Construction & Remodeling Answers
Answers to the questions California homeowners ask about remodeling costs, permits, timelines and ADU rules.
- How much does an ADU cost in Santa Monica?
In 2026, a garage conversion ADU in Santa Monica typically costs roughly $150,000 to $280,000, and a new detached ADU runs from about $150,000 for a compact unit near 400 square fe - How long does a remodel permit take in Santa Monica?
In Santa Monica, a like-for-like interior remodel that keeps the layout can often be permitted within a few weeks, sometimes over the counter, while a project that changes structur - What is the Coastal Zone and how does it affect remodeling in Santa Monica?
The Coastal Zone is the strip of land along the California coast, defined by the California Coastal Act, where development is reviewed for its effect on coastal resources and publi - Can I convert my garage into an ADU in Los Angeles?
Yes. California law allows an existing garage on most single-family and multifamily lots in Los Angeles to be converted into an accessory dwelling unit, the city must approve a com - How long does an ADU take to build in Los Angeles?
From the first design meeting to final inspection, an ADU in Los Angeles typically takes about 8 to 14 months. Design and engineering usually take 1 to 3 months, permit review up t - How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, a hall bathroom remodel that keeps the fixtures where they are typically costs roughly $18,000 to $40,000 in 2026, and a primary bathroom with a new layout, a curbl - What does a general contractor charge in Los Angeles?
General contractors in Los Angeles typically charge an overhead-and-profit markup of roughly 15 to 25 percent on top of labor, materials and subcontractor costs, whether it appears - How much does a 400-square-foot ADU cost?
A 400-square-foot ADU in Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay Area typically costs roughly $150,000 to $300,000 in 2026, which works out to about $375 to $750 per square foot depen - Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom in California?
Usually yes. In California a bathroom remodel needs a building permit whenever you move or add plumbing, change electrical wiring, alter walls, or replace a tub with a shower, whic - Can I live in my home during a remodel?
Often yes. Most homeowners stay in the house during a kitchen or single-bathroom remodel, a room addition or an ADU build, because the work can be sealed off from the living areas - Do I need an architect for a remodel in California?
Not always. California law allows plans for most single-family homes of wood-frame construction up to two stories, and for non-structural alterations, to be prepared by a licensed - How do I verify a contractor's license in California?
Go to the Contractors State License Board website at cslb.ca.gov, choose Check a License, and search by license number, business name or personal name. The record shows whether the - How much deposit can a contractor ask for in California?
For home improvement contracts in California, a contractor may not collect a down payment larger than $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less, under Business - How much does a room addition cost in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, a ground-floor room addition typically costs roughly $300 to $600 per square foot in 2026, so a 250 to 350 square foot bedroom or family room commonly lands between - How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, a kitchen remodel that keeps the existing layout typically costs roughly $35,000 to $85,000 in 2026, and a full gut remodel with a new layout, moved plumbing or gas - How much does an ADU cost in the Bay Area?
In the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley, an ADU typically costs roughly $200,000 to $450,000 for a garage conversion or compact detached unit and $450,000 to $700,000 or m