Tea Fire Advice
Montecito Journal — November 27th, 2008
In the aftermath of the fire that burned 80 homes in Montecito, a local construction company has one word for homeowners anxious to rebuild: patience. David Lack, president of Lack Construction Company in Santa Barbara, sat down recently to give us some advice on what Tea Fire victims should look for during the rebuilding process.
According to Lack, using local contractors with AIA-licensed architects is the first place to start. By using local firms, follow-up work is easier to manage, and keeping business local is ideal for the local economy. iIt needs to be a community effort,i he said. Being vigilant about contracts and scheduling is also imperative, he added. By holding contractors, architects, and sub-contractors to a prearranged schedule, he says, a house can be built in a timely manner. iThe sooner your job gets done, the less stress is put upon you,i Lack said.
iI hope people donit just build the same house they had before,i he said, emphasizing that fire victims have a unique opportunity to change aspects of their home that were inconvenient or unsafe. However, keeping previous building plans cuts down on time spent meandering through Santa Barbara County Planning and Development: Lack says homeowners who keep their previous plans can go through an expedited 30-day permitting process.
Other things to consider when rebuilding: sustainable materials and fire safety, especially in an area expected to endure future wildfires. Lack listed many fire-safe building tactics including smooth plaster siding, fire sprinklers, and synthetic wood materials ilacedi with fire retardants. iYouire trying to significantly lessen the odds by doing preventive measures,i he said. Metal studs can be used which are better for the environment and prevent termites. He also suggested tile roofs and a type of drywall available that is mold- and fire-retardant. iThis stuff is not as expensive as it used to be,i he said of the newest fire technology. Another idea? A swimming pool with a built-in pump can be used to douse flames in an emergency.
Many contractors in Santa Barbara, including Lack, are using green building practices and sustainable building materials. Green materials contain fewer chemicals and are less fire prone, Lack explained. He also advised that once a new home is built, it is imperative to not only update changes with an insurance adjuster, but to have an ongoing, positive relationship with them.
Lack said he has recently built two homes with ifire emergency roomsi which are fireproof; they have a self- contained oxygen system built in. iFirst and foremost we want to save peopleis lives; everything else is replaceable,i he said. Lack recently donated his construction equipment including trucks, water pumps, saws, generators and tools, to fire agencies and individuals; this past weekend his trucks were used by volunteers to help supply sandbags to flash-flood prone burn areas. iItis amazing how everyone has pulled together to help,i he said.
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