GlobeSt Feature: Crest Real Estate Advances Wildfire Recovery with Strategic Rebuild Leadership in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA — In response to ongoing efforts to rebuild following January’s devastating Southern California wildfires, Crest Real Estate—Los Angeles’ leading entitlement and permit-expediting firm—is reinforcing its position by spearheading innovative and resilient rebuilding strategies. Drawing on recent reporting from GlobeSt, the firm highlights the critical technical and logistical challenges resurfacing as reconstruction evolves from cleanup to long-term recovery.
Design firms like SPF:a report a methodical—if gradual—progress toward rebuilding in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, as projects advance from insurance and entitlement stages toward active construction. These complex processes require detailed geotechnical analysis, slope stabilization, and engineered site work before any construction can begin.
Thomas James Homes (TJH) illustrates an emerging path forward. The firm has secured permits for three rebuilds, with one home already completed and two others well into plan checking. TJH reports constructing four to six homes per month, demonstrating how scale and specialization can drive efficiency in post-fire contexts.
Yet, significant hurdles remain: rebuilding costs range from $700 to $1,000 per square foot, compared to $400–$500 per square foot insurance coverage. Increased labor and material costs—especially for concrete, steel, engineered fill, and specialized labor—are amplifying financial strain.
Case Study 2.0: Pre-approved Designs That Propel Recovery
Amid these challenges, Crest Real Estate is spearheading Case Study 2.0, a first-of-its-kind design catalog that brings together over 45 top Los Angeles architecture firms. These fire-resilient and design-forward home templates are pre-approved and offered at a fraction of traditional custom design fees—aimed at accelerating rebuild efforts while honoring neighborhood character.
Local officials recognize this model’s potential. As Crest CEO Steven Somers explains, standardized and replicable home designs can reduce burdens on city planning staff, streamline permitting workflows, and expedite delivery of essential housing.
Building Resilient Partnerships and Streamlined Supply Chains
Crest is also establishing strategic supplier networks to offset material cost pressures—partnering directly with brands like Fleetwood, Western Window Systems, Eco Outdoor, and Clé Tile to secure bulk pricing on high-performance windows, doors, and finishes.
Moreover, replicating designs across multiple builds allows for streamlined construction workflows and reduces oversight costs—offsetting higher labor requirements for resilient materials.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Rebuild with Design, Efficiency & Collaboration
With thousands of homes lost and rebuilding only now gaining traction, Crest Real Estate is seizing its moment to catalyze thoughtful and efficient recovery. As pile-driving geotechnical teams clear terrain, and as streamlined, pre-approved designs allow rebuilding to flourish, the firm stands at the intersection of design innovation, policy coordination, and execution excellence.
Crest remains committed to collaborating closely with homeowners, architects, builders, city agencies, and suppliers—ensuring that Los Angeles rebuilds not just quickly, but with creativity, resilience, and shared purpose.
Read more at https://www.globest.com/2025/06/16/california-making-progress-on-home-rebuilding-from-palisades-fires/
Jason Somers, President & Founder of Crest Real Estate
With over 15 years of professional experience in the Los Angeles luxury real estate market, Jason Somers has the background, judgement and track record to provide an unparalleled level of real estate services. His widespread knowledge helps clients identify and acquire income producing properties and value-ad development opportunities.
Learn more about Jason Somers or contact us.
