Marketplace All-in-One Finding a contractor one year after California's wildfires
Jan 6, 2026
Dustin Kunkel, a father and solar-panel business worker, shares his harrowing experience of losing his home in the Eaton Fire and the challenging journey to find a reliable contractor among dozens. He reveals the frustrations of interviewing 30 contractors and the rising costs of rebuilding, noting how bids soared to nearly $450 per square foot. Joining him, economist Lauren Seidel Baker discusses how rising construction costs and income disparities are shaping the housing market, emphasizing the divide between lower- and higher-income households.
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Thirty Contractor Interviews To Rebuild
- Dustin Kunkel spoke with 30 contractors before finding one to rebuild his Altadena house after the Eaton Fire.
- He interviewed many via video, rejected nonresponsive contractors, and chose Renew Altadena for trust and design fit.
Avoid Nonresponsive Contractors
- Avoid contractors who stop returning calls and walk away from those who won't communicate.
- Prioritize firms that build trust through responsiveness and alignment with your design goals.
Get Formal Bids And Compare Rates
- Ask for formal bids and compare price-per-square-foot estimates before committing.
- Walk away from bids that feel far above your expected rate or don't match design expectations.