Questions to Ask Your Architect When Rebuilding After the Los Angeles Wildfires

From understanding the rebuilding timeline and permitting requirements to exploring fire-resistant materials and budget considerations, being well-prepared for your conversations with an architect can make a significant difference in the process. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of essential questions to ask when planning your rebuild.

General Rebuilding Process

• What is the overall process for designing and rebuilding my home?
• How long do you estimate the design, permitting, and construction phases might take?
• Can you provide examples of fire-rebuild or similar projects you have completed? 

Design & Fire-Resistant Features

• What fire-resistant materials and design strategies do you recommend?
• How can we incorporate defensible space and wildfire mitigation into the site plan?
• Can you design my home to be more energy-efficient and sustainable?
• Are there any code changes or new regulations since my home was originally built?

Permits & Zoning

• What permits will I need, and how long should I anticipate the approval process to be?
• Are there any zoning restrictions or updates that could affect my rebuild?
• Will you handle the permitting process, or will I need to hire a permit expediter?

Budget & Financing

• What factors most affect the cost of rebuilding?
• Can you help me prioritize features if I need to stay within a certain budget?
• Do you have experience working with insurance claims and cost estimates?

Construction & Contractors

• Do you have preferred contractors you work with?
• How do you handle changes to the design once construction begins?
• Can we phase construction if I need to rebuild in stages?

Next Steps

• What should I prepare before our next meeting?
• What challenges do you foresee in my rebuilding process?
• What are the next steps after this meeting?

‍