A Guide to Home Remodeling in Los Angeles

Whether you’re revitalizing a historic bungalow in Silver Lake or modernizing a coastal retreat in Malibu, this guide serves as your trusted companion through every step of the renovation process. From navigating the city’s unique regulations and permits to sourcing the finest materials and general contractors, we provide invaluable insights and expert advice to ensure your remodeling project is successful. Use this guide to empower you to transform your house into the quintessential Los Angeles home you’ve always envisioned.

(Above) Home remodel in Los Angeles by Sweeten homeowner and actress Jaime Ray Newman

Renovating in L.A. has a few unique twists—how do you remodel on a hillside lot while making your home earthquake-proof? What about embracing the city’s green ethos that could help the planet while shrinking your monthly electric and water budget? And how does all this play into the cost of your project?

With a little bit of research, preparation, and the right team around you, an L.A. renovation can be a satisfying, creative endeavor that yields sizable dividends on your investment. We asked a couple of Sweeten remodeling professionals what specific issues homeowners in Los Angeles should know.

What to know about renovating on a hillside

With the more-leveled lots having been snapped up long ago, the majority of new homes being built in L.A. are going up on sloped lots and hillsides, according to Curbed L.A.. Some of the most desirable neighborhoods—who doesn’t want a view?— can be found on hillsides.

Call in a structural engineer: Prior to embarking on any hillside renovation project, it’s essential to engage a qualified structural engineer to assess the condition of your lot. Sweeten architect Jordan emphasizes the importance of this initial step, stating, “A good structural engineer will conduct a thorough site visit and provide insight into the complexity of the project, empowering you to make informed decisions about its feasibility.” To simplify this process, a Sweeten contractor involved in your project can offer recommendations for reputable engineers.

Consider your timeline: Undertaking new construction or a significant renovation on a hillside requires meticulous planning and a flexible timeline. Sweeten contractor Netanel underscores the unique challenges of hillside construction, noting, “Building on a hillside is a different ballgame altogether.” Accessibility for construction crews to the site can pose logistical challenges, potentially prolonging the project duration.

Special requirements: Hillside projects necessitate specialized considerations, including the installation of a structurally engineered retaining wall crafted from durable materials like concrete. According to Sweeten contractors Anna and Vahik, such projects may also require comprehensive plans for stormwater drainage, sewage disposal, water supply, and adherence to fire safety regulations, all of which contribute to the project’s overall budget.

• Fire safety: In hillside properties, proximity to fire hydrants can significantly impact safety measures and costs. Anna recounts a project involving a 6,000-square-foot hillside property situated 300 feet away from the nearest fire hydrant. To enhance fire safety, the homeowners faced a daunting $30,000 estimate to install a public fire hydrant near their driveway. Ultimately, they opted for a commercial sprinkler system throughout the home as a cost-effective alternative.
• Drainage considerations: With the growing emphasis on retaining water on individual properties, effective drainage solutions are paramount. Uncontrolled water runoff on hillsides can destabilize the terrain, posing risks of landslides. One approach to mitigate this risk involves incorporating rocks and gravel beneath lawns or gardens, facilitating natural drainage and reducing the likelihood of soil erosion. Addressing drainage concerns not only preserves the integrity of the property but also promotes environmental sustainability.

When do you need soil testing for your remodel?

One of the first items many renovation projects in L.A. require is a soil report. If you’re adding a new room, a second story, or a retaining wall or if you are on a hillside, you will most certainly need this. “The soil or geotechnical report gives an understanding of earth conditions affecting a building,” explained Sweeten contractors Anna and Vahik.

Those performing the soil report are looking for how firm the soil is or if there is bedrock, especially when building on a hillside. “Sometimes you have to go down five feet to get down to bedrock. Sometimes it is 50 feet,” said Sweeten architect Jordan. The results will determine how much work is needed to “get out of the ground,” meaning what is needed to support a secure foundation, he said.

Getting the report results can take a month or two. The good news? Our L.A. contractors have never been prevented from moving forward with a project because of a soil report.

What’s involved in a seismic retrofit?

The seismic vulnerability of Los Angeles underscores the critical importance of thorough preparation, particularly in hillside renovations and structural assessments. Given the seismic activity in the region, it’s no surprise that seismic retrofits are not only mandated for certain types of buildings but are also widely recommended as a proactive measure to enhance safety and preserve property value.

Apartment buildings constructed before 1978 with wood frames and open spaces like parking areas on the ground floor are subject to mandatory seismic retrofit requirements. However, this obligation doesn’t extend to single-family homes, though opting for a seismic retrofit can be a wise investment.

