Selecting Architects & Contractors

Choosing the right architect or contractor is a critical step in rebuilding your home. Here are the best practices and step-by-step guidance for selecting and vetting potential contractors to help ensure a safe, compliant, and successful rebuild.

  • Before hiring anyone, confirm that they are legally able to work in California and have the proper insurance coverage.
  • Check California’s licensing board online to verify the license number and ask for both liability and worker’s compensation coverage.
  • Confirm that the contractor is properly bonded. Contractors are required to have a contractor’s bond on file with the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Contractors State License Board (CSLB) in the amount of $25,000.
  • Use the  Partner Selection Questionnaire to evaluate contractors.
    Download Partner Selection Questionnaire
  • To avoid scams, trust your instincts, a professional contractor will answer your questions and provide documentation without hesitation.
  • It is best practice to obtain at least three (3) bids and compare pricing.
  • The lowest price is not always the best contractor, so consider experience, quality, and communication as well.
The best way to assess a contractor’s quality is to look at their previous work and listen to feedback from former clients.

  • Speak with several past clients and review completed projects.
  • When speaking with references, ask whether the project stayed on budget and on schedule, if any issues arose, and how they were resolved.
  • It is important that the contractor has experience rebuilding after a wildfire and understands wildfire-resilient construction methods.
  • Experience with disaster rebuilds ensures they are familiar with specialized materials, fire codes, and resilient building practices.
  • Ask to visit a project site or see photos to evaluate workmanship and attention to detail.
  • Wildfire rebuilds often involve complex repairs and specialized materials. Make sure all costs and responsibilities are clearly defined in writing. A detailed bid protects you from unexpected expenses and ensures everyone agrees on the project scope. Avoid vague estimates such as “all materials included,” and ask contractors to explain how pricing may change during construction.
  • Never allow work to begin without a written quote and contract. Use payment schedules that align with project milestones to reduce financial risk. In California, a down payment for a home improvement contract cannot exceed $1,000 or ten percent of the total contract price, whichever is less. Keep all contracts, receipts, and change orders organized in one place so they can be easily referred to if needed.
  • Completing your rebuild will take several months.
  • Maintain clear communication, track milestones, and document all changes.
    • Delays are common during the rebuilding process, but transparency and careful scheduling can reduce frustration.
    • Clear timelines help you plan temporary housing, inspections, and insurance deadlines.
  • Identify who to contact throughout the project to prevent confusion and keep progress on track.
  • Request a written project schedule with start and end dates for each phase and confirm how often you will receive progress updates.

Vetted Contractors

Here is a list of contractors who have gone through a basic vetting process, such as confirming licensing, insurance, and good standing where applicable. This list is meant to be a helpful starting point as you explore your options.

Please keep in mind: While these contractors have completed an initial screening process, homeowners should still conduct their own due diligence before making a final decision. You have the freedom to choose the contractor that feels right for you, and we encourage you to take your time reviewing qualifications, references, and project fit.

