Home Hardening

Home hardening addresses the most vulnerable components of your house with building materials and installation techniques that increase resistance to heat, flames, and embers that accompany most wildfires.

homehardening@ncoinc.org | (707) 461-0760

The program has committed to implementing home hardening measures for residential homes within the Kelseyville Riviera Community Association over the next 2-year period.

The program will provide defensible space and home hardening retrofit measures to hundreds of residence. With nearly 1,500 homes prequalified within the specified area, the emphasis of the initiative is on implementing a targeted wildfire cluster resilience strategy.

Lake County homes eligible for this program must be within the jurisdiction of the Kelseyville Riveria Community Association. Homes outside this jurisdiction are not currently eligible. The program will offer Riveria homeowners the opportunity to retrofit, harden, and create defensible space while targeting low-to-moderate income households.

The Lake County Home Hardening Initiative is currently in the mid-stages of development and will begin to open applications in a phased approach in the near future.

Why was the Kelseyville Riviera Community Selected?

Lake County was selected as a pilot community by Cal OES and CAL FIRE after conducting a statewide analysis including fire risk, climate change risk factors and census data. In December 2021, a group of representatives from Cal OES and CAL FIRE visited Lake County. They joined county and NCO representatives for a field visit. Several Lake County neighborhoods were toured and evaluated, and Kelseyville Riviera was deemed the best fit for this pilot project because it met key criteria:

The housing density in the Riviera is optimal for achieving the “cluster” resiliency strategy we need to achieve. When one home is hardened against wildfire, all surrounding properties benefit. Hardening homes in close proximity to one another is key to maximizing the benefits of hardening efforts.
The population in the Riviera will better meet the low-to-moderate income threshold required for this program. At least 70% of approved homesites must be at or below moderate income.
Homes in this area are more likely to meet the types of retrofit measures the program will support. Most of the homes in this neighborhood were constructed within a relatively narrow timeframe, meaning upgrades should be similar across properties.
Strong homeowner participation is anticipated due to the ongoing work of the Kelseyville Riviera Community Association and their current focus on defensible space requirements for residents.
This area of Lake County is one of the few areas that has not experienced past wildfires, which makes it highly vulnerable.
As the framework for this pilot program is developed, we are hopeful to leverage additional funding and expand this project to other areas within the county in the future. See below for current project area map!

To be placed on our interested homeowners list you may email: homehardening@ncoinc.org or simply give us a call at: (707) 461-0760.

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Homeowners

Applications will be rolled out as we move neighborhood to neighborhood within the program area.

You may email homehardening@ncoinc.org to get on our interested homeowner list or call 707-461-0760 to speak with a team member directly. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response.

This program is designed to be as easy as possible for homeowners:

Homeowners will have NO guesswork as to which measures to perform. The NCO team will provide a home assessment which will provide eligible measures.
Homeowners DO NOT need to coordinate with contractors! They will not need to negotiate on scope of work, pricing, timelines, etc. The NCO team will do all the contractor coordination and management.
Most homeowners will not need to come up with cash as the program may provide up to $40,000 in approved and eligible measures. This will be completely free for homeowners at-or-below moderate-income levels in the area.
This is not a "rebate" program for homeowners.
Our goal is to provide services to homeowners who may be unable to harden their home due to capacity issues – be it financial, physical, social, even emotional. Case Management will be a critical part of the process from the start.

How it Works: From Application to Completion

Kelseyville Riviera Homeowners will apply online or at an NCO office. Applications will be rolled out as we move neighborhood to neighborhood within the program area.
Approved homeowners will be assigned an NCO Project Coordinator to oversee their specific homesite project.
A home assessment (see below) will be completed, highlighting defensible space and retrofit measures which may harden the home against wildfire.
Utilizing one of NCO’s approved contractors, a scope of work and contract will be developed between the homeowner and contractor.
Construction will begin and the assigned Project Coordinator will oversee that all measures are performed accurately and in accordance with the contract.
Once construction is complete, a final walkthrough will be scheduled with the homeowner, contractor, and NCO.
All homeowners will be required to sign a maintenance agreement, stating that they will maintain the performed measures for a specified period.
That’s it! NCO will do everything possible to make this process simple, efficient, and cost effective.

What is a Home Assessment?

