Fire Damage Restoration & Rebuilding in California
Experiencing a home fire is overwhelming, but rebuilding doesn’t have to be. At Urbatect, we specialize in helping California homeowners move from the initial shock of fire damage to the keys of a fully restored, modern, and code-compliant home.
As a licensed, full-service design-build fire restoration company, we manage the entire journey from initial site survey and California’s strict Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes to the final custom finishes, our team ensures your home is rebuilt stronger and safer than before.
Our end to end Fire Restoration Process
1. Site Discovery & Assessment
Every restoration begins with a detailed site visit to assess the fire damage and understand your rebuilding goals. We’ll explore what’s possible under local regulations, evaluate the existing structure, and guide you through feasibility and budgeting to turn your recovery plan into a reality.
2. Feasibility & Conceptual Designs
Our designers collaborate with you to create a custom rebuild plan that balances your original home’s character and functionality. By aligning design with construction costs early on, we ensure the restoration stays on budget. From initial sketches to 3D renderings, we focus on value and impact.
3. Permitting
Getting restoration permits doesn’t have to be stressful. We prepare your plans accurately and handle all coordination with city officials to avoid delays. Our permit technicians manage the entire process from paperwork to corrections helping you get approvals up to 30% faster than industry norms.
4. Build & Execute
With 15+ years of expertise, our skilled construction team brings your home back to life with precision. From foundation repairs to final finishes, we manage every detail to ensure superior craftsmanship. You’ll have a dedicated project manager to keep you informed, ensuring a smooth and timely completion.
5. Walkthrough & Completion
Quality is our priority. Once construction is finished, we conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure every detail meets the Urbatect standard. We don’t just hand over the keys; we ensure your restored home is exactly how you envisioned it safe, beautiful, and ready for move-in.
Our Completed Projects
Addition to a Senior Living Facility
Lynnwood
- Size: 120 units
- No of stories: 3
- Special Features: Addition to a ground up senior living facility with 120 units & cottage homes
Albany ADU
Albany, CA
- Size: 800 sq ft
- No of stories: 2
- Special features: ADU with ~200 sq ft patio with wood trellis
Amburose Custom Home
Fremont
- Size: 2,984 sq ft
- No. of stories: 2
- Special features: Grand Entry with Stone Accents
Arcilla ADU
San Diego
- Size: 375 sq. ft
- No of stories: 1
- Special features: Compact design and skylight
Camden ADU
Oakland
- Size: 222 sq. ft
- No of stories: 1
- Special features: Compact design & murphy bed
Castro Valley ADU & Office/Gym Space
Castro Valley, CA
- Size: 798 sq ft ADU + 639 sq ft attached office/gym space
- No of stories: 1
- Special features: Attached office/gym space & newly completed driveway
Custom Home
Santa Rosa
- Size: 3,512 sq ft
- No of stories: 2
- Special features: Modern farmhouse design
Flying Lady Winery
St. Helena
- Size: 40,305 Sq. ft.
- No of stories: 1
- Special Features: A 2 story residence accompanied by a winery building, featuring an outdoor tasting deck.
Gallegos ADU
Watsonville
- Size: 750 sq ft
- Number of stories : 1
- Special features: Exterior deck & front porch
Governor ADU
Harbor City
- Size: 704 sq ft
- No of stories: 1
- Special features: ADA Accessibility
Millbrook Residence
Santa Rosa
- Size: 3416 sq ft
- No. of stories: 2
- Special features: Modern farmhouse-style custom home
Milpitas ADU
- Size: 800 sq ft
- No of stories: 2
- Special Features: 2-story unit designed to maximize living space with private entry, open living, and full-home functionality.
