Event Description
Wildfires are reshaping how Californians think about housing safety and resilience. In 2025, two legal documents related to fire risk and real estate were updated, DRE’s required Transfer Disclosure Statement requirements and CA’s T24 building code. Agents and appraisers will gain comprehension about fire resistant features and risk reduction strategies.
We’re seeing increasing evidence that features common to efficient, higher performance homes are intrinsically fire resistant. Air tightness, durable, non-combustible roofs and cladding, simple architectural forms, no vents, high performance windows… are recognized as contributing factors to homes that have survived fires as well as preventing smoke intrusion. Prevention of fires also helps prevent the air pollution and related emissions that impact human health.
We’ll explore features commonly installed to reduce risk of ignition as well as new innovations in materials and systems. We’ll look at examples of homes that survived fires and why, plus some impressive completed rebuilds.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Identify fire-resistant features
- Understand how common efficiency and performance measures increase fire resistance
- Recognize and discuss with clients the multiple health, safety, efficiency, and resilience benefits of science-based principles such as air tightness and insulation
- Apply this knowledge to home design and construction details and real estate decision-making
Learning Units
- AIA LUs will apply for this course
Instructors
Debra Little, AjO
Course Location
TBD