Pali Builds Newsletter, October 2026

Calling contractors: join the Pali Builds fire-hardening directory

Pali Builds is launching an entirely new service to make standing homes more insurable in California. We’re looking for qualified subcontractors who want to become certified to build to the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home standards, at both the Essential and Enhanced levels.

Apply to join the directoryHomeowner? Request fire-hardening work

Why this, why now

Since the fire, our focus has been on rebuilding. But thousands of homes are still standing across the Palisades and the rest of California, and their owners are facing a different problem: getting and keeping insurance. Many are stuck on the FAIR Plan, and carriers increasingly want to see real, verifiable mitigation before they’ll write or renew a policy.

The new Pali Builds directory connects those homeowners with subcontractors who know exactly what the standard requires and can prove it. Homeowners get work done right the first time. You get qualified leads from people who are ready to build.

The standard: IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) developed Wildfire Prepared Home, a science-based designation program many insurers recognize. A property earns the designation only by meeting every requirement for its level. The standard is explicit that there are no exceptions, so the work has to be done right the first time.

There are two levels. Our certification covers both.

Essential and Enhanced were formerly called Base and Plus. Requirements summarized from the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Technical Standard, December 2025 version; our training is built on the full document.

How a home earns the designation

The homeowner applies through IBHS, pays a nonrefundable fee and submits photos of every side of the house, the 0–5 foot zone and features like decks, fences and sheds. If the photos are approved, an authorized third-party evaluator inspects the property in person, and IBHS issues the certificate once every requirement is confirmed. Homes under active construction aren’t eligible, so the mitigation work has to be complete before the homeowner applies.

A designation lasts three years, with an annual review in each of the first two years to show the home is still maintained. That means recurring work: clearing roofs and gutters, keeping the 0–5 foot zone clean and maintaining defensible space.

The work

We’re building out the directory by trade. If your company does any of the following, we want to hear from you.

• VentsReplacing attic, eave, gable, foundation and crawlspace vents with ASTM E2886 flame- and ember-resistant units
• Vent screensInstalling 1/8-inch noncombustible, corrosion-resistant mesh on existing vents and enclosing low decks
• RoofingClass A roof coverings, noncombustible gutters and gutter covers, bird stops on tile roofs, enclosed eaves
• WindowsDual-pane units with two tempered panes, fire-rated glazing and compliant skylights for Enhanced homes
• LandscapingClearing the 0–5 foot zone to bare soil, and spacing, pruning and maintaining vegetation out to 30 feet
• HardscapingGravel, pavers, decomposed granite and concrete in the 0–5 foot zone; 6-inch noncombustible wall-base clearance
• FencingReplacing wood and vinyl fencing, gates and retaining walls within 5 feet of the house with noncombustible materials
• Stucco and sidingNoncombustible wall coverings (stucco, fiber cement, metal) and enclosed noncombustible eaves for Enhanced homes
• Metal railings and stairsNoncombustible deck railings within 5 feet of the house, solid metal stair treads and closed risers
• Lightweight concreteSolid, gap-free noncombustible deck walking surfaces for the Enhanced deck retrofit option

Who we’re reaching out to

Here are some of the local subcontractors we believe will be a great fit. If your name is here, we’d love to have you. If it isn’t, apply anyway.

How to get listed

1. Apply below. Tell us your company, contact information and trade.
2. Submit compliance documents. Active California contractor license in the right classification, general liability insurance and workers’ compensation (or a valid exemption). Every document is verified.
3. Complete Pali Builds training. Our program covers the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home requirements for your trade at both the Essential and Enhanced levels.
4. Pass the certification test. Certified contractors receive a verified badge on their directory listing.
5. Go live at launch. Homeowners can find you and send you their projects.

Apply to be included

Homeowners: get your home fire-hardened

Pali Builds certification is an independent program that trains and verifies contractors to build to the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home technical standard. IBHS issues Wildfire Prepared Home designations to properties; it does not certify or endorse contractors. Wildfire Prepared Home is a trademark of IBHS.