Business Name Address Email Phone License Type License Number License Status
Access Construction Remodeling 6562 Gazette Ave. Winnetka, CA 91306 [email protected] (404) 983-1328 B - General Building 881510 Active
AQ4 Building Solutions dba West Coast Construction & Development 5700 Corsa Ave. Suite 204B, Westlake Village, CA 91362 [email protected] (424) 786-6790 B - General Building 1135622 Active
B.A.S Construction Company 5777 W. Century Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90045 [email protected] (310) 770-1342 B - General Building 1123688 Active
BAM Sheet Metal Co. 8217 Sorensen Ave. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 [email protected] (323) 270-7187 C43 - Sheet Metal 1050561 Active
BG construction & Remodeling Inc. 1360 Western Ave. Glendale, CS 91201 [email protected] (818) 359-5159 B - General Building, C54 - Tile (Ceramic and Mosaic) 817992 Active
Bliss Holding Group Inc. dba Chisel and Tool 910 S. San Gabriel Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107 [email protected] (213) 257-6594 B - General Building, C10 - Electrical 904522 Active
Bridgeline Construction Serving Southern California 10866 Washington Blvd #614, Culver City, CA 90232 [email protected] (424) 261-3472 B- General Building 1078101 Active
Byron's Painting Co. 17316 Keswick St. Northridge, CA 91325 [email protected] (310) 351-7039 C33 - Painting & Decorating 1079508 Active
Energen Electric 10932 San Miguel Ave. Lynwood, CA 90262 [email protected] (323) 433-6046 C10 - Electrical 1111552 Active
ETR Consultants 335 E Albertoni St. Suite 200-525, Carson, CA 90746 [email protected] (310) 720-2276 Self-Certified Self-Certified Active
Golden Coast Construction & Restoration 260 S. Los Robles Ave Pasadena CA 91101 [email protected] (800) 609-0232
(310) 848-3800		 B-General Building, C-61/D-41-Siding and Decking 838443 Active
Homestead Build LLC 2926 Denby Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 [email protected] (323) 892-8619 B - General Building 1081287 Active
Inno Construction Inc. 7425 Orangethorpe Ave. Ste. F, Buena Park, CA 90621 [email protected] (714) 735-9043 B - General Building, C-39 Roofing 887068 Active
Integrity Custom Built, Inc 2555 Fair Oaks Ave. Altadena, CA 91001 [email protected] (818) 303-5129 B - General Building 1150717 Active
Westside Remodeling | Jon Edward Construction Inc. 1164 Newbury Rd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 [email protected] (805) 915-8892 B - General Building 1113678 Active
Lakaynan LLC Serving Southern California [email protected] (424) 577-6441 Self-Certified Self-Certified Active
Macano Tech 8152 California Ave. South Gate, CA 90280 [email protected] (713) 614-2205 C7 - Low Voltage Systems; C10 - Electrical 1091732 Active
Marcos Construction Inc. 4219 Whiteside St. Los Angeles, CA 90063 [email protected] (323) 595-1290 B - General Building, C10 - Electrical 686859 Active
Masbuild Design Solutions Serving Southern California [email protected] (626) 792-2555 B - General Building, C21528 - Architecture, Interior Design & Planning, 813873 Active
Regent Developers, Inc. 5729 9th Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90043 [email protected] (323) 816-7742 B - General Building 1146882 Active
Rudy's Building & Construction Inc. 7045 Amigo Ave. Los Angeles, CA 91335 [email protected] (818) 857-6034 B - General Building, C10 - Electrical, C36 - Plumbing 1074728 Active
Savage Constructrion 2107 W. Manchester Ave. Suite 201 Los Angeles, CA 90047 [email protected] (424) 603-1927 B - General Building 789759 Active
ShellMolly Construction 8654 State St. South Gate, CA 90280 [email protected] (323) 970-6670 B - General Building 911257 Active
Spirit Construction 7424 Orangethorpe Ave. Ste. F, Buena Park, CA 90621 [email protected] (714) 471-2124 B - General Building, C8 1076713 Active
The Contractor Gal DBA Ram Construction & Electrical 2527 Exposition Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90018 [email protected] (310) 689-9174 B - General Building, C10 - Electrical 1064340 Active
The Project Delivery Group 200 Spectrum Center Drive, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92618 [email protected] (773) 301-0053 B - General Building 1002189 Active
Turnkey Developers 4742 Lorelei Ave. Long Beach, CA 90808 [email protected] (310) 804-6190 B - General Building 694639 Active
Victor King Construction 6315 Buckler Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043 [email protected] (310) 597-9687 C16 - Fire Protection, B - General Building 701175 Active

Interested in Being Listed?

We welcome contractors who are interested in supporting homeowners in our community. If you are a licensed and insured contractor and would like to be included on our resource list, please complete our interest form here:

Interest Form
All submissions are reviewed to confirm basic qualifications and requirements. Please note that submitting a form does not guarantee inclusion on the list.
In addition to our vetted contractor list, linked below additional contractor directories to help expand available options for homeowners.
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