Guide
Top 7 Fire Rebuild Contractors in Altadena
The Eaton Fire changed Altadena forever. If your home was among the thousands lost, you're now facing a rebuild process that's part construction project, part insurance negotiation, and part emotional marathon. The contractor you choose will shape not just your house, but your experience of getting it back. Altadena has its own quirks: unincorporated county jurisdiction means LA County Public Works handles permits, not a city building department. Many lots sit in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, triggering Chapter 7A ignition-resistant construction requirements. And with thousands of rebuilds competing for the same licensed crews, availability matters as much as ability. This list covers seven contractors working in Altadena fire rebuilds in 2026, from hyper-local specialists to regional firms with disaster-recovery experience. We've focused on what each company actually offers, verified through their published information, so you can compare honestly and make a decision that fits your project.
01
JMB Builders
Our PickBest for: Altadena homeowners or lot owners planning a ground-up custom home, complete fire rebuild, whole-home renovation, or ADU, with realistic budgets for high-end work and a preference for a locally focused, communication-first builder. · Contact for pricing
JMB Builders is an Altadena-only general contractor founded and led by Isaac Rebollo (CSLB License #1103479). The company focuses exclusively on high-end residential work: ground-up custom homes, complete rebuilds on existing lots, whole-home renovations, and detached ADUs. That narrow scope is deliberate. JMB doesn't chase small repairs or handyman work, and it doesn't take projects outside Altadena. If you're rebuilding after the Eaton Fire, you get a builder who knows this community's lots, its permitting path through LA County, and the design expectations that come with rebuilding in a fire-sensitive area. The company's six-stage process starts with an honest fit conversation and moves through feasibility, pre-construction planning, permitting, construction management, and closeout. There are no timeline guarantees or permit promises, just clear communication at each step. JMB Builders carries $2,000,000 in general liability coverage and a $100,000 contractor bond. The positioning is premium, and so is the work: this is a builder for homeowners who want a design-conscious result and are ready to invest in it. If you're planning a full rebuild, a custom home, or a major renovation in Altadena, start with a conversation.
- CSLB License #1103479, licensed, bonded, and insured
- $2,000,000 general liability coverage
- $100,000 contractor bond on file
- Exclusively serves Altadena, California
- Specializes in ground-up custom homes, complete rebuilds, whole-home renovations, and ADUs
- Six-stage process from Initial Conversation through Completion & Closeout
- Led by founder Isaac Rebollo
- Free, no-obligation consultation to assess project fit
Strengths
- Hyper-local focus on Altadena means deep familiarity with local codes and rebuilding nuances
- Transparent six-stage process keeps clients informed without pressure
- Specializes in large-scope projects like fire rebuilds, avoiding distraction from smaller jobs
- High-end, design-conscious approach with attention to quality materials and craftsmanship
- Verified credentials and insurance coverage provide accountability
Trade-offs
- Services limited to Altadena only; not available for projects outside this community
- Does not handle small repairs or emergency mitigation like tarping or board-up
- Premium positioning may not fit budgets seeking basic or low-cost reconstruction
- No public pricing or standardized packages; all quotes require direct consultation
02
Golden Coast Construction & Restoration
Best for: Altadena homeowners who want a single company to handle everything from emergency board-up through full reconstruction, and who value insurance claim advocacy and detailed documentation. · Contact for pricing
Golden Coast Construction & Restoration is a California-licensed general contractor (CSLB #838443) with a permanent office in Pasadena serving the Altadena area. According to their website, they handle the full arc of fire recovery: emergency board-up, smoke and soot cleanup, fire-suppression water extraction and drying, and full reconstruction. They work directly with insurance adjusters and use an all-in-one platform that includes 3D modeling to document spaces. Their process includes testing for asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials when warranted, which is relevant in Altadena where a high percentage of housing stock predates 1979. They emphasize clear communication and provide a certificate of completion at the end. While they serve a broader area than just Altadena, their local office and familiarity with LA County permitting make them a viable option for homeowners who want one company to handle both restoration and rebuild.
- CSLB License #838443
- Permanent office in Pasadena serving Altadena
- Full-service: emergency board-up, smoke/soot cleanup, water extraction, reconstruction
- Works directly with insurance adjusters
- Uses 3D modeling and an all-in-one platform for documentation
- Provides hazardous material testing (asbestos, lead) when warranted
- 24/7 emergency response
Strengths
- Full-service capability from emergency response to rebuild
- Local office in Pasadena for Altadena projects
- Insurance claim advocacy and direct adjuster communication
- Hazardous material testing available
Trade-offs
- Serves a broader area, so not exclusively focused on Altadena
- No public pricing information available
- May not offer the same level of design-conscious, high-end customization as some specialists
03
DWD Builders
Best for: Altadena homeowners who want a contractor with demonstrated expertise in the Eaton Fire rebuild process and who value transparent communication about timelines and costs. · Contact for pricing
DWD Builders (CSLB #B-991385) is actively managing Eaton Fire rebuild projects in Altadena, according to their website. They provide a detailed guide to the Altadena rebuild process, covering permits, Chapter 7A requirements, costs, and timelines. Their published information indicates they understand the LA County Public Works permitting pathway, the difference between like-for-like and modified rebuilds, and the importance of debris clearance and soil testing before construction. They emphasize realistic timelines: 15 to 26 months total for a standard rebuild, with 9 to 16 months of construction after permit issuance. They also note that contractor availability is the primary timeline variable. DWD Builders appears to be a knowledgeable and transparent resource for homeowners navigating the complexities of rebuilding after the Eaton Fire.
