After the Fire

Wildfire Rebuild Checklist

A step-by-step guide to rebuilding your home after a wildfire — from the first week through move-in day.

Turning Overwhelm Into Next Steps

Losing your home to a wildfire is devastating. The path forward can feel overwhelming — insurance claims, debris removal, permits, contractors, and a thousand decisions you didn’t expect to make.

This checklist breaks the rebuild process into clear phases with specific action items. It won’t make the process easy, but it will make it manageable.

Phase 1: Immediate Priorities (Week 1–2)

Focus on safety, documentation, and starting your insurance claim.

Safety First

Document Everything

Contact Insurance

Secure Essential Records

Immediate Needs

Phase 2: Insurance and Assessment (Weeks 2–8)

Work through the insurance process while gathering information for your rebuild.

Insurance Claim Process

Understand Your Coverage

Property Assessment

Debris Removal

Phase 3: Planning Your Rebuild (Months 2–4)

Make key decisions about what you’re rebuilding and who will build it.

Define Your Goals

Assemble Your Team

Evaluate Builders

Budget Reality Check

Select Builder

Phase 4: Design and Permitting (Months 3–8)

Design your new home and navigate the permit process.

Design Development

Engineering and Studies

Permit Application

Prepare for Construction

Phase 5: Construction (Months 6–18+)

Your home gets built.

Pre-Construction

During Construction

Key Milestones

Move-In Preparation

Phase 6: After Move-In

Settle in and close out remaining items.

Immediate

Within 30 Days

Ongoing

Key Contacts to Keep Handy

A NO-PRESSURE FIRST STEP

Let's Build a Realistic Budget for Your Project

Every lot and every project is different. Let’s talk through your goals and give you numbers you can actually plan around — no vague ranges, no bait-and-switch.