Rebuilding After a Disaster: Hiring a Licensed Contractor
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have left many homeowners facing the difficult task of rebuilding or making repairs. Whether you need to simply clear debris or completely rebuild, it’s important to work with licensed professionals to protect yourself from fraud and ensure quality work.
This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the rebuilding process and verify that the professionals you hire are properly licensed and qualified for the job.
Step 1: Clearing Debris
Before rebuilding, your property must be cleared of debris. Residents have the option to participate in a government-run program or manage the cleanup independently by opting out. Your two options are:
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; or
- A licensed contractor from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Once your site is clear, you can move on to planning your rebuild. For rebuilding resources, visit recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding.
Step 2: Rebuilding Options
The following options are:
If your home was destroyed or severely damaged:
- Check Soil Stability – If your home was on a cliff or hillside, consider hiring a geologist to assess the soil. This helps prevent future foundation and sewer issues by ensuring the ground is stable for rebuilding.
- Design & Planning – Work with a licensed architect or structural engineer to create your rebuild plans. If you live in a planned unit development (condominium or townhomes), you may also need a land surveyor or civil engineer to properly subdivide the residential units.
- Permits & Approval – Submit your plans to your local building department for approval. The County allows a “like-for-like” rebuild with modifications, as long as they don’t increase the floor area, height, or footprint by more than 10%. Like-for-like rebuilds offer quicker permitting review and approval times than more complex projects.
- Construction – Building a home or complex is a big project, and hiring a licensed general contractor can help ensure the job is done right. A contractor can oversee the entire project or bring in subcontractors as needed. If they do hire subcontractors, they’re responsible for making sure everyone is properly licensed and that all work meets safety standards.
- Final Inspection – Throughout construction, inspectors will check for compliance with building codes. Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Occupancy, allowing you to move back in.
If your home suffered some damage but was not completely destroyed:
- Submit a repair plan to your local authority so repair permits can be issued.
- Once you’ve gone through the permitting process, hire a general contractor or specialty contractor for repairs.
- After the final inspection, you may or may not need a new Certificate of Occupancy, depending on the repairs.
If your home has smoke damage or debris but no structural damage:
- Hire a smoke damage remediation company or a debris removal company.
Step 3: Working with Licensed Professionals
These agencies regulate professionals involved in the rebuilding process. Verify licenses before hiring anyone:
The Board regulates the construction industry including home improvement.
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)Regulates the process of developing an opinion of value for real property.
California Bureau of Real Estate AppraisersRegulates the planning of sites and the designing of buildings and structures.
California Architects BoardRegulates the practice of civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers and the practice of land surveyors.
Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and GeologistsThe Board regulates the practice of structural pest control of household pests and wood-destroying pests and organisms or such other pests which may invade household or structures.
Structural Pest Control BoardThe Bureau protects California consumers in five areas: household moving, electronic and appliance repair, service contracts, upholstered furniture/bedding, and thermal insulation.
Bureau of Household Goods and ServicesThe Committee regulates the practice of landscape architecture through the enforcement of the Landscape Architects Practice Act.
Structural Pest Control BoardNOTE: For more information on hiring a contractor visit our Hiring a Contractor page.
