By California Construction & Remodeling Experts | February 2026 The Code Nobody Explains Until It's Too Late Here's a scene we see far too often. A homeowner in Los Angeles hires a contractor to remodel their kitchen. The design is finalized. The permit application is submitted. Then the city's plan checker sends back a correction notice with three words that derail the entire budget: "Title 24 compliance required." Suddenly there's an energy consultant fee they didn't expect

By California Construction & Remodeling Experts | February 2026 The $4,000 Decision That Could Save You $400,000 There's a conversation we have with homeowners in Los Angeles that almost no other remodeling contractor is having. It usually starts with a kitchen. The homeowner wants new cabinets, new countertops, new appliances, maybe a reconfigured layout. They've been saving for it. They've browsed Pinterest. They're ready. Then we ask a question that stops them cold: "When

By California Construction & Remodeling Experts | February 2026 Why Remodeling in California Is Different From Remodeling Anywhere Else If you're reading this from a home in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood or anywhere across LA County, you already know: California is not a simple state to build in. That's not a complaint. It's actually an advantage, once you understand how it works. California has the most advanced building codes in the country. Our seismic retrofi

California says "60 days" — so why is my ADU still waiting? This is one of the most common ADU questions we get in Los Angeles. State law sounds simple, but the reality on the ground in LA is distinct. Understanding the difference between state timelines and LADBS practice is the key to realistic planning.

Los Angeles homes are not built for prolonged rain. Drainage failures cause foundation movement, slab cracking, and hillside instability. Most damage begins underground.

Key Takeaways SB-79 allows higher residential density near transit starting in 2026. In Los Angeles, this will drive ADU garage conversions, remodels, and property upgrades near Metro lines — increasing demand and construction costs. The zoning shift most homeowners haven’t noticed yet Most LA homeowners are focused on ADUs, garage conversions, and remodel costs . Very few are paying attention to SB-79  — and that’s a mistake. Starting July 2026, California’s transit-oriented

Garage conversion ADUs in LA typically take 4–9 months  from planning to finish. Permits, slab plumbing, and Title 24 compliance drive the schedule. Why this matters in January January submissions in Studio City, Pasadena, and Anaheim often clear plan check faster than spring filings. Why garage conversions are popular Garage ADUs reuse existing structures. Benefits include: Lower cost than ground‑up ADUs Faster approvals Minimal grading They are common in Sherman Oaks, Missi

You've decided you need a general contractor. Now comes the hard part: finding the right one and making sure they're legitimate. This isn't a casual decision. You're letting someone access your home, manage your money, and make decisions that affect your family for years. Hiring the wrong contractor can cost you tens of thousands in rework, legal issues, and stress. Let's walk through exactly how to do this right. Step 1: Know What to Look For (Before You Start Looking) Befor

Permits from LADBS are required for most structural, electrical, and plumbing work. CalBuild Remodeling Title 24 (2025 Energy Code) applies to projects filed on or after Jan 1, 2026. California Energy Commission Typical remodel timeline is 6–16 weeks  including plan check. CalBuild Remodeling Internal links: California Construction services & projects. Why Remodel in January 2026 New Title 24 energy requirements take effect now, and planning early means fewer redesigns during

Why Beverly Hills Homeowners Are Investing in General Contractors (And Why You Should Too) Let's cut through the noise: Is hiring a general contractor worth the money? If you've been thinking about a kitchen remodel, bathroom update, or home addition, you've probably debated this. The upfront cost of hiring a GC feels high. But the real question isn't "Is it worth it?" it's "What am I actually getting for my money?" The answer might surprise you. The Investment Numbers (And T

ADU Costs, Rent & ROI Across LA Los Angeles ADU construction ranges from roughly $150–$400 per square foot depending on type, location, and finish, translating to total project costs between approximately $90,000 and $400,000+ for typical 600–1,000 sq ft units. Monthly rents across the city span $1,500–$4,200 depending on neighborhood—West LA and Santa Monica command $2,800–$4,200 per month, while San Fernando Valley units rent for $2,000–$3,200 , and East LA sits around

In Los Angeles, Orange County, and the San Fernando Valley, kitchen remodels vary widely in cost. Most fall between $55,000 and $175,000  depending on layout changes, finish level, and energy compliance. Title 24 lighting requirements influence fixtures and controls costs. Why this matters in January Homeowners in Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Pasadena, and Irvine secure budgets and permits now before spring scheduling crunches. Material lead times, especially for custom cabine

If you’re searching for general contractors in Los Angeles, CA, the right choice comes down to licensing, local permit experience, transparent pricing, and proven results in your neighborhood. California Construction & Remodeling Experts serves the same high-demand service areas as top-rated Beverly Hills contractors, offers free estimates, and specializes in remodels, additions, ADUs, and full-scale construction across Los Angeles County.

Handyman vs. General Contractor: Which One Do You Actually Need? You've got a leaky faucet, some drywall damage in the hallway, and maybe you're thinking about a kitchen refresh. The question comes up immediately: Should I call a handyman, or do I need to hire a full general contractor? And more importantly—which one saves me money? The answer is more nuanced than "handymen are cheaper." Sometimes, yes. Other times, hiring a handyman on the wrong project will cost you more in

Understanding General Contractor Hourly Rates in 2025 If you're planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or any significant home improvement in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles, you've probably asked yourself: "How much does a general contractor actually cost per hour?" The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think—and that's actually good news if you understand what you're paying for. The Real Numbers Behind Contractor Rates Let's start with what the data actual

Many Los Angeles area homes on older 100 amp electrical panels cannot support modern remodel loads like induction ranges, heat pumps, and EV chargers. Upgrading to 200 amps or higher is often required for permit approval. Why this matters in December Homeowners in Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Studio City plan electrical upgrades now so permits and utility coordination finish before summer peak load demand. Why Older Panels Are a Problem Older homes in LA, Orange County, and th

Speed: AB 1332 (Pre-Approved Plans) is live—permits must be reviewed in 60 days . Real-world approval is hitting 21-30 days for standard plans. Deadline: Submit by Dec 24, 2025 , to beat the Jan 1, 2026 Title 24 Energy Code update (stricter solar/insulation rules). Cost: Late-2025 bids show detached ADUs averaging $300–$500/sq. ft. Garage conversions remain the value play at $80k–$130k . Zoning Shift: DTLA and Boyle Heights have officially switched to "Form-Based" zonin

Many LA homes still run on 100 amp panels. Modern remodels with heat pumps, EV chargers, and induction ranges often require 200 amp upgrades. Why this matters in December Homeowners plan electrical upgrades now to avoid summer overloads and permit delays. Why Panels Are Failing Modern Remodels Electrification changed everything. Common additions: Heat pump HVAC Induction cooking EV chargers Electric water heaters Old panels were not designed for this load. What 100 Amp Panels

Why This Matters in December Spring permits are already stacking up. HVAC design delays are the #1 reason LA kitchen projects stall. HVAC Ducting in LA Kitchens Range hoods over 400 CFM  require makeup air systems . Common challenges: Long duct runs in slab homes Limited ceiling cavities Noise compliance issues Slab vs Crawlspace Homes Slab foundations:  Sawcutting concrete adds cost and permits Crawlspaces:  Easier duct routing, lower labor Pasadena and Sherman Oaks homes di

In Los Angeles, a typical ADU garage conversion in 2026 costs about $190k–$260k, with detached new ADUs often $230k–$350k. Updated ADU laws and pre-approved plans aim for roughly 30–60 day approvals, especially under AB 1332 and LA County’s August 2025 ordinance, making backyard units faster and more predictable for homeowners.