and standards.
Submit Final Documents: Provide the insurance company with invoices and proof of completion.
Close the Claim: Confirm the final settlement and close the insurance claim.
Estimated Timeline Overview
Claim Filing and Initial Settlement: 2–6 weeks.
Planning and Approvals: 6–12 weeks.
Rebuilding: 6–12+ months, depending on the extent of damage and local construction demands.
Completion and Move-In: 12–18 months total (on average).
Additional Tips
Stay Organized: Keep detailed records of all communications, receipts, and claim-related documents.
Understand Your Policy: Review coverage limits, exclusions, and additional benefits such as ALE or debris removal.
Hire Experts if Needed: Consider hiring a public adjuster or insurance attorney if disputes arise.
Monitor Construction Progress: Regularly check in with your contractor to ensure timelines are met.
