Homeowners affected by the Eaton Fire face a rebuilding process that could take up to two years and might cost more than insurance may cover, according to a local construction expert.
Ian Levy, general contractor at Sky Renovation & New Construction, believes detailed rebuilding costs in Altadena will likely range from $300 to $400 per square foot for basic reconstruction, with high-end finishes pushing costs above $500 per square foot.
Levy released his analysis in a comprehensive guide presented to the Eaton Fire community.
Levy said the rebuilding process requires navigating multiple permits through Los Angeles County Department of Building and Safety, including building permits, fire department clearance for fire-resistant materials and defensible space, and environmental permits for properties near protected land or waterways.
While the County has implemented an expedited permitting process for fire victims rebuilding identical structures, Levy said, reducing wait times to 2-3 months, homeowners making modifications such as adding square footage or new features face standard processing times of 4-6 months.
All rebuilds must comply with California’s Wildland Urban Interface regulations for fire-prone areas, according to Levy.
Construction costs are driven up by multiple factors, including labor shortages, material price inflation, upgraded building code requirements for fire-resistant materials like Class A roofing and ember-resistant vents, and permit and inspection fees that can add thousands to the budget.
Property owners must first complete debris removal, which could take months through government-led cleanup programs.
Homeowners with sufficient resources can expedite this process by hiring licensed private debris removal services, according to Levy.
The complete timeline from debris removal through construction typically spans 12-24 months. Levy reported that many construction industry experts recommend securing temporary housing for at least a year while:
- Starting permit and debris removal processes immediately
- Working with contractors experienced in wildfire rebuilds
- Ordering materials early to avoid shortages
- Considering fire-resistant alternative materials like fiber cement
For homeowners facing insurance shortfalls, resources include Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration assistance programs offering grants and low-interest loans.
Levy pointed out that alternative construction methods, such as modular or prefabricated homes, can reduce costs and construction time while meeting required safety standards.
Levy’s guide emphasizes the importance of having backup funding ready, as insurance may not cover all expenses, including code upgrades and rising material costs.
For more information call Ian Levy at Sky Renovation (888) 519-1699 or visit skyrenovation.com.
