The wildfires in California are becoming increasingly more disastrous as climate change raises temperatures and drought seasons are drawn out. The most recent one scorched about 20,000 acres, including residential areas. More than 200,000 residents in Los Angeles County have been displaced, with many losing their houses and everything in them. Now that the wildfires have been contained, victims will undergo the slow and arduous process to rebuild their lives and their homes. To help you, here are 10 things you should know about rebuilding your home after a wildfire.
Find Temporary Housing
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many overlook this detail. The first thing you want to do after your home has been reduced to rubble and ash is to find temporary housing. Depending on your budget and your relationship with friends and family, this may look different from person to person. Likely, the most affordable option is to shack up with a friend or family member. At the same time, you begin the process of rebuilding. You could also stay at a hotel or motel or find a place with a month-to-month lease. Having a home base for you and your family is essential in getting you back on your feet.
Visit a Disaster Resource Center
Not many people go through losing and rebuilding their homes after a wildfire, so things can feel overwhelming. Luckily, several disaster resource centers have sprung up around the LA area to help those in need. There, you can assess your situation and determine your next moves. Working with someone knowledgeable about your options will help you make the best choices for you and your family. Also, be wary of hiring an attorney. Many people think they need to hire one, but usually, it becomes an unnecessary cost in your sudden expenses.
Salvage Items That You Can
Before rebuilding your house, visit your former residence and salvage any items. The fire may not have consumed your belongings, and you might get lucky finding precise items like photo albums and jewelry still intact. Be careful, though, as you rummage through the rubble. The remaining structures could be weak and fall over on you easily. The other thing you will want to do is contact your insurance company. They will be able to help you in the middle of the crisis.
Know Your Insurance Policy
If you are like most people, you sometimes sign documents without having read through them entirely. One helpful tip in this process is to familiarize yourself with your current home insurance policy. Find out what the insurance company will do for you in this situation. If you want to take full advantage of your policy coverage, speaking with an insurance adjuster will help. Any bit of money you can finesse will go a long way during your time in need.
Itemize All of Your Items That Were Destroyed
One suggestion to ensure that you are being reimbursed the correct amount is to list all the items destroyed in your house. This task sounds daunting, especially when you break it down to the nitty-gritty, like toiletries. These items can add up when you include things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and such. To get an accurate reimbursement from your insurance company, be thorough and start listing every item and its estimated cost.
Insurance Payout Won’t Be Enough to Cover Rebuild Costs
Despite being meticulous in your itemization, knowing that the insurance payout might not be enough to cover the complete costs of a rebuild is important. Materials like wood have risen in price, and choosing fire-resistant materials like tile roofing can also add up. Unless you have a hefty savings account or a wealthy relative, you’ll likely need to pull revenue from another source. Luckily, some government-assisted programs can help you in a pinch.
Apply for Disaster Assistance and Small Business Administration Federal Emergency Management Programs
The cost of rebuilding your home will be enormous. And since the insurance payout probably won’t cover all the costs for the project, people need to be creative with how they get their money. One revenue stream people may not be aware of is government-funded programs such as disaster assistance or Small Business Administration Federal Emergency Management Programs. Fill out the paperwork and apply for these programs even if you don’t own a business. People have said they will help you receive additional funding for your precarious situation. Search online for the forms and get the assistance you need.
Permits to Rebuild
Another helpful tip is to seek approval through building permits before constructing your new home. Unfortunately, you can’t just pick a spot and build a house. You must go through the proper bureaucratic channels to receive authorization to construct. However, after submitting the appropriate paperwork, it could take up to several years before your permit is processed. Be prepared for the long haul and have patience. Your house will not be built overnight.
High Interest Rates For Construction Loans
Another source you can secure to fund your rebuild is applying for a construction loan through a bank or accredited lender. Before going through with it, be aware that these loans typically carry a high interest rate. While rebuilding your home is a good option, if the interest rate is high on the loan, you may end up paying back way more than you requested. Of course, several factors contribute to this, and it’s best to discuss your options with an advisor. Don’t apply for a loan unless you know you’ll be able to repay it.
Connect With Your Community
If your home was burned down due to a wildfire, your neighbors are likely in a similar predicament. Going through hard times is challenging as it is, so don’t go through it alone. Reach out and connect with your community. Not only will you be able to support each other, but you will be able to share resources and helpful tips. One good thing about disasters is that they can bring people together. Losing your home and all your belongings to a wildfire is traumatic, and the path to recovery will be long and difficult. However, when we work together, we can rebuild your home and community sooner.