Modern Custom Home
Santa Rosa
- Size: 4,444 sq ft
- No of stories: 2
- Special features: Symmetrical modern farmhouse with grand entry and high ceilings
Multi Family Development
Location: San Diego
- Size: 18 units
- No of stories: 4
- Special Features: Ground up 18 unit multifamily development
Paxton custom home
Santa Rosa
- Size: 2,683 sq ft
- No of stories: 2
- Special features: Modern 2-story home with pool, spa and stone facade
Perlita ADU
Los Angeles
- Size: 1,200 sq ft
- Number of stories : 2
- Special features: Roof deck
Phan ADU
San Leandro
- Size: 750 sq ft
- No of stories: 1
- Special features: Designed for flexibility
Salvator Apartments
Sacramento
- Size: 120 units
- No. of stories: 4
- Special Features: Developed comprehensive steel shop drawings for the ground-up, four-story apartment complex
Sawgrass Residence
Santa Rosa
- Size: 3,100 sq ft
- No of stories: 1
- Special features: Vaulted beam ceilings & open layout
Shaff ADU
Aptos
- Size: 685 sq ft
- No of stories: 2
- Special features: 2 Car garage
Sierra Home
Sacramento
- Size: 4,084 sq ft
- No of stories: 1
- Special features: Mediterranean-inspired home with pool
Smiley custom home
Olympic Valley
- Size: 3,529 sq ft
- No of stories: 2
- Special features: Modern architecture with high ceilings
St. Leo’s Apartments
Redwood
- Size: 15 units
- No. of stories: 3
- Special Features: Ground-up construction, 3-story wood structure consisting of 15 units
Tynan Village Apartments
Salinas
- Size: 171 units
- No of stories: 4
- Stucco/construction work on the most recent project remodeling
Whittier ADU
Whittier
- Size: 700 sq ft
- No of stories: 1
- Special features: Custom built design
1,000+ Happy Customers.
Real Stories, Real Results.
The Urbatect Advantage
- 1. One-stop Solution With Expert Project Management, Design, Permit & Construction Team.
- 2. Flexible And Customizable Design-build Solutions With Allowances To Choose Your Own Finishes.
- 3. Budget Transparency & Cost Control With Fixed Pricing That Protects Against Labor And Material Cost Increases For 16 Months.
- 4. 25–30% Faster Project Completion Without Compromising Quality.
- 5. Dedicated Permit Technician & 30% Faster Permit Expediting.
- 6. Advanced Technology & 3D Visualization.
Our Awards and Recognition
What Sets Us Apart
Licensed
& Insured
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Restoration
1. How long does it take to rebuild a fire-damaged home in California?
The timeline varies based on the extent of the damage and local permitting backlogs. However, recent 2026 emergency orders in many California counties have introduced expedited tracks that can significantly shorten this window for fire victims.
2. Do I need a permit to begin fire damage restoration?
Yes. In California, any structural rebuilding or significant fire damage repair requires a building permit. This ensures the home meets current safety and fire-resistance codes. Urbatect manages the entire submittal process, including foundation assessments required before a permit is issued.
3. Can I change the floor plan while rebuilding my fire-damaged home?
Absolutely. Many homeowners modernize their layout or add an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) for extra value. Our design-build team can help you maximize your property’s potential while remaining within your insurance budget.
4. Can I rebuild on my existing foundation after a fire?
Not always. Even if a foundation looks intact, extreme heat can crystallize the concrete and weaken the structural integrity. We conduct a professional assessment to determine if your foundation meets the 2025 California Building Code (which came into effect on January 1, 2026). If it’s safe, we’ll incorporate it; if not, we’ll guide you through the process of a fresh, secure start.
5. How do California’s 2026 fire laws affect my rebuild?
California’s 2026 codes may affect your rebuild if your property is in a mapped Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), State Responsibility Area (SRA), or other designated fire-hazard zone. In those cases, your project may need to comply with California’s ignition-resistant construction requirements, which can include approved exterior wall assemblies, ember- and flame-resistant vents, compliant roofing, protected eaves, tempered glazing in some cases, and vegetation management / defensible-space requirements. Zone 0 standards focus on creating an ember-resistant area within the first 5 feet around the home, but applicability depends on the property’s location and the governing jurisdiction. We review the site’s fire-hazard designation early so the rebuild is designed for code compliance from the start and avoidable permit delays are minimized.
6. What is the difference between fire damage and smoke damage restoration?
Fire damage involves direct heat and flame damage to structural components and finishes, such as framing, roofing, windows, siding, and interior surfaces. Smoke damage involves soot, odors, and corrosive residue that can spread far beyond the visibly burned areas and contaminate porous materials, ductwork, insulation, and mechanical systems. Depending on the severity, smoke damage may require specialized cleaning, sealing, or selective demolition and replacement, while fire damage may require anything from targeted structural repairs to a partial or full rebuild in order to meet current safety and habitability requirements.