Losing your home in a wildfire is a devastating experience. If you’re unsure how to begin the rebuilding process, here are answers to your most pressing questions, helping you take the next steps with confidence.
Fire Rebuilding FAQS
General Questions
Very quickly! Thanks to our prefabrication methods, construction takes 30% to 50% fewer framing hours compared to conventional builds, making assembly both efficient and time-saving. For residential projects, our process typically takes 9 to 14 months from start to finish, while commercial projects are usually completed within 14 to 18 months. With DC Structures, you could have a move-in-ready structure in as little as a year—or even less—without compromising on quality or precision.
Our pre-engineered building packages include everything needed to assemble the frame of your structure, such as exterior framing, siding, and hardware. Depending on the package, we also include elements like windows, doors, and interior framing for a more comprehensive residential or commercial solution. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included, visit our What’s Included page.
Absolutely! All our residential structures are designed to meet the International Residential Code (IRC) as well as any state, city, county, or municipal building codes. If you’re in a wildfire-prone area, your county may require compliance with the Wildland-Urban Interface Code (WUI). To meet these requirements, we offer a WUI add-on that incorporates fire-resistant materials like fire-rated sheathing, soffits, and vents, along with tempered glass windows, which provide four times the heat resistance of standard glass. Our team ensures your design meets all necessary regulations, so you can rebuild with confidence.
Our designs are fully customizable to suit your specific needs and preferences. You can choose from our library of over 60 pre-engineered building models, which can be modified to your liking, or bring us existing plans or references for a completely personalized design. Whether you want to recreate your former home or bring a unique vision to life, our team is here to make it happen.
While our starting materials packages don’t include many fire-resistant features, we’re happy to incorporate premium, fire-safe upgrades into your design. Options include fiber cement siding, fire-rated windows and doors, and reinforced heavy timber components. Our project coordinators will guide you through these options to create a building that prioritizes safety and resilience.
Fire Rebuilding FAQS
Wildfire-Specific Concerns
There are many ways to make your property more fire-resilient when rebuilding. Creating defensible zones around your home, strategically trimming and clearing vegetation, and maintaining healthy landscaping through regular watering can all help reduce wildfire risk. For additional tips and strategies, visit our Prevention Tips page.
Yes, we do! Our Fire Rebuilding Services page includes a variety of resources to help homeowners prepare for and protect against future wildfires. Additionally, our team is highly experienced in working with clients who have previously lost their homes to wildfires. We’ll personally guide you through our selection of fire-safe materials and methods to ensure your new home prioritizes safety and resilience. Whatever your needs, we’re here to help you create a home designed for lasting peace of mind and comfort.
Fire Rebuilding FAQS
Collaboration with Contractors
Clients will typically need to hire a contractor separately, but if you don’t already have one in mind, we’re here to help. Our parent company, DC Builders, offers comprehensive framing and siding services to clients across the United States. We also offer a Nationwide Builder Network comprised of thoroughly vetted builders and can help connect you with a licensed, reliable contractor in your area.
Depending on availability and location, our parent company, DC Builders, may be able to serve as your turnkey builder. They offer general contracting services in Western states, including California, Oregon, and Washington, and may occasionally take on projects outside the West Coast region. If you’re interested in working with DC Builders, we’d be happy to check their availability and discuss your project further!
Fire Rebuilding FAQS
Financial Questions
Pre-engineered wood buildings can be a highly cost-effective alternative to traditional stick-framed homes. Thanks to our off-site manufacturing process, our prefab building kits reduce framing hours by 30% to 50%, saving you significant time and money during the construction phase. Additionally, we can work with you to incorporate cost-efficient materials into your design, ensuring your home aligns with your vision, needs, and budget without sacrificing quality.
While we don’t offer financing or payment plans directly, we’re happy to connect you with lenders that many of our past and current clients have successfully partnered with. If you’d like assistance in finding a financing option, our team can guide you toward trusted resources to help get your project underway.
