How Long Will the LA Fire Rebuild Process Take?
The 2025 LA wildfires left a lasting impact across Southern California, destroying thousands of homes and displacing families. For those beginning their fire recovery journey, one of the first questions that comes up is — “How long will the rebuild take?”
Rebuilding a home after wildfire damage is a detailed, multi-step process involving various professionals and government agencies. While the timeline can vary depending on the scale of damage, permits, and local resource availability, a typical fire rebuild in Los Angeles takes 12 to 24 months from start to finish.
Below is a breakdown of each stage of the rebuild process, along with estimated timelines and where ProStruct Engineering supports homeowners along the way.
1. Site Assessment & Damage Evaluation (2–4 weeks)
Professionals involved:
- Insurance adjusters
- Fire restoration specialists
- Structural engineers
Once it’s safe to return, damage assessment begins. Insurance companies first document the loss, but an independent structural engineer is critical to determine whether any part of the structure (foundation, framing, retaining walls) can be salvaged.
Where ProStruct Helps
ProStruct Engineering performs detailed post-fire structural assessments that help strengthen both your insurance claim and future rebuild design.
2. Debris Removal & Site Cleanup (4–8 weeks)
Professionals involved:
- County agencies / CalRecycle (for government-assisted cleanup)
- Licensed debris removal contractors
Before rebuilding, all fire debris and contaminated soil must be cleared to meet environmental safety standards. In wildfire disaster zones, Los Angeles County often deploys cleanup programs to speed this step — but wait times can vary based on demand.
3. Design & Engineering (6–12 weeks)
Professionals involved:
- Architects or residential building designers
- Civil engineers
- Structural engineers
- Energy consultants
This stage includes concept design, structural calculations, and preparing drawings for city submission. Updated seismic and fire-resilience codes must be incorporated, especially in hillside or high-risk zones.
Where ProStruct Helps
ProStruct provides both civil and structural engineering services, coordinating with your architect or builder. If you don’t have a design team yet, we can refer you to trusted local professionals.
4. Permitting & Plan Review (8–16 weeks)
Professionals involved:
- City building department reviewers
- Engineers (for clarifications and revisions)
Post-fire permit volume is typically high, which can slow down plan review timelines. Most homeowners should expect two to four months for plan check, comments, corrections, and final approval.
ProStruct’s Role
We handle technical responses to city plan check comments, helping reduce delays caused by back-and-forth revisions.
5. Construction Phase (6–12 months)
Professionals involved:
- General contractor
- Subcontractors (MEP, roofing, insulation, drywall, etc.)
- Structural engineer (for inspections)
Typical rebuild breakdown:
- Foundation + framing: 2–3 months
- Mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP): 1–2 months
- Interior/exterior finishes: 3–6 months
A structural engineer may be required for field inspections to ensure compliance with approved engineering plans.
6. Final Inspection & Occupancy (2–4 weeks)
Professionals involved:
- City inspectors
- Structural engineer (if final sign-off is needed)
When construction is complete, the contractor schedules a final inspection. Once approved, the city issues a Certificate of Occupancy, allowing you to move back in.
Typical Timeline Overview
| Stage | Duration | Key Professionals |
|---|---|---|
| Site Assessment | 2–4 weeks | Insurance adjuster, Structural engineer |
| Debris Removal | 4–8 weeks | Cleanup contractors, County agencies |
| Design & Engineering | 6–12 weeks | Architect, Civil & Structural engineers |
| Permitting | 8–16 weeks | City reviewers, Engineers |
| Construction | 6–12 months | Contractor, Structural engineer |
| Final Inspection | 2–4 weeks | City inspectors, Engineer (as required) |
| Total Time | 12–24 months | — |
Why Structural Engineering Is Crucial After a Wildfire
Fire doesn’t just burn wood — it can also weaken concrete, melt rebar coatings, and compromise foundations. A structural engineer ensures:
- Your rebuild meets updated fire/seismic codes
- Remaining structural elements are still safe to reuse
- Soil stability and foundation integrity are verified
How ProStruct Engineering Can Help
ProStruct Engineering specializes in residential structural and civil design for fire rebuilds. We provide:
- Fast turnaround on engineering plans
- Coordination with architects and contractors
- Help with city plan check responses
- Field observation during construction
- Referrals to trusted LA-area architects and builders
If your home was affected by the 2025 wildfire, reach out for a free consultation to discuss your rebuild plan and structural needs.