How Homeowners Navigate Sustainability and Fire Resilience Rebuilding Decisions after Wildfire

Abstract The reconstruction of homes destroyed in the 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado presented an opportunity to build back better by enhancing environmental sustainability and fire resilience in affected communities. Yet, during reconstruction, homeowners navigated decisions about incorporating sustainability and fire resilience into their homes under financial, informational, and time constraints. Sustainability decisions included those related to energy efficiency, energy sources, and energy standards, while fire resilience decisions included those related to ignition-resistant materials, landscaping, and fire sprinklers. To investigate these decisions, we conducted and analyzed in-depth interviews with homeowners rebuilding after the Marshall Fire. We interpreted decision-making influences through the constructs of self-efficacy, response costs, and outcome expectancy. We found that builder capacity, persuasion, and trust strongly influenced homeowner decisions and that homeowner perceptions of technology effectiveness and affordability played dual roles as enablers and barriers. Sustainability decisions were supported by diverse expected benefits, whereas fire resilience decisions were mainly motivated by safety concerns. These findings offer insights for wildfire recovery policy, emphasizing the importance of trusted guidance, timely information, and feasible options for those navigating postdisaster rebuilding.