Michael Frank

Best Prefab Companies for California Wildfire Rebuilds

Michael Frank
Best Prefab Companies for California Wildfire Rebuilds

The 2018 California wildfires went down as the most destructive wildfire season in the state’s record books. The widespread destruction from events such as the Mendicino Complex, Carr, Camp, Wine Country, and Woolsley fires, to name some of the biggest, burned over 1.8 million acres of land and caused an estimated $3.5 billion in damages. Such widespread damage has placed an added pressure on the already overburdened California real estate market. As a result, those affected by the 2018 California wildfires have turned to alternative housing solutions such as prefab and modular, so that they can get into their rebuilt homes quickly and cost effectively.

Numerous prefab and modular builders throughout the area have also joined in the efforts of helping families rebuild from the 2018 wildfires. Prefab’s ability for quick construction and cost effectiveness in high cost areas, much like those affected by some of the largest fires, is well suited to address the challenges of rebuilding whole communities in the wake of the 2018 wildfire season. Our list of the best prefab companies for wildfire rebuilds focuses on companies that either have special deals for homeowners affected by the wildfires or their standard operations are well-suited for wildfire rebuilding.

Living Homes

  • Along with their partner, Plant Prefab, they have reduced rates and free services for individuals whose homes were affected by the 2018 wildfires.

  • They are offering: free initial site analysis, 50% off their feasibility service, $5,000 in free upgrades, and 5% off in design and administration fees

  • Depending on the model, buyers can be moved in 4-8 months from the purchase date, or 12 months for a custom design

  • Offers 11 models of homes with typical costs ranging from $300 - $400 per sqft

  • Example of work: RK 1.1


Acre Designs

  • Offers enhanced services for individuals looking to rebuild from the North Bay fires. This includes complimentary site visits and priority processing - permits within 1 to 2 months of initial site visit

  • Has 10 models of homes which are designed to be constructed on-site within 4-6 months

  • All class-A homes come with fire resistant exteriors

  • Designs range in size from 1,200 to 3,000 sqft and costs usually between $250 - $450 per sqft

  • Example of work: Series A


Connect Homes

  • Offers free site visit and reduced design fee for individuals whose homes were affected by the California fires

  • Depending on the location and model, homes can be move-in ready as fast as 9-14 months

  • Homes feature fire resistant design features such as highly durable roofing, non-combustible exterior sheathing, and

  • Has 13 models of homes, ranging in cost from $250 - $400 per sqft

  • Example of work: Connect 7


Stillwater Dwellings

  • Offers a fast-track rebuilding program. Homeowners can choose one of 6 pre designed models for construction - choosing this option can reduce typical construction times by up to 6 months

  • Homes built in fire-prone areas undergo advanced site planning and design consideration.

  • Use fire resistant materials for roofing, siding, and structural components

  • Offer 26 models of homes, ranging in cost from $350 - $450 per sqft

  • Example of work: Sd 181


Fabcab

  • Offers two styles of homes in 5 layouts - Timbercab and ModCab. Both feature the use of structural insulated panels

  • Home designs are environmentally conscious - designed to be energy efficient and use recycled materials where possible

  • Prices range from $230 - $350 per sqft

  • Example of work: Timbercab