Recovery Timelines and What to Expect

The Standard Recovery Process

Phase 1: Immediate Aftermath (First 1-7 Days)

This is the initial and most chaotic phase.

• What to Expect:

  • Fire Department and law enforcement secure the scene.

  • Property is stabilized (board-up, temporary fencing).

  • Your insurance carrier is contacted and an adjuster is assigned.

  • You find safe, temporary housing (likely in a hotel).

  • You begin to gather essential documents and inventory of lost items.

• The Goal: Secure the site, ensure safety, identify long term housing replacement, and begin the insurance claim process.

Phase 2: Claims Adjustment & Scope of Work (Weeks 2-8)

The claims process can be slow and requires patience. This phase involves a lot of waiting and can be frustrating or overwhelming.

• What to Expect:

  • An origin and cause evaluation is done.

  • The adjuster reviews the damage, photos are taken, and a detailed "scope of work" is drafted.

  • This scope is a comprehensive list of all required repairs and replacement items.

  • A fire specialized contractor or subcontractor is selected for abatement (if positive for asbestos or lead), demolition, mitigation. (Contractor or vendor choices are under your control at all times, you may fire, hire or select any contract that meets your expectations, learn how to choose here).

  • The general contractor is selected. All contractor or vendor choices are under your control at all times. You may fire, hire or select any contract that meets your expectations, learn how to choose here. (Selection of a general contractor for reconstruction may be delayed until all emergency mitigation actions are complete).

  • The contractor prepares an estimate based on the adjuster's scope.

  • You may go through a few rounds of negotiations with the carrier to agree on a final settlement.

• The Goal: Agree on the work to be done and the cost with your insurance carrier.

Phase 3: The Permit Process (Months 2-6)

This is often the most frustrating phase of recovery. It can feel like nothing is happening, but this period is essential for safety, code compliance, and legal approvals.

• What to Expect:

  • Before any major work can begin, a set of architectural plans and permits must be submitted to the local city or county building department.

  • This process can take weeks or even months as plans are reviewed for code compliance, structural integrity, and safety.

  • You will be waiting for approval while the project sits idle.

• Why Nothing is Happening:

  • This is a waiting period, not a sign of failure. The local jurisdiction is carefully reviewing the plans to protect your safety and ensure the home is built to current codes. Your project is in a queue with many others, and this takes time. It is understandable to become frustrated during this period; however there is nothing to expedite or speed up the approval process. Interfering with the permit process may reset or delay your approvals.

Phase 4: The Rebuild (Months 6+)

Once permits are approved and issued, reconstruction can finally begin.

• What to Expect:

  • Your general contractor will coordinate all subcontractors (framers, electricians, plumbers, drywallers, etc.).

  • Regular inspections will be scheduled at various stages of construction.

  • The project timeline will depend on the scope of work, labor availability, and material lead times. Ensure the selected vendor completes all work to your satisfaction, ideally under deadline.

• The Goal: Rebuild the home according to the approved plans, within budget, utilizing a selected contractor with the experience, expertise and licensing to complete the job to a high standard of quality.

Phase 5: Final Inspection & Move-in (Months 9+)

The final step before you can return home.

• What to Expect:

  • The final inspection is completed by the city or county.

  • The property is cleaned, and utilities are activated.

  • You can finally move back into your new home!

These tips are intended for educational purposes only. No legal advice should be inferred from these materials.

IFF Rebuild Project

Phase 1: The Application & Intake Process

The first step is for an affected family to submit an application to IFF.

• What to Expect:

  • A representative from IFF conducts a compassionate intake interview to understand the family's needs, assess the extent of the loss, and verify basic eligibility.

  • Required documents (e.g., incident report, proof of ownership, proof of hardship) are gathered.

• The Goal: Begin the formal process of vetting the project, understanding the family's story, and determining the resources necessary to aid recovery.

Phase 2: Due Diligence & Funding Sourcing

This phase is focused on the viability of the project and securing the necessary resources.

• What to Expect:

  • The project undergoes a thorough due diligence process to assess its feasibility and need.

  • IFF's team of professionals, local partners and licensed volunteers create a scope of work and estimate.

  • IFF begins the process of sourcing the necessary funding once the scope has been reviewed and approved. IFF allocates available funding to the project and sources additional funds through grants, corporate partners, individual donors, and material donations.

• The Goal: Vet the project and ensure that IFF can realistically commit to the project completion, and confirm the necessary resources can be secured.

Phase 3: Project Mobilization & Planning

Once funding is secured and partners are selected, the project moves into the planning stage.

• What to Expect:

  • IFF selects local partners to support the project, including a licensed general contractor, material suppliers, and specialized sub-contractors.

  • Volunteer labor is scheduled, and material donations are secured and ordered.

  • A detailed project timeline is created, outlining key milestones from demolition to final inspection.

• The Goal: Get all the necessary resources and personnel in place and plan the project's execution.

Crucial Insight: IFF is not exempt from the standard permitting process, costs or fees associated with rebuild projects. IFF takes on or sources financial sponsors for each project.

Projects managed by the International Fire Foundation do not receive fast-track or augmented approvals simply because we are a non-profit. Rebuild projects undergo the exact same permitting process that every other rebuild project faces. We are subject to the same review queues and wait times as private individuals. The delays experienced in a standard rebuild are universal and unavoidable part of any safe and legal reconstruction.

Phase 4: Construction, Volunteers, & Rebuilding

This phase is where the home is rebuilt, and IFF's unique model comes to life.

• What to Expect:

  • The project team, including professional partners, licensed vendors and volunteer labor, works to rebuild the home.

  • Important Note on Delays: Because IFF projects rely on volunteer labor, material donations and project funding; rebuild project timelines can be subject to delays from volunteer scheduling, sourcing of donated materials and identification or security of additional project funding. This is a trade-off that allows us to provide the services at little to no cost to affected communities.

• The Goal: Rebuild the home, with the support of the community, and provide a safe and dignified living space for the family.

Phase 5: Final Recovery

The final stage of the project, where the family is welcomed home.

• What to Expect:

  • A final walk-through is completed with the family.

  • Final inspections are passed, and the family receives the keys.

  • IFF celebrates the recovery with the family and the community who helped make it possible.

Recovery Timelines: Reality Check