If you're rebuilding after the January 2025 fires, plan the technology while the architect is still drawing, so the wiring, equipment room and power are part of the permit set instead of an afterthought. Keep the system simple, wire generously and think about backup power early. LA Techs is working with families and builders in the Palisades and beyond, and the rebuilds going smoothest brought everyone to the table at the start.
First, we know this isn't just a construction project. A lot of families lost far more than a house. Our goal is to make the technology part the easiest piece of the process, not one more thing to worry about.
When to start: with the plans
Most rebuilds are moving through design and permitting right now. That's the right moment to bring in an integrator. Once framing starts, every change costs more and the good options shrink.
At the design stage we can mark up the architect's drawings with speaker, keypad, camera and access point locations, plan the equipment room, and coordinate with the electrician on lighting control and shade power. None of it slows the permit down. It just means the house gets built right the first time.
Pre-wire like you'll be there for decades
The walls are open exactly once. Wire costs very little compared to opening finished walls later, so we wire for what you want now and what you might want later.
That usually means network cable to every TV location and office, plus wired access points throughout. It means shade power at every window that might get shades, and conduit to the yard, gate and garage. We'd rather leave a spare run in the wall than come back with a saw.
Resilience, without the fear
A rebuild is a chance to make the house steadier when things go wrong. Not a bunker, just sensible choices:
- Backup power awareness. Decide early if you want a generator or battery storage, and which circuits matter most (network, fridge, a few lights, the gate). That shapes the electrical plan.
- A network that keeps working. Battery backup on the core network gear keeps cameras, internet and the control system up through short outages.
- Cameras you can check from anywhere. Being able to look in on the property, especially during a long rebuild or a high-wind day, is real peace of mind.
- Shades with a manual or battery option. Lutron shades can be planned so you're not stuck in the dark or exposed if power drops.
Keep it simple
After everything families have been through, nobody wants a complicated house. We hear that a lot, and we agree. The best systems we've built in our 20 years are the ones you barely notice: a few clear buttons, lights that come on when you get home, a good night scene.
Control4, Savant and Lutron all do this well. The right choice depends on how you live, and we'll help you pick without overbuilding.
Working with your builder and architect
Rebuild timelines are tight and every trade is busy. We work from the drawings, show up for the pre-wire walk-through with the electrician and keep the builder updated so nothing surprises anyone. That's how the job stays on schedule.
We've put together a page on how we approach fire rebuilds, and another specific to the Pacific Palisades. If you're early in the process, our new construction page covers the full design-to-move-in path.
Quick answers
Q: When should we involve a technology integrator in a fire rebuild? A: During design and permitting, before framing. That's when wiring, the equipment room and shade power can be planned into the drawings at the lowest cost.
Q: Should a rebuild include backup power? A: It's worth deciding early. Even if you don't install a generator or battery right away, planning which circuits to back up shapes the electrical design.
Q: Do we need a complicated smart home system? A: No. Many rebuilding families want fewer buttons, not more. A simple, well-programmed system with good lighting, network and cameras covers most needs.
Q: Does LA Techs work on Palisades and Altadena rebuilds? A: Yes. We work with homeowners, architects and builders on rebuilds across Los Angeles, including the Palisades and the Eaton fire area.
Rebuilding? Send us the plans or call 213.354.8324. We'll help however we can.
