Creation g, inc.
Rebuild Your Home With Creation G, Inc.
We’re Here to Help You Rebuild—From Ashes to Architecture
Recovering from the devastation of a fire is an emotional and technical marathon—but you don’t have to run it alone.
Our experienced architectural and engineering team has worked on fire rebuilds after the Thomas and Woolsey fires, and we’re already breaking ground on projects in the Palisades and Altadena.
We understand every stage of this process—from the first call about debris removal to the day you unlock your rebuilt front door.
Below is your full guide to moving forward with confidence.
(And hey—if you’d rather skip the jargon and go straight to the “human” version, scroll to the bottom. We’ve got a simple homeowner guide waiting—and a “really dumbed-down” version that just says Contact Us. 😉)
Step 1: Register for the Toxic Debris List
Before any rebuilding begins, you must address toxic debris removal.
The county or state agency maintains a Toxic Debris List to ensure cleanup meets environmental and safety standards. Only certified crews can perform this work, following strict hazmat and air-quality protocols.
We’ll help you navigate registration so your property gets prioritized. This step clears the path for everything else—literally.
Pro Tip:
Don’t hire a private cleanup crew before confirming their credentials. Improper debris removal can delay permits by months.
(Think of this step as clearing the stage before the rebuild show begins—no encore until the ashes exit.)
Step 2: Surveying the Property
Once debris removal is underway, it’s time for precision.
A licensed surveyor creates the legal and geometric foundation for your rebuild. There are two key surveys:
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Initial Survey: Conducted while debris is still present to record your building footprint, pad elevations, and finish floor levels.
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Post-Debris Removal Survey: Completed after cleanup to confirm site conditions, topography, and boundary accuracy.
Accurate survey data ensures your new plans comply with today’s codes and setback rules—which might have changed since your home was built.
Inspector Note:
Surveys that clearly show property corners, elevation benchmarks, and utility tie-ins make review time faster and inspection days shorter.
Step 3: Begin the Architectural Design Phase
You don’t have to wait for total site clearance to start dreaming again.
Architectural design can begin early to keep momentum and minimize downtime. Early planning helps you:
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Identify design constraints and zoning setbacks.
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Align with current energy and safety codes.
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Streamline the approval process through the city or county.
Fire rebuilds differ from typical new construction. Plans often require in-house review at the local building department rather than third-party plan check, and that shift can slow things down if not managed carefully.
Our team coordinates directly with plan check engineers to reduce those bottlenecks before they appear.
Myth vs. Reality:
Myth: You must wait for debris clearance to start design.
Reality: Early design actually saves time and allows engineering to anticipate site constraints before surveys are finalized.
(Translation: sketch now, stress less later.)
Step 4: Coordinate Structural and Geotechnical Work
Once the design vision is in motion, structural engineering and geotechnical coordination take center stage.
This phase confirms soil stability, load paths, and any foundation redesign needed for safety and compliance.
Our engineers perform or coordinate:
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Soils Reports & Compaction Tests
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Foundation Design & Lateral Load Analysis
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Slope and Retaining Wall Reinforcement Plans
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Hillside Stability Assessments
If your rebuild is near a slope or hillside, quick stabilization before the rainy season is critical. Temporary erosion control (sandbags, netting, drainage channels) buys valuable time while permanent solutions are engineered.
Pro Tip:
Think of erosion control like a seatbelt—you hope it never gets tested, but you’re glad it’s there.
Step 5: Permitting & Agency Coordination
Once design and structural plans are complete, we move to the permit phase—where timing and thorough documentation matter most.
Different jurisdictions have slightly different rules, but most fire rebuilds follow an expedited track if paperwork is complete and clean.
Our team prepares and submits:
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Building Permit Application & Site Plans
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Structural & Energy Compliance Reports (Title 24)
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Debris Clearance Certificates
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Survey Verification & Grading Plans
We also handle communications with city plan checkers, utilities, and public works departments to keep the process moving.