A seismic retrofit for a single-family home primarily involves reinforcing the crawl space, the shallow area beneath the ground floor that houses essential utilities such as pipes and electrical wiring. By strategically adding extra bracing, homeowners can ensure a robust mechanical connection between the house’s framing and its foundation, bolstering its resilience during seismic events. Sweeten architect Jordan emphasizes the significance of this reinforcement, stating, “It’s crucial for ensuring structural integrity and minimizing potential damage in the event of an earthquake.”

While the decision to undertake a seismic retrofit for a single-family home is voluntary, its benefits are manifold. Not only does it provide invaluable peace of mind, but it can also significantly enhance the property’s value and marketability. Sweeten’s research indicates that the cost of retrofitting a typical 2,000-square-foot house typically falls within the range of $10,000 to $15,000. Factors such as the presence of pre-existing damage or decay in the framing, as well as fluctuations in material and labor costs, can influence the final figure. However, the investment in seismic retrofitting is widely regarded as a prudent safeguard against the unpredictable forces of nature, ensuring the long-term stability and security of your home.

Average renovation costs in LA

On average, the costs associated with whole home remodeling projects in Los Angeles typically span from $100 to $400 or more per square foot. However, it’s important to note that these figures can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the scope of the renovation, the quality of materials selected, and the level of customization desired. When budgeting for a renovation, it’s crucial to consider the distinction between dry rooms, such as living rooms and bedrooms, and wet rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. Renovating dry rooms tends to be more cost-effective compared to wet rooms due to the additional complexities involved in plumbing, waterproofing, and specialized fixtures.

Typically, the estimated starting cost for renovating dry rooms falls towards the lower end of the cost spectrum. However, for wet rooms, where extensive plumbing upgrades, high-end finishes, and intricate tile work are often required, costs can escalate significantly, reaching up to $400 or more per square foot. Additionally, factors such as structural modifications, electrical rewiring, and the need for permits can also impact overall project expenses. Therefore, it’s essential for homeowners to collaborate closely with experienced contractors and designers to develop a realistic budget and prioritize key areas for renovation based on their lifestyle needs and long-term goals. By carefully navigating these considerations, homeowners can ensure that their remodeling project not only enhances the aesthetics and functionality of their home but also delivers lasting value and satisfaction.

The cost of kitchen remodeling in LA starts at $24,500 for 200 square feet, with budget-friendly finishes from retailers like Lowe’s. For mid-grade kitchen remodeling, Sweeten project costs can average at $37,500, covering new stock or semi-custom cabinets, appliances, and manufactured or quartz countertops. High-end kitchen projects can begin at $76,000, with a significant portion of the cost going towards custom cabinetry.

A budget bathroom renovation of 35 square feet, including demo, plumbing work, and new finishes, starts at $18,000, often utilizing big-box stores for materials, according to Sweeten contractors. A mid-grade bathroom in Los Angeles will cost on average between $28,500. Sweeten contractors report that the average cost for an upscale bathroom project, which includes expanding the space from 35 to 100 square feet, starts at around $40,500.

Renovations in condos

Navigating a condo renovation involves more than just securing permits from the city; your condo’s homeowner’s association (HOA) also plays a significant role in the process. Each condominium building has its own set of rules and regulations, often dictating restrictions on exterior alterations while being more lenient with interior modifications.

Condo renovations typically incur slightly higher costs and longer timelines compared to single-family homes. This is primarily due to the constrained construction hours, usually limited to an eight-hour window on weekdays. Moreover, time must be allocated for daily cleanup of common areas to maintain cleanliness and minimize disruption to residents. HOA regulations further contribute to the complexity, specifying guidelines for parking arrangements for construction vehicles, scheduling access for construction crews, and managing debris removal.

Condo renovations also necessitate higher levels of insurance coverage. Many Sweeten contractors consider a one million dollar insurance policy as the minimum requirement for condo projects, with some HOAs demanding additional coverage to mitigate potential risks.

While the condo manager typically serves as a liaison between your project and the HOA, it’s courteous to inform your neighbors about upcoming renovations. This proactive communication fosters goodwill and helps minimize any inconvenience or disturbances caused by the construction process. Additionally, involving neighbors early in the planning stages allows for open dialogue and the opportunity to address any concerns or considerations that may arise throughout the renovation period.

