By Jonathan Kohanoff, Builders FirstSource
Summer 2026
Rebuilding after a wildfire is one of the most significant financial and emotional undertakings a homeowner can face. It is not simply construction. It’s a process involving insurance recovery, updated building codes, permitting, material coordination, and dozens of decisions. In the field, we consistently see the same patterns. The homeowners who avoid major cost overruns and delays are not necessarily those with the largest budgets. They are the ones who avoid predictable mistakes early.
Below are the most common and costly errors to watch for.
Hiring Out of Sequence
A frequent early mistake is hiring a contractor before plans are fully developed. Without finalized architectural and engineering drawings, estimates are often incomplete. This can lead to scope gaps, revisions during permitting, and change orders once construction begins. The proper sequence typically includes:
Architect or Designer
Structural Engineer
Soils/Geotechnical Consultant
Contractor
Material Coordination
Clear plans drive accurate pricing. Assumptions drive corrections, and corrections cost money.
Underestimating Updated Code Requirements
Rebuilding rarely means replicating what existed before. Homes in wildfire-prone areas are often subject to intense standards. These may require:
Class A fire-rated materials
Dual pane tempered glass windows
Fire-resistant exterior assemblies
Ignition resistant decking
Homeowners who do not account for these upgrades early often face unexpected cost increases during plan review or inspection. Understanding requirements upfront prevents redesigns and delays.
Failing to Budget for Unknown Conditions
Even with detailed planning, post-fire sites can reveal hidden issues once demolition begins. Examples include:
Foundation issues
Soil instability
Drainage corrections
Utility infrastructure upgrades
Without contingency built into the budget, these discoveries can stall progress. A realistic reserve is a must.
Delaying Material Decisions
In a rebuild environment, supply chain timing matters. High demand materials such as engineered lumber, roof trusses, windows, and specialty exterior components can carry extended lead times. Late selections often result in:
Framing delays
Inspection scheduling issues
Crew downtime
Extended carrying costs
Early coordination between design, contractor, and materials planning protects both schedule and budget.
Misalignment Between Insurance and Scope
Insurance recovery and construction planning must move in parallel. Problems arise when scope exceeds approved allowances, upgrades are not documented, or change orders are not tracked carefully. Misalignment can delay reimbursements and create financial strain late in the process. Maintaining clear documentation and communication between contractor, designer, and adjuster helps prevent disputes and unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Making Mid-Project Design Changes
Design adjustments after permits are submitted or construction begins are among the most expensive decisions homeowners make. Changes often trigger plan revisions, additional engineering, and permit resubmittals, all of which impact timeline and budget. Homeowners who make firm, thoughtful decisions early typically experience smoother rebuilds.
Rebuilding Without Long-Term Resilience in Mind
It is natural to want to recreate what was lost. However, rebuilding presents an opportunity to strengthen the home for the future. Beyond minimum code requirements, homeowners may consider enhanced fire-hardening measures, improved defensible space planning, energy efficiency upgrades, and durable exterior materials. Strategic upgrades today can reduce future risk and long-term maintenance costs.
Final Perspective
Rebuilding after a wildfire is rarely straightforward. It requires planning, coordination, and disciplined decision-making at every stage. Homeowners who experience smoother rebuilds tend to build the right team early, understand requirements upfront, and make key decisions before construction begins.
Every project is different, but avoiding these common mistakes can reduce stress, protect budgets, and keep timelines moving. Rebuilding is an opportunity to create a safer, more resilient home. With the right preparation, the process becomes more manageable and the outcome stronger.
About the Author
Jonathan Kohanoff supports the LA Fire Rebuild initiative with Builders FirstSource in Los Angeles. Based in Southern California, he works closely with homeowners, builders, architects, and local organizations to help coordinate rebuilding efforts following wildfire events, with a focus on construction planning, material logistics, and helping communities rebuild safely and efficiently. Jonathan.Kohanoff@bldr.com