Bakersfield · Kern County
Sell a Fire-Damaged House in Bakersfield, CA
A house fire changes what a house is worth and what it costs to fix. House Junkies buys fire-damaged houses in Bakersfield as-is, with or without an open insurance claim, and our own licensed crew, House Junkies Construction (CA LIC#1077593), does the rebuild after we close.
Bakersfield is the ninth-largest city in California and the seat of Kern County, with a large enough footprint that it spans over a dozen ZIP codes and housing stock ranging from historic downtown properties to large newer subdivisions in the southwest.
Downtown Bakersfield has been undergoing a revitalization push in recent years, adding restaurants and mixed-use development.
After a House Fire in Bakersfield
Rebuilding a burned house in Bakersfield takes permits from the City of Bakersfield, and the work has to be done by the owner or a state-licensed contractor.
All new construction and remodeling in California now has to meet the 2025 California Building Standards Code, which took effect January 1, 2026. Those code upgrades are a big reason insurance money so often falls short of what a full rebuild really costs.
A burned house that sits open or falling apart can also draw code complaints. Inside Bakersfield city limits, code problems go to the City of Bakersfield's Code Enforcement team, reachable at (661) 326-3712. Outside city limits, Kern County Public Works Code Compliance handles abandoned vehicles, building and housing problems, weeds, junk, and illegal dumping. Just outside city limits, it is Kern County Public Works Code Compliance that handles code problems instead of the City.
Fire rebuilds run our crew roughly $90 per square foot, and up to $135 per square foot for a badly burned house, before permits, holding costs, and closing costs. That is how we can make a real offer instead of walking away. See how we calculate your offer, or read our full page on selling a fire-damaged house.
Sources: Kern County Public Works, Kern County Public Works Code Compliance
How Selling to House Junkies Works
- ✓ Tell us the address and what is going on with the house
- ✓ Get a written cash offer within 24 hours, with no obligation
- ✓ No repairs, no cleaning, no agent commissions
- ✓ We cover closing costs, and you choose the closing date
Fire Damage in Bakersfield: Common Questions
Can I sell my Bakersfield house before the insurance claim is settled?
Yes. We can factor an open claim into the offer, or buy the house as-is if you would rather not deal with the claim at all.
Do I need permits to rebuild after a fire in Bakersfield?
Yes. Rebuilding needs permits from the City of Bakersfield. If you sell to House Junkies, our licensed crew handles the permits.
Do I have to clean up the fire debris before selling?
No. We buy the house as-is, debris and all, and handle the cleanup after closing.
Can I sell a house that was red-tagged after the fire?
Yes. A red tag means nobody can live there until it is fixed, but you can still sell it to us.
Other Situations We Buy In Bakersfield
Fire Damage in Nearby Cities
See everything about selling your house in Bakersfield, or read our full guide to selling a fire-damaged house.