- CSLB License #B-991385
- Actively managing Eaton Fire rebuild projects
- Provides detailed guidance on Altadena rebuild process
- Familiar with LA County Public Works permitting
- Understands Chapter 7A wildfire-resistant construction requirements
- Transparent about timelines and costs
Strengths
- Deep knowledge of Altadena rebuild requirements
- Transparent about the permitting and construction process
- Experienced with Eaton Fire rebuilds
- Provides educational resources for homeowners
Trade-offs
- Limited public information about specific services and pricing
- May not offer the same hyper-local focus as Altadena-only builders
- No information available on design capabilities or high-end finishes
04
CentrePoint Construction Inc.
Best for: Altadena homeowners who want a single company to handle both design and construction, and who value the streamlined communication of a design-build model. · Contact for pricing
CentrePoint Construction Inc. is a design-build firm specializing in new home construction in Altadena, according to their website. They offer a fully integrated design-build model, guiding homeowners from planning through move-in without coordinating separate architects, engineers, and contractors. Their process includes site evaluation, architectural design and engineering, permit processing with LA County, demolition and site prep, construction, and finishes and inspections. They are familiar with Altadena's unique requirements, including hillside construction rules, high fire severity zone compliance, methane mitigation, Title 24 energy efficiency, and Low Impact Development. They offer a free feasibility report for Altadena lots. Their design-build approach can streamline communication and accountability, though it may limit flexibility in choosing your own architect.
- Design-build firm specializing in Altadena new home construction
- In-house architecture, engineering, and construction
- Familiar with Altadena zoning, hillside overlays, and fire severity zones
- Handles permit processing with LA County
- Provides free feasibility report for Altadena lots
- Offers 3D renderings and material recommendations
Strengths
- Integrated design-build model simplifies coordination
- In-house architecture and engineering
- Familiar with Altadena-specific regulations
- Free feasibility report available
Trade-offs
- Design-build model may limit flexibility to use your own architect
- No public pricing information
- Less emphasis on insurance claim advocacy compared to restoration-focused firms
05
Eco Home Builders
Best for: Altadena homeowners seeking a luxury custom rebuild with a focus on fire-resilient design and premium materials, who are comfortable working with a builder based outside the immediate area. · Contact for pricing
Eco Home Builders is a custom home builder that has expanded into LA wildfire rebuild services, according to their website. They offer luxury custom home rebuilds and guide homeowners through permitting, insurance coordination, design, and construction. Their process starts with a phone consultation and in-home meeting, followed by design and material selection, a comprehensive estimate and timeline, construction with daily site oversight, and final inspections. They use Buildertrend project management software for client communication. They emphasize fire-resilient architecture that exceeds code, sustainably sourced materials, and AI-driven fire prevention technology. They also provide detailed FAQs about like-for-like rebuilds, permit fees, Chapter 7A requirements, and temporary housing. While they are based in San Diego, they are actively serving the LA fire rebuild market.
- Luxury custom home rebuilds
- Fire-resilient architecture exceeding code
- Sustainably sourced, premium materials
- AI-driven fire prevention technology
- Insurance coordination assistance
- Buildertrend client portal for project management
- Detailed FAQs on rebuild process
Strengths
- Focus on fire-resilient and sustainable materials
- Luxury custom home expertise
- Transparent process with client portal
- Provides educational resources on rebuild process
Trade-offs
- Based in San Diego, not local to Altadena
- May not have the same deep local knowledge as Altadena-only builders
- No public pricing information
- Limited information on specific Altadena project experience
06
True Builders Remodeling
Best for: Homeowners who value a long track record in disaster recovery and are open to working with a contractor based outside California, though local knowledge may be limited. · Contact for pricing
True Builders Remodeling is a general contractor based in Lakeland, Florida, with extensive experience in storm and disaster recovery, including fire damage repair and whole-home rebuilding. According to their website, they have served over 100,000 customers since 2009 and hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, backed by 3,244 Google reviews. They offer full-service design, permitting, and construction, and specialize in fire damage repair including board-up, smoke and soot cleanup, and full reconstruction. They also offer monthly payment plans for larger projects and handle insurance claims start to finish. While they are not based in California, their disaster-recovery experience may be relevant for homeowners seeking a contractor with a proven track record in fire rebuilds. However, their distance from Altadena could be a consideration for local permitting and coordination.
