From ember-resistant vent retrofits to non-combustible fencing and deck enclosure systems, we harden the vulnerable connections where wildfire risk reaches the structure.
Wildfire Defensible Space Audit
A certified NFPA wildfire mitigation specialist inspects your property against California’s Definsible Space standards for all zones. identifying ember-entry vulnerabilities in vents, decking, and combustible landscaping. You get a clear, actionable report — and the audit fee is credited toward any mitigation work you move forward with.
Insurance/Real Estate Inspection
Facing an AB 38 point-of-sale inspection or a non-renewal notice from your insurer? We assess your home against the specific requirements insurers and escrow officers are checking for, then provide documentation to support your closing or help you resolve coverage issues.
Defensible Space Construction/Mitigation
Beyond brush clearing, we harden your home's most vulnerable points against ember attack — vent retrofits, non-combustible fencing, deck enclosures, and other Zone 0 upgrades — bringing your property into full compliance with California's toughest wildfire building standards.
General Construction Services
As a licensed California Class B General Building Contractor (Lic #786341), we handle construction needs beyond fire hardening — repairs, renovations, and structural work — backed by the same craftsmanship and code expertise behind every Fire Zone 0 project.
Home/Adu Construction
Looking to build new or add an ADU? Our parent company, JW Homes & ADUs, specializes in residential construction throughout San Marcos and the greater San Diego area, and can integrate Zone 0 fire-hardened design directly into your build from the ground up.
Consulting
Not ready for a full project? We offer expert guidance on wildfire compliance strategy, insurance requirements, and construction planning — helping you understand your options and prioritize next steps before committing to work.
Zone 0 is the area closest to your home, where combustible materials, vents, and attachments create the highest ignition risk. Hardening it should preserve curb appeal and daily function — not simply strip the yard.
Our Methodology
01
Risk Assessment
Site audit evaluating ember intrusion points, vent gaps, and attachment risk, credited toward the contract if you proceed.
02
Written Scope
Materials, retrofits, and enclosure details set down in a written scope matched to the property’s construction.
03
Hardening & Installation
We take care of all the work. Construction to landscaping with licensed and insured crew
04
Compliance documentation, warranty terms, and fire-performance paperwork handed off at completion.
Common Questions
What is Zone 0 and how does it affect my property?
Zone 0 is the first five feet around your home, where combustible materials and gaps can create the most direct ignition exposure.
How is this different from brush clearing or defensible space landscaping?
Structural hardening addresses everything from the building interface to landscaping. It encompasses the entire property from the structures to the property lines.
What triggers a Zone 0 requirement — insurance, escrow, or a violation notice?
Requirements can arise from carrier requests, point-of-sale conditions, escrow questions, or local enforcement. We assess the property condition first.
How much does structural hardening cost?
Pricing depends on the materials, access, and construction details. The paid assessment creates a written, property-specific scope.
Do you handle permits and inspections?
Where a scope requires permits or inspection coordination, the written project scope identifies the likely path before construction begins.
What happens during the paid Risk Assessment Audit?
We document all risk factors on the property and provide a written report along with a full cost estimate to implement the report recommendations. If you decide to have us do the work, part or all of the audit fee is credited back to you.
What is the cost of the audit?
In most cases (depending on the size of the property) the audit fee is $350.
SCOPE OF WORK / CALIFORNIA CONTRACTOR LAW
Why a Landscaper Cannot Legally Do This Work
Defensible space and Zone 0 are not the same problem. Clearing vegetation is landscaping. Replacing a vent, enclosing a deck, or altering exterior wall assemblies is construction — and it is regulated as such under the California Contractors State License Law. Any work that penetrates, alters, or attaches to the structural envelope of your home — vent retrofits, deck substructure and enclosure, non-combustible siding or fencing tie-ins — legally requires a licensed General Contractor. A landscaping crew is not permitted to open a wall assembly, alter roof-to-wall flashing, or pull the permits these corrections require. This is the gap that leaves most defensible space work incomplete. Your brush may be cleared. Your ember pathways are usually still open.