Once an application is approved, NCO Home Assessors will provide home assessments using a mobile application created specifically for this program by CAL FIRE. It is unlikely that home assessors will need to enter properties, most of their work should be done on the exterior of the home.

Once the home assessment is complete, an individualized report will be created, generating specific details about each property. The home assessment report will summarize measures which may harden the home against the risk of wildfire losses. The specific measures to be completed on each home will vary by housing type, unique features of the home, risks, and exposures. Reports will prioritize work needed by categorizing required, recommended, and optional measures to be taken in hardening a home. Project staff will develop a specific scope of work for the homesite with the homeowner prior to any work beginning. Required measures must be performed. Recommended and optional measures may be performed based on budget and at the discretion of NCO.

Potential Hardening Measures to Your Home

Defensible Space Measures include, but are not limited to:

Removal of dead and dying trees, branches
Moving auxiliary buildings or structures away from residence
Replacement of combustible fencing and gates
Creation of vertical and/or horizontal space
Removal of any dead and dying debris and fuels

Potential Retrofit Measures include, but are not limited to:

Recover Roofs with Class A fire resistant materials
Install metal vents or flashing
Add metal screens, noncombustible weather stripping, etc.
Install double pane, tempered windows
Closing or plugging of holes / bird stopping
Replace exterior wall coverings with noncombustible material
Install noncombustible skirting on mobile homes

Contractor Procurement

Vendor Procurement Announcement

Procurement is now Open, the Home Hardening Program is expanding our network of vendors and contractors. We are excited to welcome all the new partners to our team and look forward to collaborating with additional vendors to make our community more fire-resilient.

NCO invites vendors skilled in construction and defensible space to join the California Wildfire Mitigation Program (CWMP) Home Hardening Initiative. NCO seeks qualified companies and individuals to provide letters of interest.

Click below to view the full Scope of Work and Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFSQ).

Please send questions to homehardening@ncoinc.org or call 707-461-0760.

Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFSW) & SOW

Sample Letter of Interest

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most asked questions from vendors reguarding the Home Hardening Program.

Click here to view the full Scope of Work and Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFSQ).

What is the Home Hardening Project?

The Home Hardening Program is an initiative aimed at reducing the risk of wildfire damage to homes and communities by implementing proactive measures. This program focuses on enhancing the resilience of structures through defensible space measures and various fire-resistant building materials and retrofits.

Why should contractors be interested in this program?

Contractors should be keen on this program because it opens opportunities to contribute to community safety and resilience. Additionally, it allows contractors to expand their service offerings to include fire-resistant construction, which is increasingly in demand due to the rising incidence of wildfires. Many of the measures currently used in the program will become permanent building codes and already have throughout many counties in California.

What specific home hardening measures are included in the program?

The program includes several measures such as:

Using non-combustible materials for siding, attachments, and other building components.
Eliminate all gaps larger than 1/8" using fire-resistant caulking
Adding ember-resistant vents and mesh.
Upgrading windows and doors to withstand high heat and eliminate ember intrusion.

Are there any specific guidelines for creating defensible space?

Defensible space guidelines include:

Clearing dead vegetation and debris within 100 feet of structures.
Maintaining tree spacing and trimming branches to prevent fire spread.
Eliminating all vegetation within 5’ of primary residence & auxiliary buildings
Using hardscaping on vulnerable flame exposure sides of residence

Are there any specific certifications or training required for contractors to participate in the program?

There are specific certifications mandated by the program, contractors/vendors must maintain a current CSLB license, a $25,000 Contractor’s Bond, general liability insurance, workers' compensation, and on SAM.gov they must be Active, Inactive, or N/A status. After the vetting process vendors will sign a master contract with NCO stating they can execute the program's minimum quality standards.

Can contractors provide feedback or suggestions to improve the Wildfire Home Hardening Program?

Yes, contractors are encouraged to provide feedback to program administrators. Constructive feedback can be submitted through official channels such as at the local office, email, phone call or during community meetings and walkthroughs. This input is valuable for refining and enhancing the program’s processes and helps improve the impact we have on the community at large.

Are there any partnerships or collaborations available for contractors within the Wildfire Home Hardening Program?

Yes, contractors can collaborate with multiple vendors, and subcontractors, but they must maintain the same certifications as the contractor in the Home Hardening qualified vendor pool. These partnerships can provide additional resources, create better project turnaround time, and further support contractors to ensure the successful implementation and completion of home hardening measures.