- Licensed (CRC1335717), bonded, and insured
- A+ BBB rating with 3,244 Google reviews
- Over 100,000 customers served since 2009
- Specializes in fire damage repair: board-up, smoke/soot cleanup, full reconstruction
- Offers monthly payment plans for large projects
- Handles insurance claims start to finish
- 24/7 emergency response
Strengths
- Extensive experience in fire and storm damage repair
- Strong reputation with many positive reviews
- Offers payment plans
- Handles insurance claims
Trade-offs
- Based in Florida, not local to Altadena
- May lack specific knowledge of California codes and Altadena permitting
- No public pricing information
- Distance could complicate project management
07
Builders Alliance LA
Best for: Altadena homeowners who are early in the rebuild process and want to explore options, compare vetted builders, and get cost estimates before committing to a specific contractor. · Free to use
Builders Alliance LA is a nonprofit organization that connects homeowners affected by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires with vetted builders, industry expertise, and technology, according to their website. They offer a centralized rebuilding portal where homeowners can explore buildable options for their home, complete with cost estimates and property-specific zoning analysis. They aim to reduce costs and shorten timelines by assembling builder expertise and production capacity. They have been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Pasadena Star-News. While they are not a contractor themselves, they provide a valuable service for homeowners seeking to compare vetted builders and pre-approved plans. This can be a good starting point for research, though you'll still need to select and contract with a specific builder.
- Nonprofit organization connecting homeowners with vetted builders
- Centralized rebuilding portal with cost estimates and zoning analysis
- Pre-approved plans library
- Aims to reduce costs and shorten timelines
- Featured in major publications
Strengths
- Free resource for homeowners
- Connects with multiple vetted builders
- Provides cost estimates and zoning analysis
- Can help streamline the builder selection process
Trade-offs
- Not a contractor; you still need to hire and manage a builder
- May not offer the same personalized service as a direct contractor relationship
- Limited to builders in their network
Rebuilding after the Eaton Fire is a major undertaking, and the contractor you choose will be your partner for many months. The right fit depends on your priorities: if you want a hyper-local builder who specializes in high-end, design-conscious work and knows Altadena inside and out, JMB Builders is a strong candidate. If you need a full-service restoration company that can handle emergency board-up through rebuild, Golden Coast is worth a call. Others offer design-build efficiency, disaster-recovery experience, or a network of vetted builders. Whichever you choose, verify their CSLB license, ask for references from similar projects, and make sure you understand their insurance-claim process. Ready to start your rebuild? Contact JMB Builders for a free Altadena fire rebuild consultation and a detailed reconstruction estimate. Their team will give you an honest assessment of fit and next steps, with no obligation.
This guide is general information, not legal, insurance, permitting, or financial advice. The film and stills on this site are brand-film visualizations of our design language — conceptual imagery, not photographs of a completed JMB project.
Questions
Asked and answered plainly.
Start with a valid CSLB license, which you can verify on the Contractors State License Board website. Look for experience with Eaton Fire rebuilds specifically, since Altadena's permitting goes through LA County Public Works and many lots are in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones requiring Chapter 7A construction. Ask about their process for working with insurance adjusters, whether they provide documentation for claims, and if they have references from similar projects. A local builder who knows Altadena's quirks can save you time and headaches.
According to DWD Builders, a standard Altadena single-family fire rebuild in 2026 takes approximately 15 to 26 months total: 1–3 months for debris clearance, 1–3 months for design, 4–5 months for permit review, and 9–16 months for construction. Timelines vary based on project complexity, permit approval, and contractor availability. The key variable is securing a contractor early, as regional crews are in high demand.
LA County defines a like-for-like rebuild as reconstructing the same size structure in the same location for the same use, with modifications not exceeding 10% of floor area or footprint. This pathway qualifies for the fastest permitting. A modified rebuild, which adds square footage or changes the footprint, triggers additional planning review and extends the timeline. If you're considering changes to your original home design, weigh the time and cost trade-off carefully.
JMB Builders focuses on the construction side and works with homeowners to provide documentation that supports insurance claims. They are not a public adjuster, but they can coordinate with your insurance company as needed. Their process includes transparent communication and detailed estimates to help you maximize your claim.
JMB Builders serves Altadena, California exclusively. They deliberately focus on one community to provide deep local knowledge and dedicated attention. If your property is outside Altadena, they will politely decline and refer you to other resources.
You can verify any California contractor's license on the Contractors State License Board website at cslb.ca.gov. Look up the license number, check the status (active, expired, etc.), and review any disciplinary actions. JMB Builders' license number is #1103479. Always verify before signing a contract.
Chapter 7A of the California Building Code applies to homes in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and wildland-urban interface areas. It requires ignition-resistant construction materials and methods, including Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, non-combustible exterior siding, tempered dual-pane windows, and fire-resistant decking. Many Altadena lots fall into these zones, so your rebuild will likely need to comply. A qualified contractor will know these requirements and incorporate them into your design.