Fire-Resistant Home Construction in California
Two New Avenue Experts Weigh In on Fire-Resistant Construction and FEMA Resources
Designing for Fire Resilience: How New Avenue is Building Safer Homes—Backed by Experience and the Right Materials
As California begins to recover from the devastating 2025 wildfires, our hearts and thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted. From those who lost homes to the first responders who showed incredible bravery, we stand with you. As we look ahead, we’re hopeful—hopeful that rebuilding can bring not only restoration, but renewed strength, safety, and peace of mind for the future.
In the aftermath of the disaster, it has become clear that certain design and construction choices may increase a home's chances of survival. At New Avenue Homes, we’re committed to integrating fire-resistant strategies to enhance safety and resilience in our new builds and remodels.
Key Factors That Help Homes Survive
As experts analyzed the remnants of burned neighborhoods after the 2025 Los Angeles-area wildfires, they found evidence reinforcing a few key concepts:
Defensible Space
A buffer zone around the home by clearing flammable vegetation and materials—known as “defensible space”—was a common factor among homes that withstood the wildfires.
Fire-Resistant Materials
Materials matter. Fire-resistant siding, decks, and roofing helped prevent structures from igniting.Ember-Resistant Vents
Vents designed to keep embers out of attics and crawlspaces helped prevent internal ignition and major fire damage. Where embers could not gain entry to a home, that home was less likely to burn.
What Materials Make a Difference?
New Avenue’s Vice President of Construction, Dave Oberholzer, has assembled a list of recommended materials. These items help create homes that are more resilient while maintaining the beauty and durability homeowners expect.
James Hardie cement board siding
Stucco (nearly as fire-resistant as cement board)
Self-closing vents (vents into crawlspaces and attics that close from heat)
DensGlass sheathing under siding and soffits
Cement board soffits (such as Hardie board)
Class-A fire-rated roofs (including properly installed asphalt shingles and metal roofing)
Fire-resistant glass (uncommon, but used when necessary)
Non-combustible landscaping within 20 feet of the home
Our Commitment at New Avenue
At New Avenue, we take a comprehensive approach to fire resilience:
We understand defensible landscaping and facilitate the strategic spacing of vegetation as well as the use of fire-resistant materials near the home.
We rely on tested, fire-resistant materials to improve fire safety while ensuring structural integrity.
We implement ember-resistant construction techniques, including soffit protection and heat-sensitive vents.
Building or remodeling your home with fire safety in mind isn’t just about meeting code—it’s about creating a lasting, secure place to call home. Our experts understand the law. They also understand smart design and the best ways to protect your investment. Contact us today for your free consultation call and discover how you can own a home that does everything you need it to do.
Navigating FEMA: An Overview of Programs and Funding
Lu de León, Senior Project Manager at New Avenue Homes, recently completed the AIAU certification in Navigating FEMA Programs. With her deep knowledge of residential design and expertise in disaster resilience, Lu helps clients understand how federal resources can support safer, smarter building choices. Here, Lu shares what she knows about FEMA and how the organization works with local communities.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays a vital role in disaster response and recovery across the United States. Its mission is to support people before, during, and after disasters by coordinating federal efforts with state, tribal, territorial, and local governments. FEMA is organized into 10 regions, with headquarters responsible for setting policy and regional offices managing on-the-ground response and recovery efforts.
Key FEMA Programs
FEMA administers several major programs that assist individuals and communities:
Individual Assistance: Provides direct aid to disaster survivors.
Public Assistance: Funds the repair and protection of public infrastructure.
Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA): Supports proactive efforts to reduce the impact of future disasters.
Hazard Mitigation Assitance (MHA) Grants
HMA grants are essential tools for funding projects that reduce disaster risks. Key programs include:
Public Assistance (PA) Mitigation: Non-competitive post-disaster funding for infrastructure protection.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): Helps state and local governments rebuild and plan after disasters.
HMGP Post-Fire: Focuses specifically on wildfire risk reduction.
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA): Competitive grants that address repetitive flood losses.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC): Supports large-scale resilience efforts.
Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF): Provides low-interest loans for hazard mitigation projects.
In 2024, FEMA awarded more than $2.5 billion through these programs—a 43% increase from the previous year.
Grant Requirements and Opportunities
Eligible applicants include state agencies, federally recognized tribes, territories, and local governments. FEMA evaluates projects based on cost-effectiveness, technical feasibility, and overall resilience. Meeting these criteria can significantly improve the chances of receiving funding.
Collaboration with FEMA and Partners
Disaster mitigation is most successful when it involves strong collaboration. FEMA works with a wide range of stakeholders—including professional organizations, local governments, and community groups—to build resilience through:
Community Engagement: Encouraging local involvement in disaster preparedness and planning.
Equity Initiatives: Promoting fair access to resources through efforts like the Justice40 initiative.
Post-Disaster Building Science: Using data from past events to inform better building codes and practices.
Support for Resilient Design
FEMA champions resilient design by providing funding, technical guidance, and regulatory frameworks like the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). The agency also supports climate adaptation strategies, nature-based solutions, and energy-efficient, low-carbon design—including net-zero energy initiatives.
A Path Toward Safer Communities Through Design
Designers and planners are key players in building resilient communities. By leveraging FEMA programs, engaging in partnerships, and adopting forward-thinking design practices, we can create spaces that are not only functional and beautiful, but also built to withstand the challenges of a changing climate.
Lu’s certification helps New Avenue bring an even deeper level of thoughtfulness to each project. For clients, it means working with a team that understands not only great design and construction—but also the landscape of resources and regulations that can protect their investment and community for decades to come.
Homes for Sale: New homes in ultra-sought-after neighborhoods from $750,000 to $2,600,000.
We remodeled classic homes and built new ones in the most sought-after neighborhoods! Come and see the giant sidewalks and the walkable, bikeable areas with fantastic access to grocery, coffee, school, work, and everything you need. Here's what's available.
In Berkeley:
A three-bedroom, two-bath open concept with vaulted ceilings for $1,295,000
A two-bedroom, one-bath Classic Berkeley Craftsman—fully remodeled and ready for you—for $975,000
In Alameda:
Two gorgeous two-bedroom, one-bath townhomes, one at $650,000 and one at $700,000
In Oakland:
A three-bedroom, one-bath Bushrod Craftsman with a three-bedroom, two-bath house in the back for $2,600,000
A three-bedroom, one-bath, all-electric flag-lot home with great privacy for $1,100,000
Take the first step toward your dream home. Schedule a free consultation call with a New Avenue Homes expert today and let us guide you every step of the way. Here's to new beginnings and spectacular new homes that exceed your every expectation.