What role do local building codes play in the Wildfire Home Hardening Program?

Local building codes play a crucial role by setting minimum standards for fire-resistant construction. The Home Hardening Program goes above and beyond these standards and contractors must ensure that their work complies with the Minimum Quality Standard codes of the California Wildfire Mitigation Program, which includes specific requirements for materials, defensible space, and construction techniques. Staying updated with local code changes is essential for compliance and safety.

What types of documentation or proof should contractors provide to the program upon completing home hardening work?

Contractors will participate in a final walkthrough at the conclusion of each project. During this time a detailed line by line inspection will take place ensuring the entirety of the scope of work was completed to specification. Vendors should be able to provide detailed warranties, permits and any inspection reports. This documentation helps homeowners with insurance claims, maintaining coverage and future resale of the property.

How can contractors get involved or find more information about the program?

Contractors and Vendors can get more involved by contacting Lake County’s Home Hardening Team email homehardening@ncoinc.org or by phone (707) 461-0760 Monday-Friday 9-4. Additionally, attending the Home Hardening community Meet ‘n’ Greets and staying updated with the program will provide valuable insights for all of our partners.

Celebrating Collaboration: Our Partners in Wildfire Resilience

The California Wildfire Mitigation Program – Lake County Home Hardening Program is deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of our grant partners, whose contributions make our mission possible. We extend our sincere thanks to FEMA for their critical funding, Cal OES and CAL FIRE for their continuous guidance and resources, and the Lake County Board of Supervisors for their steadfast leadership and advocacy. Together, their commitment has empowered us to work toward a safer, more wildfire resilient community.

FEMA provides critical funding and resources that enable the Lake County Home Hardening Program to safeguard our communities, helping us implement essential wildfire mitigation measures and protect vulnerable homes. Learn more about FEMA.
Cal OES plays a crucial role in coordinating emergency response and disaster preparedness efforts, ensuring that communities like Lake County have the resources and support needed to enhance wildfire resilience. Learn more about Cal OES.
CAL FIRE is at the forefront of wildfire prevention and firefighting, offering invaluable expertise and support to strengthen our home hardening efforts and protect residents from the increasing threat of wildfires. Learn more about CAL FIRE.
Lake County Board of Supervisors is the driving force behind many local wildfire prevention initiatives and supported the implementation of the Lake County Home Hardening Program to create a safer, more fire-resilient community. Learn more about the Lake County Board of Supervisors.

We also take this opportunity to recognize our invaluable partners working within our program area to support Lake County's fire prevention and environmental initiatives.

Lake County Fire Safe Council plays a vital role in wildfire education and community preparedness, working tirelessly to ensure residents understand how to safeguard their properties. Learn more about the Lake County Fire Safe Council.
Lake County Resource Conservation District is instrumental in promoting sustainable land management and fire-resilient landscapes. Learn more about the Lake County Resource Conservation District.
Clear Lake Environmental Research Center focuses on environmental research and restoration efforts aimed at enhancing wildfire resilience across the region. Learn more about the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center.
USDA Forest Service, Mendocino National Forest is dedicated to managing public lands and protecting our natural resources from wildfire threats. Learn more about the USDA Forest Service.
Kelseyville Fire Protection District is committed to safeguarding the lives and properties of Lake County residents. Through proactive emergency response, education, and fire prevention efforts, Kelseyville Fire plays a vital role in enhancing wildfire preparedness and resilience in the program's community. Learn more about Kelseyville Fire Protection District.
South Lake County Fire Protection District provides comprehensive fire protection and emergency medical services to the southern regions of Lake County. Their dedication to community safety and wildfire mitigation is critical in reducing risks and protecting vulnerable areas from wildfire threats. Learn more about South Lake County Fire Protection District.
Kelseyville Riviera Community Association fosters community engagement and resilience through initiatives that promote safety and preparedness. By encouraging collaboration among residents and stakeholders, the association supports efforts to enhance wildfire defense and safeguard the program's neighborhood. Learn more about Kelseyville Riviera Community Association.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated emergency responders who stand on the front lines, protecting our community during times of crisis. Their commitment, alongside the vital support of local organizations, strengthens our collective efforts to enhance fire safety and resilience in Lake County. Together, we are forging a path toward a stronger and safer future for all.