PRIORITISE WITH YOUR BUDGET
The Challenge
One of the biggest challenges in fire-resilient home design is balancing safety with cost and practicality. Fire-resistant materials can be more expensive, sometimes harder to find, and may even face supply chain delays if they aren’t produced locally. On top of that, some homeowners hesitate to use man-made materials designed to look like wood, even though they are far safer.
For people renting, buying, or building a new home, the ideal solution is to choose a location outside of high fire hazard severity zones. But in reality, many families are constrained by what they can afford, where they work, or the housing options available.
That’s why it’s important to make smart design and renovation choices within your budget.
Making the most of your budget
If you have a budget and need to prioritise, here is a way to think about your investment.
If you can only do one thing, do this
Upgrade your roof to non-combustible material and protect the eaves on the underside of a roof, that's any part that's exposed. Roofs are often the first part of a house to ignite from embers. However, roofs re often one of most expensive investments.
Cost Benefit Matrix for Wildfire – Resilient Upgrades
Sustainable Defensible Spaces, “Wildland Urban Interface Wildfire Resilience Homeowner Handbook)
Where to start?
If you could redesign or rebuild a standard suburban house, the biggest impact comes from upgrading the roof and exterior walls. Non-combustible materials like metal, concrete, or tile outperform traditional wood or vinyl siding, and they last much longer.
Yes, these materials can add costs — for example, roofing in metal or tile may be 25% more expensive than asphalt shingles or wood. But they not only improve safety, they may also reduce insurance premiums and give you peace of mind.
Small changes, big difference – The top 5
Clear debris from roofs and gutters.
Create a defensible space by removing flammable materials near the home and choose gravel, stone, or concrete near the foundation
Install ember-resistant vents and screens.
Remove any combustible materials from top and under decks, patios, balconies
Enclose under-deck or patio areas with non-combustible materials, e.g. metal mesh
Sources:
Expert Interviews
Maia Cunnington
Priority Indicator considers quick wins, low tech upgrades, and DIY solutions, as well as areas that are most vulnerable to wildfires.
Cost Indicator considers relative and high-level costs.
“The use of concrete, metal, or other cement-based materials is key to fire resiliency. There are many modern materials that look like wood but are made from fire-resistant alternatives. Using these, both structurally and aesthetically, is essential for making a home resilient to wildfires.”
But material choice isn’t just about safety, it can also be about savings.
“Another strategy is to check for government-funded rebates that support fire-resilient building. Local, regional, or state governments may help pay for upgrades when you renovate or build new. It’s a way of using your tax money to offset costs and invest in safer, stronger materials.”