How to find a contractor to rebuild after LA fires

Lori Corral and her family lost their West Altadena home in the Eaton Fire.

Since they were forced to flee nearly three weeks ago, they’ve moved eight times and recently found a place to rent. Now, like many other families affected by the fires in Los Angeles County, they are turning their attention to rebuilding.

“At the moment, we are trying to secure contractors that might be able to rebuild this home at a cost we have available to us,” said Corral, who lived in the home with her husband Juan, and 13-year-old daughter.

So what are their options? And where do the thousands of similarly displaced residents start when looking to rebuild?

LAist has answers.

How to find a contractor

The best way to find a contractor is through personal references, said real estate developer Frank Pittelli, who's already been contacted to rebuild one home in Altadena.

“Work within your own network to try to find a team that your friends or family members or people that you trust have worked with in the past,” he said.

Experts say you will need to trust your contractor because it will be a long term relationship — two to three years.

If you have an architect, get recommendations from him or her too.

If you don’t know somebody who knows somebody, you’ll need to resort to the internet.

The California State License Board is the best place to verify that a contractor has a license and check for complaints. It also has a function where you can look for contractors in your area and has a useful disaster help center.

Do your research

Contractors are swamped with inquiries right now,

But Brandon Lursen, a general contractor with Fullerton-based Melior Building Co., cautioned against rushing to hire someone just because demand is high.

“Don’t jump into quick contracts with contractors,” he told LAist, adding that residents should take the time to make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured.

“This can take a few days,” he said.

The board has placed signs that read, “Unlicensed contractors beware,” throughout the burn areas. They also note that it's illegal to contract without a valid California contractor’s license in a disaster area.

“I don’t look forward to hearing the stories of people who got screwed over after losing their home,” said Lursen, who noted that scheming or just plain incompetence is inevitable.

“What happens a lot is inexperienced contractors will give a very low price, and then they can’t finish the job because they didn’t price it correctly,” he said. “They end up walking away from the job, and they don't have insurance, they don’t have a bond.”

Displaced homeowners can check whether a contractor has a legitimate license at the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board. You can also call (800) 321-2752.

Ask for references — and call those references, Lursen said. Ask if they were satisfied with the work, whether there was an inordinate number of change orders that increased the cost of the house, and whether the work was done on time.

If possible, review the work that was done.

“Research that team and to make sure there are no pending lawsuits, any complaints on the state board,” said Pittelli, the real estate developer. "Just make sure they’re on the up and up.”

More tips

The state license board suggests getting at least three bids for the rebuilding of your home.

Corral said she spoke with one contractor who offered both debris removal and home rebuilding, which might make it more convenient dealing with one contractor who provides both services.

L.A. County is offering free debris removal once the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency clears toxic waste such as batteries, solvents and oils.

The state license board also says you should make sure “all project expectations are in writing and only sign the contract if you completely understand the terms.”

Other tips from the board are:

• Confirm that the contractor has workers’ compensation insurance for employees. 
• Avoid paying more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less. Avoid paying in cash. 
• Avoid letting payments get ahead of the work. 
• Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project, including all payments. 
• Avoid making the final payment until you’re satisfied with the job.

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs also offers advice on how to hire a contractor.

Building costs rising

Pricing the building of a home correctly will be especially hard because the cost of materials and labor will increase with demand.

“Right now in Los Angeles, building costs are sky high,” Pittelli said. “As you have hundreds and hundreds of houses being built at the same time, supply costs have to rise — much as they did during COVID.”

Corral, who works at Disney Imagineering, said she and her family will continue to talk to contractors, including one to clear debris. She’s not sure she wants to wait for the government to do it.

One contractor offered his own architect to expedite the process of rebuilding. Usually, architects are selected separately.

Corral said she remains hopeful.

“We’re always moving forward,” she said. “We’re always looking for the hope, the healing and the message in all of it.”