Remodeling permits in Los Angeles

Permits and local red tape can be a major hold-up for people looking to renovate, which is especially the case in Los Angeles. In a Renovation Stress Survey we conducted, Angelenos outranked all other U.S. markets as the most worried about getting local permits for their remodeling project. Though permits will ultimately be handled by your architect or general contractor, it’s helpful to know how long it will take and what the cost could be.

Title 24 requirements when renovating

The building code Title 24 is the result of California’s leadership in sustainability. It is a set of standards some projects must meet for “energy conservation, green design, construction and maintenance, fire and life safety, and accessibility.”

Title 24 requirements are triggered when your remodel meets a certain scope, such as the building envelope changes like replacing windows, adding a door, or a new room. Renovations that alter the heating, cooling, and water systems can also prompt Title 24 requirements. An internal project, such as a minimal bathroom or kitchen renovation, might avoid those requirements, but “Title 24 is going to pop up on a lot of projects,” said Jordan.

There are two different methods for meeting Title 24 requirements:

The prescriptive method involves criteria such as insulation in the home, efficient heating and air conditioning, and limiting the number of windowed areas in the home compared to floor area.

The performance method involves trade-offs. For example, the windowed area in the home can increase as long as insulation or efficient heating and cooling mechanisms do, too.

It’s no secret that California’s Title 24 is complicated and ever-changing, but an experienced building professional will help guide you through the requirements. For more details about Title 24 and renovating. At the end of the day, it is both good for the environment and your wallet when it comes to your electrical bill.

Because of reporting requirements for Title 24, changing even a faucet or a light fixture might mean the need for a permit. Thankfully, the City of Los Angeles has made a big effort to speed up this process in recent years, especially when it comes to those smaller projects.

There are 88 different cities that make up L.A. County and each has its own permitting process and fee structure.

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When permits can be quick

In the City of Los Angeles, obtaining permits for your renovation project can be a streamlined process if it doesn’t involve structural modifications. For instance, renovations like a bathroom upgrade retaining the existing plumbing layout or a kitchen remodel maintaining the original configuration may qualify for an express permit.

According to experienced contractors Anna and Vahik, the approval timeline for express permits can be remarkably swift, sometimes taking as little as one day. In certain cases, particularly for projects eligible for online application submission, permits can be issued instantly, expediting the commencement of construction.

To provide transparency and clarity regarding permit costs, the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety offers a user-friendly fee calculator. This tool calculates permit fees based on the project’s assessed value, alleviating any guesswork for homeowners. For instance, a renovation project valued at $20,000 that does not entail plumbing, electrical, or mechanical alterations may incur a permitting fee estimate of just under $700, ensuring cost predictability and facilitating budget planning for homeowners.

Finding your renovation team

While the abundance of general contractors in Los Angeles offers options, selecting the right one for your specific project can pose a challenge. Factors such as experience in your project scope, budget considerations, building type, and location in Los Angeles all play pivotal roles in finding a suitable match. Additionally, assessing a contractor’s communication style and professionalism is essential to ensure a harmonious working relationship.

Diverse options for remodeling services

In Los Angeles, homeowners have various options for assembling their renovation team, each offering distinct advantages:

Collaborate with an architect/interior designer and contractor: Engaging both an architect/interior designer and a contractor can streamline the renovation process. These professionals work collaboratively to translate your vision into reality while identifying potential challenges and optimizing budget allocation. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for creative design concepts or detailed working drawings with comprehensive MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) information. Budgeting approximately 10-20% of your total project cost for these services ensures comprehensive project planning and execution.

Complete your project with a general contractor: Sweeten’s list of general contractors in Los Angeles boasts extensive experience in executing a wide range of renovation projects, from rip-and-replace endeavors to full gut remodels. While some contractors may require finalized plans and offer limited design input, others possess design expertise to assist in shaping your vision. Meeting with multiple contractors on-site facilitates discussions about project requirements and establishes compatibility, ensuring a seamless collaboration.

Collaborate with a design-build firm: Opting for a design-build approach consolidates the design and construction phases under one roof, enhancing project cohesion and efficiency. Sweeten’s design-build firms offer integrated services, seamlessly integrating design creativity with construction expertise to deliver cohesive and successful outcomes.

Initiating the contractor selection process involves arranging site visits and obtaining estimates from multiple local contractors. Posting your remodeling project on Sweeten provides access to a curated network of top general contractors in Los Angeles, facilitating connections with reputable professionals who align with your project requirements and preferences.

At Sweeten, we’re experts at all things general contractors — we pre-screen them for our network, carefully select the best ones for your remodeling project, and work closely with hundreds of general contractors in LA every day. So, we’ve tapped our internal expertise to bring you this guide.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.