Rebuilding After the Eaton Fire: Why I Trust Mareci & Steele Construction
By Crystal T.
Losing a home isn’t just about losing walls and a roof, it’s losing the space where you built your life. For my family of five, our home in Altadena wasn’t just where we lived for 26 years, it was where we grew up, celebrated birthdays, cried during hard times, raised our kids, and hosted holidays. When the Eaton Fire tore through our neighborhood, it didn’t just burn down homes, it shattered stability.
The days after the fire were a blur. Bouncing from Airbnb to hotel rooms, waiting in endless lines for aid, trying to find someone, anyone, we could trust to help us through the next step. The emotional weight of being displaced, of having to put pride aside and ask for basic help, is something I never thought I’d experience. And unfortunately, the aftermath brought not just grief, but a hard reality: price-gouging contractors, buyers circling like vultures, and endless confusion navigating insurance claims. It was in one of those long aid lines that I met Mr. Mareci. Not because he was handing out business cards, but because he was right there in line with the rest of us, because he and his own family were also victims of the same fire. They weren’t just builders; they were neighbors. People living this nightmare, too. That’s where everything changed for me.
We struck up a conversation, and I learned more about Mareci & Steele Construction. What stood out wasn’t flashy promises, it was honesty, empathy, and a deep understanding of exactly what we were going through. And most importantly, they didn’t just talk about rebuilding homes, they talked about rebuilding lives, dignity, and hope.
From that moment on, Mareci & Steele became more than just our contractors. They became our guides, our advocates, and our trusted partners. They explained everything with patience, helped us navigate the insurance process (which can be a nightmare), and took the time to break down every single cost to ensure we understood what we were getting into. And they worked with us financially, because they knew sustainability mattered, especially for families like ours trying to rebuild without going into unmanageable debt.
Value That Goes Beyond the Build
The word “value” gets thrown around a lot. But when you’ve lost everything, value means something different. It means reliability. It means people who show up when they say they will. It means not wasting a single moment, because time matters when you’re living in temporary shelter. Mareci & Steele understood that firsthand, and it shows in the way they work. They didn’t just prioritize our project; they prioritized our peace of mind.
A Focus on Rebuilding Right
Every detail, from the foundation to the finishing touches, is done with care and urgency. The Mareci & Steele team made sure we were involved in the design process, so we had something to look forward to. I can honestly say, for the first time in months, I feel hopeful again. I’m excited about our new kitchen, the layout they helped us redesign, and the fact that they’re helping us make the space even more functional than before all while being mindful of our budget.
Their Story Is Our Story
What sets Mareci & Steele apart isn’t just their craftsmanship, it’s that they understand, deeply, what this recovery means. They’re not outsiders trying to profit from disaster; they’re part of our community. They’ve lived the loss. They’re going through the same challenges. That shared experience created trust that’s impossible to fake.
If You’re Rebuilding, You Deserve the Right Team
If you’re in the middle of this chaos, waiting for insurance approvals, getting lowballed offers, feeling overwhelmed, I see you. I’ve been there. And I can’t recommend Mareci & Steele Construction enough. They’re not here to take advantage of anyone. They’re here to walk with you, every step of the way and one more thing , they are in the list of Top Construction Company in California. From one Altadena family to another: don’t go through this alone. Talk to Mareci & Steele. They won’t just build you a house, they’ll help you rebuild your life.