Inspector Note:
Organized plan sets with labeled detail sheets reduce correction cycles. Translation: fewer “please resubmit” emails.
Important Considerations
Foundation Assessment
Even if your foundation looks fine, the heat of a wildfire can compromise its strength.
Concrete exposed to intense temperatures often loses structural integrity in ways that aren’t visible. Rebuilding on it risks future cracks and instability.
A new foundation equals fresh strength and long-term confidence.
Hillside Stabilization
If your property borders a slope, stabilization is non-negotiable before major rain.
Early grading control prevents slides, soil movement, and drainage issues that can set you back financially and emotionally.
Flagpole Study
Some cities require a flagpole study to visualize the new structure’s height and massing. It’s a 3D check that helps ensure neighborhood fit and speeds approvals.
Pro Tip:
The flagpole study might sound old-school, but it can prevent new-neighbor complaints before they ever dial the city.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Starting Design Before Checking Debris Status: Always confirm official clearance before pulling permits.
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Ignoring Drainage Plans: Post-fire soil behaves differently—account for runoff early.
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Reusing Compromised Foundations: Saves money now, costs plenty later.
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Underestimating Plan Check Time: Fire rebuilds often require more agency coordination.
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Skipping Temporary Utilities: You’ll need temporary power and water during construction.
(Quick reality check: every shortcut now becomes a story later. Let’s keep it a short one.)
Why Choose Us
Proven Experience:
We’ve guided dozens of homeowners through fire rebuilds, from the Thomas and Woolsey fires to current Palisades and Altadena projects now breaking ground.
Comprehensive Services:
Architectural design, structural engineering, soils coordination, permitting, and construction support—all under one roof.
Timely Execution:
We prioritize efficient communication with agencies and contractors to keep your timeline realistic and moving.
Trusted Partners:
Our network of surveyors, soils engineers, and environmental consultants is rebuild-ready when disaster strikes.
(Reality check: the paperwork mountain looks smaller when you climb it with a team that knows the trail.)
Contact Us Today
Rebuilding after a fire is complex, but with an experienced architectural and engineering team by your side, it becomes manageable—and even inspiring.
Let’s rebuild your home stronger, safer, and smarter, with every permit, plan, and code box checked.
Scroll- Down Homeowner Guide (Option B Reference)
Not a builder? Not a problem.
If all this talk of setbacks, soils reports, and elevation benchmarks makes your head spin, scroll right here to the bottom—where we’ve added a simple homeowner breakdown that trades blueprints for plain talk.
And if you want the really dumbed-down version (we’re talking two words), it’s this:
We’ll translate the rebuild process into human—and get you started today.
Homeowner FAQ
How long does a fire rebuild take?
On average, 12–24 months depending on permit timing, site conditions, and material availability.
Can I change my home design during the rebuild?
Yes, but design revisions after permit submission can cause delays. We’ll help time changes smartly.
Is debris removal free through the government program?
In many cases, yes—but rules differ by county. We’ll verify your eligibility before scheduling private crews.
Can I reuse my existing utilities?
Usually, yes, after inspection and testing. Electrical panels and plumbing lines often need replacement for safety.
Will the city expedite my rebuild?
Most California jurisdictions have a priority track for verified fire-damaged properties. Complete documentation speeds this dramatically.
Compliance Note
All recommendations comply with current California Building Code and local fire-recovery ordinances at the time of writing. Always verify updates with your jurisdiction before construction.
Helpful Websites
2025 Los Angeles Fires - Resources for Californians Impacted by Los Angeles Fires
Resources
Toxic Debris Clean Up List - Pacific Palisades Public Works: (626) 979-5370
Toxic Debris Clean Up List - Altadena (Eaton Fire) Public Works: (626) 979-5370
Our projects speak for themselves. We have designed and built back homes after the Thomas Fire in Ventura and the Woolsey Fire in Bell Canyon & Malibu.
