Rebuild What
Was Lost.
Better Than Before.
Licensed fire rebuild contractor serving Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Simi Valley. We handle every step — insurance coordination, Coastal Commission entitlements, Chapter 7A compliance, and construction — under one roof.
Fire rebuild is complex.
We've done this before.
From permit submission to Certificate of Occupancy. We manage every phase so you're not chasing agencies alone.
We prepare scope documentation and cost estimates that align with your policy's Replacement Cost Value. No guesswork.
Every fire rebuild we complete meets Chapter 7A California Building Code requirements for fire-resistant construction.
Referenced Data
Chapter 7A wildfire-resistant construction requirements apply to all properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) — which includes most of Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Simi Valley. Required upgrades include Class A fire-rated roofing, ignition-resistant siding, ember-resistant vents (1/8″ mesh), tempered glazing, and non-combustible deck materials.
Source: CAL FIRE — Fire Hazard Severity Zone MapChapter 7A compliance typically adds 8–12% to base construction costs on VHFHSZ properties, based on material and system upgrade requirements.
Source: California Building Code Chapter 7A (SFM)Malibu properties within the California Coastal Zone require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) from the California Coastal Commission — a separate application from the City of Malibu building permit, with its own review timeline and potential public hearing.
Source: California Coastal CommissionLike-for-like fire rebuilds in the City of Los Angeles (same footprint and square footage) qualify for expedited LADBS plan-check review under disaster rebuild streamlining measures adopted after the January 2025 fires.
Source: Los Angeles Department of Building and SafetyCurrently rebuilding on
the California coast.
$8M Coastal Estate Fire Rebuild
Full coastal rebuild navigating City of Malibu permitting and Coastal Commission entitlements on a hillside site with direct Pacific Ocean views. Chapter 7A fire-resistant construction throughout. Currently under construction.
Inside the Active $8M Malibu Fire Rebuild
We are on the ground right now — from aerial to on-site. This is what a high-value Malibu coastal rebuild looks like in real time.
Active build — framing, roofing, and exterior systems in progress
This is your rebuild too. If your home was lost in the Palisades or Malibu fires, this is exactly what the path forward looks like — and we are already doing it.
We know each community.
Every agency. Every requirement.
Coastal Commission entitlements, Malibu permitting, Chapter 7A fire-resistant construction, hillside structural engineering, and insurance documentation for Woolsey Fire and 2025 wildfire losses.
- Coastal Development Permits
- Chapter 7A Compliance
- Hillside Foundations
- Coastal Commission Navigation
Active intake for 2025 Palisades Fire rebuild projects. LADBS coordination, insurance scope documentation, expedited permitting under AB 716 and LA City fire rebuild streamlining measures.
- AB 716 Expedited Permits
- LADBS Coordination
- Insurance Documentation
- Like-for-Like Rebuild Fast-Track
Ventura County fire rebuild expertise. Chapter 7A compliance, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone construction, and full permit management through Ventura County Building and Safety.
- VHFHSZ Construction Code
- Ventura County Permits
- Chapter 7A Expertise
- Fire-Resistant Material Sourcing
Five steps from loss
to Certificate of Occupancy.
We built our fire rebuild process around one goal: getting your family back home as fast as possible, without shortcuts.
Free Site Assessment
We visit your property, photograph existing conditions, review your insurance policy, and give you an honest assessment of timeline and budget.
Insurance Coordination
We prepare detailed scope documentation, replacement cost estimates, and work directly with your adjuster to align the claim with actual rebuild costs.
Design & Entitlements
We coordinate architecture, structural engineering, Coastal Commission applications (where required), and all required city or county permit submissions.
Chapter 7A Build
Construction begins with fire-resistant materials, approved structural systems, and compliant finishes. We manage every trade in-house.
Certificate of Occupancy
All inspections passed. All punch-list items closed. We hand over your completed home — rebuilt to a higher standard than before.
This is what a DWD fire rebuild looks like.
DWD Builders is actively rebuilding coastal properties in Malibu — delivering homes that meet current Chapter 7A fire-resistant construction standards, Coastal Commission requirements, and the high design expectations of coastal homeowners.
Hillside Construction Expertise
Fire rebuild sites across Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Simi Valley frequently involve hillside terrain requiring specialized foundation engineering. DWD Builders has extensive experience with deep caisson systems — including projects requiring caissons drilled 65+ feet into bedrock.
