PACIFIC PALISADES, LOS ANGELES — Residents facing the aftermath of the Palisades Fire are finding an unlikely ally in a new online tool designed to cut through the red tape of rebuilding. Mike Furnari, Frank Renfro, and Kambiz Kamdar experienced firsthand the chaos that follows disaster, and they’re now channeling that experience into helping their community recover.
Navigating Insurance Nightmares After the Palisades Fire
A new platform, Pali Builds, aims to simplify the rebuilding process for homeowners grappling with complex insurance claims and contractor costs.
- The Palisades Fire exposed gaps in homeowners’ understanding of their insurance policies.
- Pali Builds connects homeowners with vetted contractors offering diverse price points.
- The platform is free to use and currently supports a few thousand users.
- Founders say accurate estimates are key to a faster, less stressful rebuild.
“After a disaster, everybody is thrown into an environment where they’re expected to become experts overnight,” said Furnari, who co-runs Pali Builds with Renfro and Kamdar. “Nobody really reads the details of their insurance policy. Nobody really understands what it’s going to take to rebuild a home.”
A: Homeowners often underestimate the true cost of rebuilding because initial insurance estimates are frequently too low, leaving them scrambling to cover the difference and navigate a complex network of contractors.
Homeowners rebuilding after the fire often don’t know how much it will cost, as insurance estimates frequently fall short. Pali Builds was created to address this critical gap.
The platform is an online resource for homeowners, builders, and architects, designed to bridge the communication gap between insurance companies and contractors. It’s a response to the overwhelming challenges faced by residents trying to navigate the rebuilding process.
“The biggest blocker right now is insurance,” explained Kamdar. “So many people are ready to start building, but they lack the necessary funds or a clear understanding of what they’ll receive from their insurance company. I feel like I’ve been a construction therapist for people.”
While Pali Builds can’t directly negotiate with insurance companies, it offers a valuable alternative. “Our power to get more money from the insurance company is limited,” Renfro clarified. “What we can do is connect homeowners with builders who have different economic models and offer a range of products at varying price points. We help identify ways to cut costs and get you back on your property.”
Currently, Pali Builds operates out of a trailer located within the burn zone of the Palisades Fire. Every day, subcontractors working in the area drop off their information, which Pali Builds then digitizes to provide homeowners with the assistance they need.
The platform is free to use and has already attracted a few thousand users. The founders believe that accurate construction estimates are essential for saving time and money for anyone facing the daunting task of rebuilding their home.
“I’m a homeowner and a fire victim myself,” Furnari said. “My incentive is to get my family back here and help others do the same.”
For more information, visit Pali Builds online.
