Resources
What to know before you hire us: how our pricing works, the projects we're best at, and answers to the questions homeowners ask most.
How we price
No surprises on the invoice. Here's how a number goes from a walkthrough to a signed contract.
1. Walkthrough
We visit the house, talk through what you want, take measurements, and look at what's behind the walls where we can. If you have a budget in mind, tell us. It helps us suggest what fits.
2. Written estimate
You get a line-item estimate covering the scope of work, materials, allowances for selections you haven't made yet, and what isn't included. You can compare it line by line with other bids.
3. Contract and deposit
In California, the deposit on a home improvement contract can't be more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. Our contracts follow that rule.
4. Progress payments
After the deposit, payments are tied to finished stages of work, such as demolition, rough-in, inspections, and finishes. You don't pay ahead of the work that's been done.
5. Changes along the way
If you change something, or we find a problem once the walls are open, we write up a change order with the price and schedule impact. Nothing changes until you sign it.
Before hiring any contractor in California, check their license on the Contractors State License Board website. Ours is [License number].
Are we a good fit?
We'd rather tell you up front than waste your time. Here's who we build for.
We're a good fit if
- Your home is in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Tarzana, West Hollywood, Hollywood, or the Westside
- You're planning a new home, kitchen, bathroom, whole-home remodel, addition, or ADU
- You want one team to handle design coordination, permits, and construction
- You want the scope, allowances, and exclusions in writing before you sign
We're not the right builder for
- Commercial projects
- Small repairs and handyman work
- Projects outside our service area
FAQ
Hiring a contractor
How do I check that you're licensed?
Search our license number, [License number], on the California Contractors State License Board website. It shows the license status, classification, and bond and insurance on file.
Do you handle design and permits?
Yes. We coordinate the plans, bring in an architect or structural engineer when the project needs one, submit to the city, answer plan check corrections, and schedule every inspection.
Why do contractor bids differ so much?
Usually because they don't cover the same work. One bid might leave out permits, demolition, or cleanup, or set low allowances that grow later. Compare bids line by line, not by the total.
Cost and payments
How much will my project cost?
It depends on your scope, your house, and the finishes you choose. After a walkthrough we give you a written estimate for your actual scope.
How much is the deposit?
California caps the deposit on a home improvement contract at $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. After that, payments follow finished stages of work.
What happens if you find a problem behind the walls?
We stop, show you what we found, and write up a change order with the cost and any schedule impact. Work on that item continues only after you sign.
Permits and timeline
Does my project need a permit?
Most remodels that move walls, plumbing, gas, or electrical need one, and every new home, addition, and ADU does. Hollywood and most of the San Fernando Valley permit through the City of Los Angeles. West Hollywood has its own building department.
How long will my project take?
It depends on the scope and how long plan check takes. Each service on our services page lists a typical timeline, and your estimate includes a schedule for your project.
Can we live at home during the remodel?
For a single kitchen or bathroom, usually yes, with some planning. For whole-home remodels most families move out for at least part of the job. We'll tell you which phases are livable before work starts.
Still have a question?
Call (562) 535-8544 or send us a few details about your project.