Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Home Builder After a Natural Disaster

Ashley C.
Jun 6
4 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

A resilient homeowner looking at a partially burned Malibu hillside, with a comforting builder in the foreground holding blueprints, amidst smoky skies and a burned landscape, symbolizing recovery, hope, and rebuilding after wildfire devastation.

When a wildfire devastates Malibu or the Palisades, the impact reaches far beyond what is lost in flames. Homeowners face emotional pain, urgent financial decisions, and the complexity of rebuilding under new realities. Choosing the right home builder becomes essential to recovery—and to protecting your investment.

Monument Home Builders specializes in guiding high-end homeowners through every phase of disaster recovery. To help you move forward with clarity and confidence, here are the Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Home Builder After a Natural Disaster:

1. What Does Your Builder Insurance Cover During Rebuilding?

A construction site with a confident builder reviewing insurance documents, with visuals of a luxury home under construction, highlighting safety signage, insurance papers, and high-end finishes, emphasizing thorough coverage during rebuilding.

All builder insurance policies are not the same. Ask your builder for details on their home builder insurance coverage—including general liability, worker’s compensation, and builder’s risk insurance. Confirm that the policy protects you against accidents, damage during construction, and liability. For luxury properties, check that coverage amounts will fully protect high-value finishes and custom materials. This ensures you do not face unexpected costs or delays if problems arise during rebuilding.[1]

Ask for detailed proof of:

Builder’s Risk Insurance (damage during construction)
General Liability Insurance (third-party injuries or property damage)
Workers’ Compensation (employee injuries on-site)

2. Are You Familiar with Contractor Insurance Requirements in My Area?

A builder showing official insurance certificates to a homeowner, with a backdrop of Malibu’s upscale homes and a map highlighting local permit offices, emphasizing the importance of proper licensing and insurance compliance in high-value areas.

California regulations—especially in affluent communities like Malibu and the Palisades—require builders to meet strict contractor insurance requirements. Always ask for current certificates. If a builder can’t provide them immediately, that’s a red flag. Your builder must be:

Properly licensed with the California Contractors State License Board
Fully insured for work in wildfire-prone and high-value areas
Familiar with local permit offices and regulatory bodies

3. How Do You Support Clients Through the Insurance Claims Process?

A builder showing claim documents and photos to a homeowner, with a luxury home in the background, symbolizing guidance through the insurance process.

The insurance claims process can overwhelm even experienced homeowners, particularly when luxury homes are involved. Monument Home Builders works closely with trusted private insurance adjusters to help clients maximize their claims and speed up settlements. This guidance can reduce delays and make the claims process far less stressful.

Ask your builder:

Will you coordinate directly with insurance adjusters?
Do you provide itemized estimates and photos to support claims?
Have you worked with private adjusters for high-value homes?

4. What Are the Options for Disaster Recovery Financing and Refinancing?

A homeowner discussing loan options with a builder, with images of luxury homes and financial documents, highlighting disaster recovery financing and refinancing options.

Securing the right financing is key to a successful rebuild. Ask your builder if they can connect you with lenders who specialize in disaster recovery financing and refinancing. Monument Home Builders helps clients explore all available loan and mortgage options, allowing you to plan your budget and avoid unnecessary financial strain during reconstruction.[3]

Your builder should be able to refer you to:

Lenders who specialize in disaster recovery loans
Construction-to-permanent mortgage options
Private refinancing solutions tailored for luxury properties

5. How Do You Manage Permits, Estate Issues, and Project Timelines?

A builder discussing permits and estate documents with a homeowner, with a backdrop of a luxury home project, illustrating permit management and legal coordination for a smooth rebuild.

Permitting and estate management are critical for keeping your rebuild on schedule. Ask your builder how they handle local permitting, compliance with new building codes, and any estate or legal complexities. Monument Home Builders manages all necessary permits, coordinates with local officials, and handles estate documentation to ensure a seamless, on-time rebuilding process.

Your builder should take the lead on:

Navigating fast-track permits with local authorities
Complying with post-disaster fire safety and code changes
Coordinating estate transfers, trusts, or legal heirs

Helping You Rebuild with Confidence

The aftermath of wildfire brings unique challenges, especially for luxury homeowners in Malibu and the Palisades. By asking these five questions, you can choose a builder who will protect your interests, streamline your recovery, and restore your peace of mind.

Monument Home Builders provides:

Full-service project management from start to finish
Expert support through the insurance claims process
Connections to disaster recovery financing and refinancing
Guidance on estate management and permits

If you are navigating the challenges of rebuilding after wildfire loss, Monument Home Builders is ready to help. Call (310) 774-2845 or visit www.monumenthomebuilders.com to start your recovery journey.