I’m Rebuilding After the Palisades Fire — Do I Have to Bring My Whole Kitchen Up to Current Code, or Can I Rebuild What I Had?

If you’re rebuilding your home after the Palisades Fire, you’re likely juggling insurance claims, architects, contractors, permit timelines, and dozens of important decisions. One of the biggest—and most misunderstood—is your kitchen. We want you to know that we are here to help.

Many homeowners assume they have two choices: rebuild the exact kitchen they lost or design the dream kitchen they’ve always wanted. While both options are possible, they can lead to very different timelines, permitting requirements, and costs.

At Cabinet Refresh, we’ve been talking with homeowners throughout Pacific Palisades and Malibu who are asking the same question:

"If I'm rebuilding after the fire, do I have to bring my entire kitchen up to today's codes, or can I simply rebuild what I had?"

The answer depends largely on how much you change.

The Like-for-Like Rebuild: The Fastest Path Back Home

Following the January 2025 wildfires, California and local agencies introduced measures intended to help affected homeowners rebuild more quickly.

For many properties, homeowners rebuilding substantially the same home may be able to follow an expedited “like-for-like” process. Among the relief measures announced were the continued use of the familiar 2022 California Building Code for qualifying rebuilds, waivers of certain building permit fees for eligible property owners, and programs designed to streamline plan review through pre-approved home plans.

The goal is simple: help families return home sooner.

For homeowners who want to rebuild efficiently, keeping major portions of the home’s layout—including the kitchen—largely consistent can help reduce complications during the design and permitting process.

What Does "Like-for-Like" Mean for Your Kitchen?

Every project is unique, but in general, a like-for-like kitchen rebuild focuses on restoring the kitchen’s function and layout rather than redesigning it.

That can often include:

Cabinets That Are Usually Worth Saving

The result doesn’t have to look like your old kitchen.

Many homeowners choose to update door styles, colors, finishes, hardware, and storage features while keeping the room’s basic footprint intact.

In other words, you can often enjoy a completely refreshed kitchen without dramatically changing the room’s configuration. This is exactly what we are very very good at, and do all the time!

What Can Slow the Process?

While many homeowners understandably want to take the opportunity to create their dream kitchen, significant design changes can introduce additional review and coordination.

Examples may include:

Depending on the scope of work, these changes may require additional design review, updated energy compliance documentation, and, in some locations, coordination with agencies that have jurisdiction over the property.
For homes in areas such as Pacific Palisades and Malibu, project requirements can vary based on the property’s location and applicable regulations.

Your architect, contractor, or permitting professional can help determine which requirements apply to your specific rebuild.

Where Cabinetry Fits Into the Timeline

Cabinets are one of the last major components installed before countertops, plumbing fixtures, and final finishes.

That means cabinetry often becomes part of the project’s critical path.
Waiting too long to make cabinet decisions can delay countertop templating, appliance installation, plumbing trim, flooring completion, and ultimately your move-in date.

That’s why many homeowners begin planning their cabinetry much earlier than they expect. At Cabinet Refresh, we help homeowners make these decisions while the home is still being rebuilt so the kitchen is ready when the project reaches the finish stage.

A Fresh Kitchen Doesn't Require Starting From Scratch

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a like-for-like rebuild means recreating every detail exactly as it was before the fire.
That’s simply not the case.

Today’s cabinetry offers enormous improvements in both appearance and functionality.
Even within an existing layout, homeowners can incorporate:

You can have a kitchen that feels brand new while still supporting an efficient rebuilding process.

A Realistic Timeline

Every rebuild is different, and timelines depend on many factors, including insurance, design, permitting, material availability, and construction schedules.

In general:
A like-for-like rebuild may offer opportunities for a more streamlined design and permitting process, allowing homeowners to focus on rebuilding efficiently.
A major redesign often involves additional planning, engineering, and review before construction can move forward.

For many families, the decision comes down to priorities:
Do you want to maximize customization, or maximize the speed of getting back home? Neither answer is wrong—but understanding the trade-offs early can help you make a more informed decision.

How Cabinet Refresh Helps Palisades Homeowners

Rebuilding after a wildfire is stressful enough without having to navigate cabinet selections on your own.
Cabinet Refresh works with homeowners throughout the Los Angeles area to create beautiful, functional kitchens that align with each project’s goals and timeline.

Whether you’re rebuilding your previous kitchen layout or planning thoughtful upgrades within your existing footprint, our team can help you choose cabinetry, finishes, and storage solutions that complement your home while keeping the project moving forward.

We provide in-home consultations, design guidance, and expert cabinet installation tailored to your rebuild.

Ready to Start Planning Your Kitchen?

If you’re rebuilding after the Palisades Fire and wondering how to balance design goals with an efficient rebuilding timeline, we’d be happy to help.

Contact Cabinet Refresh to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk through your space, discuss your options, and help you create a beautiful, code-conscious kitchen designed to fit your rebuild—not slow it down.

Call us to schedule your in-home estimate 888-885-2058.