Working with the Right Team: Why Fire Rebuild Experience Matters More Than Ever
In the wake of a devastating fire, many homeowners find themselves standing on scorched land facing an impossible question: Should we rebuild—or should we move on? The answer is never simple. It’s not just about dollars and timelines—it’s about identity, legacy, and the feeling of home.
Wildfires have reshaped Malibu more than once, leaving behind not only physical property damage but also the daunting task of rebuilding. For homeowners facing this next chapter, choosing the right design team is one of the most important decisions they’ll make. At Burdge, we’ve guided countless clients through the process. Our extensive experience has taught us that rebuilding in Malibu calls for far more than just design talent. It requires local knowledge, trusted relationships, and strategies rooted in resilience.
Experts in Malibu’s Planning and Permitting: Providing Clear Guidance Through Coastal Regulations
Starting over in Malibu involves navigating some of the most complex planning codes in California. With decades of experience, we are well-versed in the intricacies of these coastal requirements, including property regulations, septic system logistics, and environmental considerations. We also know the thresholds that can trigger costly delays.
Moreover, we help clients determine which permit best aligns with their goals. While Planning Verification (PV) allows homeowners to rebuild up to 110% of the original home’s size and maintain its location — with non-conformities grandfathered in — this option isn’t always the most desirable. For some clients, pursuing a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) may be more advantageous, even if it extends the timeline. Building under CDP may open up design opportunities that might otherwise be limited under PV, paving the way for their true dream home.
Delivering Timely, Code-Compliant Solutions Through Trusted Partnerships
Every rebuild depends on a network of professionals. Over the years, we have cultivated close working relationships with the region’s top structural, civil, and MEP engineers, as well as surveyors and geologists, among others. These teams are familiar with the land, the codes, and the challenges specific to building in Malibu. Our clients benefit from a collaborative process where the entire team is already aligned, leading to fewer delays and greater confidence in the final result.
Building for the Future: Integrating Fire-Resistant Materials and Systems
Rebuilding isn’t just about replacing what’s lost. Building anew is about creating homes that are safer, stronger, and more resilient for the future. We incorporate a range of proven fire-resistant materials to enhance safety and durability in our projects. These include shou sugi ban siding, a traditional Japanese technique that chars wood to create a naturally fire-retardant surface, and low-carbon concrete, which offers excellent fire resistance while reducing environmental impact. Additionally, we specify steel and aluminum to provide robust, non-combustible structural elements that safeguard against fire. We also use fire-rated glass, which ensures both safety and aesthetic appeal by allowing natural light without compromising fire protection.
Beyond materials, we integrate innovative systems, such as Frontline Wildfire Defense, which utilizes fire-tracking software to activate rooftop sprinklers when a wildfire is detected within a seven-mile radius. The system quickly saturates the property with water and biodegradable firefighting foam, creating an environment too wet to burn.
Rebuilding Your Dream Home After a Fire Goes Beyond Blueprints
Reimagining your dream home after a fire requires more than just a floor plan. It also requires foresight, knowledge of Malibu’s unique processes, and a project team that understands how to strike a balance between speed, efficiency, and quality.
We’ve learned these lessons firsthand through decades of work and multiple fire seasons. Our mission is clear: to help families return home quickly, safely, and beautifully, without sacrificing the integrity of design.
If you’re considering rebuilding, we’d love to talk. Let us help simplify the process and focus on what matters to you.