Fire Rebuilding FAQS
Commercial and Mixed-Use Buildings
Absolutely! All our pre-engineered building models can be adapted for commercial use. We can also work with any existing plans you have for your rebuild or collaborate with your architect to create a tailored pre-engineered building package. If you don’t currently have an architect for your project, we regularly partner with a licensed architect who can review and modify your plans as needed. Whatever your situation, we’re here to support you in creating a space that meets your business’s needs.
Yes! Designing multi-purpose buildings with fire-resistant features is one of our specialties. Since commercial projects require a Design Professional of Record or licensed architect, we’ll collaborate with your architect—or one of our trusted partners—to create a fire-resistant and fully code-compliant design.
As part of this process, the architect will coordinate with civil, mechanical, and electrical consultants to develop a comprehensive plan set ready for building department approval. Our designers also work closely with the architect to address key areas like egress widths, exit distances, fire extinguisher cabinet locations, and total building occupancy to ensure the highest standards for fire and life safety. This collaborative approach streamlines the approval process with state and local jurisdictions while delivering a fire-safe, multi-functional building solution tailored to your needs.
Fire Rebuilding FAQS
Materials and Sustainability
There’s a reason why over 90% of homes today are built with wood—it’s a naturally renewable material that offers incredible durability and fire resistance. At DC Structures, we use high-grade Douglas fir timbers sourced from the Pacific Northwest, known for their exceptional strength, density, and low resin content, which make them naturally fire-resistant. When paired with fire-rated insulation, windows, doors, and other materials, wood becomes an enduring and reliable framing solution for your new home. Plus, its natural beauty and sustainability make it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a safe, stylish, and eco-friendly option.
Yes! Our wood homes are inherently sustainable and energy efficient, providing a cozy, comfortable living space year-round. Wood is a natural insulator, helping maintain a balanced indoor environment—keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Unlike steel and concrete buildings, which often require heavy-duty insulation and HVAC systems to be livable, our wood structures deliver superior comfort and energy efficiency, even with a minimal framework. With a wood home from DC Structures, you can enjoy a sustainable, energy-efficient residence that adds long-term value to your life and your investment.
Our wood buildings are designed with ease of maintenance in mind, but upkeep can vary depending on the materials used in your design. For example, homes with treated wood siding may need re-staining every 1–2 years to maintain their appearance and resistant properties. On the other hand, fiber cement siding requires minimal maintenance—just regular cleaning and caulking every six months to a year, with repainting typically needed every 10–15 years, depending on wear and exposure. Regardless of your material choices, our team is here to guide you toward solutions that match your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
Fire Rebuilding FAQS
Process and Timeline
Our process begins with an initial conversation between you and one of our project coordinators. During this meeting, your coordinator will learn about your project goals, design inspiration, and any specific needs you may have. They’ll also answer your questions about our process and products. Together, we’ll determine where you are in your project journey—whether you’ve already acquired land and building permits or need assistance with these initial steps. From there, we’ll move into crafting a personalized proposal for your new home or structure.
While we don’t provide inspection services, we’re happy to assist during the permitting phase of your project! Once you’ve contacted your local building office, we can guide you through the steps to acquire permits based on their zoning, land use, and construction guidelines, ensuring your project meets all necessary requirements.
Fire Rebuilding FAQS
Customer and Builder Support
Yes! We’ve designed and produced several pre-engineered building kits for wildfire survivors, including projects in Kenwood, California, and Vida, Oregon. You can explore these inspiring builds here:
We provide ongoing support through every stage of your project, from initial design to final inspections and beyond. Our customer and builder support teams are available during construction to answer any questions you or your contractor may have after your kit is delivered. We also offer a library of instructional videos with step-by-step assembly demonstrations and a 3D CAD viewer preloaded with your project model for added visual assistance in the field. You can reach out to us at any time before, during, or after construction, and we’ll be happy to assist. At DC Structures, we’re here for you every step of the way—guaranteed.
Our building packages include a 10-year limited warranty on all materials, effective from the date of your complete purchase.
Absolutely! If you face challenges during construction, you can call us at any time, and one of our customer or builder support representatives will assist you. We’re committed to ensuring you feel confident in your investment, and we’re here to make your process as smooth and streamlined as possible.