Deep Caisson Systems
Drilled pier foundations up to 65+ feet deep into competent bedrock. Essential for Los Angeles hillside fire rebuild sites where expansive soils and post-fire slope conditions require deep structural anchorage.
- Geotechnical investigation coordination
- Structural engineering collaboration
- Bedrock drilling and concrete placement
Hillside Construction
Complex grading, retaining walls, and slope stability for challenging Southern California hillside terrain. Erosion control and drainage expertise built from years of hillside projects across Malibu, Palos Verdes, and the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Tiered retaining wall systems
- Slope stability analysis
- Drainage and erosion control
Engineering Coordination
Seamless collaboration with structural engineers, geotechnical consultants, and specialty design professionals for technically complex hillside fire rebuild projects.
- Structural engineering integration
- Geotechnical report implementation
- MEP systems coordination
Fire Rebuild FAQ
How long does a fire rebuild take in Malibu or Pacific Palisades?
A complete fire rebuild typically takes 18–30 months from permit submission to Certificate of Occupancy. Pacific Palisades and Malibu have additional coordination requirements — FEMA documentation, Coastal Commission entitlements for coastal parcels, and Chapter 7A fire-resistant construction compliance. DWD Builders manages every phase so you don't have to navigate these agencies alone.
How do I work with my insurance company for a fire rebuild?
DWD Builders works directly with your insurance adjuster to document scope, prepare cost estimates that match your policy's Replacement Cost Value, and coordinate all required documentation. We have deep experience with LA County fire rebuild claims and can help you maximize your settlement while keeping the project on track.
What is Chapter 7A and why does it matter for my fire rebuild?
Chapter 7A of the California Building Code requires fire-resistant construction materials and techniques in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones — which includes most of Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Simi Valley. DWD Builders builds to Chapter 7A standards on every fire rebuild project, ensuring your home meets current code and your insurance requirements.
Do I need Coastal Commission approval to rebuild in Malibu?
If your property is in the Coastal Zone, yes. Coastal Development Permits are required for most rebuilds in Malibu and portions of Pacific Palisades. DWD Builders has direct experience navigating Coastal Commission entitlements, including documentation of pre-existing footprint, setbacks, and environmental review. We handle this process in-house.
Can I rebuild larger or add features to my fire-damaged home?
In many cases, yes. LA County and the cities of Malibu and Santa Monica have adopted fire rebuild streamlining measures that allow like-for-like rebuilds on an expedited basis. Additions or design changes may require standard permitting. DWD Builders will assess your specific parcel, existing permits, and current code requirements during our free consultation.
How soon can DWD Builders start on my fire rebuild?
We are actively accepting fire rebuild projects in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Simi Valley. Contact us at (213) 413-1100 or through our contact form. After an initial consultation, we can typically mobilize on-site work within 4–8 weeks of permit issuance. We prioritize fire rebuild clients and have dedicated project managers for wildfire recovery work.
What makes DWD Builders qualified for fire rebuild work?
DWD Builders (CSLB License #B-991385) has completed fire rebuild projects along the California coast, including active work in Malibu. We have direct experience with Chapter 7A compliance, insurance documentation, Coastal Commission entitlements, and expedited permitting with LADBS and Ventura County. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor with zero complaints on file with the CSLB.
Pricing Disclaimer
All prices, ranges, and estimates shown on this page are general references based on current Los Angeles market conditions and are provided for planning purposes only. Every project is unique. Actual costs vary significantly based on site conditions, soil and terrain, architectural complexity, finish selections, permitting fees, and subcontractor availability at time of construction. No figure on this page constitutes a bid, quote, proposal, or binding commitment by DWD Builders Inc. A formal written proposal is provided only after a full site assessment and scope review. For an accurate project-specific number, call (213) 413-1100 or request a free consultation.
Locations We Serve
Our fire rebuild team serves homeowners across Greater Los Angeles. Priority intake is open for Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Simi Valley.
Don't face the rebuild
process alone.
We're actively working with Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Simi Valley homeowners right now. Call or schedule a free consultation — no obligation, no pressure.
DWD Builders Inc. · CSLB Lic. #B-991385 · 16255 Ventura Blvd Suite 605, Encino, CA 91436