Free Contract Review Resource for Eaton Fire Homeowners
Rebuilding after a wildfire comes with enough uncertainty. Understanding your construction contract shouldn’t add to it.
Remington Rebuilds is proud to have been invited to serve on the review committee for the Eaton Fire Collaborative’s Peer Contract Review Program, a free resource created in partnership with ARRC (Altadena Recovery and Rebuild Corporation) and HPP Cares to help Eaton Fire survivors better understand the construction contracts they are being asked to sign.
The program connects homeowners with experienced, licensed building professionals who volunteer their time to review contracts one-on-one, point out areas that may deserve a closer look, and help homeowners understand what questions to ask before moving forward.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute our homebuilding experience to this effort and support homeowners as they navigate one of the most important parts of the rebuilding process.
Why Contract Reviews Matter
For many homeowners, rebuilding after the Eaton Fire may be the first time they have ever managed a major construction project.
Construction agreements can be long, technical and difficult to interpret. At the same time, disaster recovery can create additional pressure to move quickly, making it even more important to understand the terms, responsibilities and payment structure outlined in a contract.
The Peer Contract Review Program was created to give homeowners an additional set of experienced eyes before they move forward.
Think of it as asking a trusted neighbor who works in construction to sit down with you, review the agreement and point out anything that may warrant more questions.
The program was also recently featured in Pasadena Now, highlighting this free resource available to Eaton Fire survivors.
What a Peer Reviewer Can Help With
During a review, an experienced building professional can help identify areas homeowners may want to understand more clearly, including:
Down payments and payment schedules
Project scope and what is — or is not — included
Change-order procedures
Cancellation terms
Contractor responsibilities
Required contract language and documentation
Contractor licensing and due diligence
Provisions that may deserve additional review
A reviewer may also help explain common industry practices and suggest questions you can bring back to your contractor.
The goal is not to tell homeowners which builder to choose or whether they should sign a particular contract. It is simply to help them feel better informed about what they are agreeing to.
What the Program Does — and Does Not — Provide
The EFC Peer Contract Review Program is an educational resource.
Reviewers do not provide legal advice, certify contracts, guarantee a contractor’s performance or replace an attorney.
If a reviewer identifies an issue that may require legal or regulatory guidance, homeowners may be encouraged to speak with an attorney, the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), or another appropriate resource.
What Homeowners Should Look For Before Signing
Even before a peer review, there are a few important questions every homeowner should be asking:
Is the contractor properly licensed and insured?
Verify credentials and make sure the license matches the company and individual you are working with.
Is the project scope clear?
The contract should clearly explain what work is included, what is excluded and how changes will be handled.
Do you understand the payment schedule?
Know when payments are due, what work should be completed before each payment and how deposits are structured.
What happens if something changes?
Understand how change orders, delays and unexpected site conditions will be addressed.
Do you understand your cancellation rights?
Know what rights and deadlines apply before signing.
If something is unclear, ask questions. A reputable contractor should be willing to explain the agreement and give you time to understand it.
How the Peer Contract Review Program Works
Homeowners begin by completing the EFC Peer Contract Review intake form.
From there, participants are matched with an experienced building professional who can review the contract and meet one-on-one to discuss potential questions, concerns or areas that may deserve additional attention.
The program is intended to add another layer of support during a rebuilding process that can already feel overwhelming.
A Resource Worth Sharing
Rebuilding a home is one of the largest financial commitments most families will ever make. Taking the time to understand a construction agreement before signing can help homeowners make more informed decisions and move forward with greater confidence.
We’re grateful to be part of this effort and to contribute our experience to the Altadena rebuilding community.
For homeowners still preparing for the next step, we've also put together five practical things you can do now to be ready to rebuild, even while waiting on recovery funds.
If you have questions or concerns about a construction contract or contractor — or know a neighbor who does — consider sharing this resource.
Request a free peer contract review
The EFC Peer Contract Review Program does not provide legal advice and is not a substitute for review by a qualified attorney.
