Fire Rebuilds · Spokane & the Inland Northwest

Rebuild After the Fire — Stronger Than Before.

Losing a home to wildfire is one of the hardest things a family can face. You shouldn't have to fight through the rebuild alone. Since 1990, Johnson Brothers Construction has helped Inland Northwest families turn a total loss into a fresh start — with straight answers and a fixed price.

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Before & After

From Total Loss to Welcome Home.

Every rebuild starts where the fire ended — and finishes with a home built stronger, smarter, and more beautiful than before.

Before

After the fire — charred structure, smoke damage, and a family wondering what comes next.

After

The rebuild — a warm, fire-wise custom home ready for the next chapter.

From Our Blog

What to Get Right in the First Few Weeks.

A total loss changes the sequence of every decision that comes after it. The families who come through a rebuild in good shape are almost always the ones who got a few basics right before the first shovel went into the ground.

Call Your Insurance Company Before You Call Anyone Else

Report the loss and open a claim as soon as it's safe. Photograph everything — the structure, the site, anything salvageable — before debris gets cleared. Keep every receipt tied to the loss: temporary housing, storage, cleanup. Your claims agent will ask for documentation you won't remember six months from now.

Treat the Site as a Hazard Until It's Cleared

Unstable framing, compromised foundations, downed power lines, and damaged trees cause real injuries during cleanup. Spokane County requires a demolition permit before a damaged structure comes down — let professionals with the right equipment and the permit in hand handle the site until it's clear.

Start a Recovery File and Keep It Current

You'll be dealing with your insurance company, a demolition contractor, the county permitting office, your builder, and possibly a septic or well inspector — sometimes all in the same week. Keep every contact, claim number, permit, and email in one folder so nothing gets tracked down twice.

Bring in a Builder Before You Bring in a Plan

In Washington, anyone can call themselves a builder — so verify a license on WA L&I before you sign anything, ask how many rebuilds the builder has actually done, and ask whether the owners themselves will be on site. We do not delegate the relationship — on a rebuild, that's how permit questions get answered without a week of phone tag.

Rebuild for the Next Fire Season, Not Just This One

A total loss is a hard way to get a second chance at a home's design — but it is a chance. Green-certified construction, geothermal heating and cooling, and radiant floor heat pay off in comfort and lower utility bills, and a well-built envelope holds up better against smoke and heat. All with a transparent, line-item budget you understand before groundbreaking, not after.

How It Works

A Clear Path Home.

The rebuild process has a lot of moving parts. We take them off your plate, in the right order, and keep you informed at every step.

Insurance & Scope

We review your insurance settlement and help you understand exactly what it covers — then build a realistic scope so there are no gaps or surprises later.

Design & Permits

Whether you want to rebuild what you lost or reimagine it, we handle plans, engineering, and county permitting from start to finish.

Rebuild & Walkthrough

One fixed-price contract, one team you know by name. Clay and George are on site every day until your final walkthrough.

Why Johnson Brothers

Rebuild Once. Rebuild Right.

A fire rebuild is a chance to build smarter. Many of our rebuild clients choose to upgrade to fire-resistant materials, high-performance envelopes, and efficient heating systems while they're at it — often for less than they expected.

Fixed-price contract — no budget surprises after a loss
We work directly with your insurance adjuster's scope
Fire-resistant siding, roofing, and defensible-space design options
Green-certified building for lower energy bills from day one
Union trained journeyman carpenters on your job, every day

Built for the Next Fire Season.

We build with Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, non-combustible siding options, and smart defensible-space planning — so your new home is ready for the Inland Northwest's changing fire seasons.

Start Your Rebuild →

Call 509-879-9790

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say.

Five gold star rating icon shown in testimonial cards for custom home builder Spokane WA

"Clay and George were great to work with. They listened to our needs but added their own thoughts and experiences every time we asked for their input. They have great subcontractors that were overall professional and showed pride in their work. All in all we were impressed with our home and would easily refer them to our friends and family if they were looking to build a custom home!"

— Carrie Gillespie Larsen

"Our need for a builder came quite by accident. We originally built the house and then lost it to a wildfire several years later. Clay and George fully exceeded our expectations, from our first meeting to the day we moved back in. They brought a new level of craftsmanship, creativity and attention to detail that improved the house in ways we could not have imagined. The fire may have taken our home, but Clay and George Johnson gave it back to us."

— Bob and Sherry Maughan

"Working with Johnson Brothers made our entire building process a joy. We were kept well informed throughout the entire building process and questions and concerns were answered promptly and professionally. They are builders of the highest quality and the highest integrity. We are grateful for the personal care and attention we received."

— Gene & Yvonne Teigen

"I would recommend Johnson Brothers to anyone. They not only built us a beautiful home but they were so accommodating and good to work with."

— The Morans, Spokane

FAQ

Fire Rebuild Questions, Answered.

Rebuilding after a wildfire raises questions most families have never faced before. Here are the ones we hear most often.

Will my insurance cover the full cost of rebuilding?

It depends on your policy limits, endorsements, and the scope of the loss. We review your insurance settlement with you, identify gaps early, and build a realistic line-item budget so you know where you stand before we break ground.

How long does a fire rebuild typically take?

Most fire rebuilds run 9–14 months from debris clearance and permitting to move-in day. The timeline depends on insurance approval, county permits, and whether you rebuild the same plan or redesign.

Can I change my home's layout or style during the rebuild?

Yes. A total loss is a hard way to get a second chance, but it is a chance. Many families use the rebuild to open up the floor plan, add a garage, upgrade finishes, or build with fire-resistant materials.

Do I need to clear the lot before construction starts?

Demolition and site clearing must happen first, and Spokane County requires a permit for it. We coordinate with licensed demolition contractors and handle the permitting so the site is safe and ready for construction.

What makes a home more fire-resistant?

Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, non-combustible siding, fire-rated eaves, and smart defensible-space planning all reduce risk. We can integrate these features without sacrificing the look and feel of your home.

Why should I choose Johnson Brothers for my rebuild?

We've been building custom homes in the Inland Northwest since 1990. Clay and George are on site daily, we work with fixed-price contracts, and we do not delegate the relationship. On a rebuild, that direct accountability matters more than ever.

Start Your Recovery

You Don't Have to Rebuild Alone.

Talk to Clay or George about your fire rebuild. We'll review your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand the next steps — no pressure.