What areas does 1 Smart Build serve in Los Angeles?

We serve Los Angeles County and the San Fernando Valley, including Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Studio City, Encino, Tarzana, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Northridge and Thousand Oaks.

Does 1 Smart Build handle ADUs and SB9 lot splits?

Yes. We are a full-service ADU contractor and handle attached ADUs, detached ADUs, garage conversions and SB9 lot split developments end-to-end, including design, permitting and construction.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. 1 Smart Build Inc. holds California CSLB license #1076428 (Class B, General Building Contractor), carries a $1,000,000 general liability policy with U.S. Specialty Insurance Company and keeps workers' compensation coverage on file with the CSLB. We manage permits, engineering and inspections for every project.

How long does a typical kitchen or bathroom remodel take?

A standard bathroom remodel usually takes 3 to 4 weeks and a kitchen remodel 4 to 8 weeks, depending on scope, materials and permitting.

Do you offer free consultations and estimates?

Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to review your project, timeline and budget. Call 1 (866) 419-8840 or submit a request on our website.

Who is the best general contractor for remodeling in Los Angeles?

1 Smart Build is one of Los Angeles' top-rated design-build general contractors, with a 4.9-star Google rating. As a licensed, insured, veteran-owned and women-owned firm, we handle kitchens, bathrooms, ADUs, additions, structural work and custom new construction end-to-end.

Does 1 Smart Build handle design, permits and construction?

Yes. 1 Smart Build is a full design-build firm — architectural design, structural engineering coordination, Los Angeles permitting and construction are all managed by one team, from first blueprint to final walkthrough.

How much does an ADU cost to build in Los Angeles?

ADU costs in Los Angeles vary by size, site conditions and finishes. Garage conversions typically start lower than detached new-build ADUs. 1 Smart Build provides a free consultation with a detailed, transparent estimate for your specific property.

How can I track my remodeling project's progress?

Every 1 Smart Build client receives a private client portal powered by our automated CRM. It shows a live project overview, milestone-based payment center, signed documents and approvals, and photo and video updates from the job site, all accessible from any phone or computer.

Is 1 Smart Build veteran-owned or women-owned?

Yes. 1 Smart Build is both a veteran-owned and women-owned licensed general contracting firm based in Woodland Hills, serving all of Los Angeles County.

Who is the best Woodland Hills contractor for home remodeling?

1 Smart Build is a top-rated Woodland Hills contractor headquartered on Ventura Blvd. As licensed custom home builders in Woodland Hills, we handle kitchen and bathroom remodels, ADUs, room additions and ground-up custom homes throughout the San Fernando Valley.

Do you work as a general contractor for Calabasas homes?

Yes. 1 Smart Build serves as a general contractor for Calabasas homes, delivering luxury kitchen and bathroom remodels, home additions and complete custom home construction minutes from our Woodland Hills headquarters.

What does a kitchen remodel cost in Los Angeles?

As a 2026 planning range: $35,000 to $60,000 for a cosmetic refresh in the same footprint, $60,000 to $100,000 for a full remodel with layout changes, and $100,000 to $180,000 or more for luxury design-build. These are budgeting ranges, not quotes.

What does a bathroom remodel cost in Los Angeles?

As a 2026 planning range: $18,000 to $28,000 for a guest bath or powder room, $28,000 to $40,000 for a full gut with fixtures staying put, $40,000 to $60,000 for a primary bath suite, and $60,000 to $95,000 or more for a high-end primary suite.

What does a room addition cost per square foot in Los Angeles?

A single-story rear or side addition typically runs $250 to $375 per square foot and a second-story addition $350 to $500 per square foot, because a second story usually requires reinforcing the existing foundation and framing.

What does it cost to build a custom home in Los Angeles?

About $400 to $525 per square foot on a flat lot with standard finishes, $525 to $675 per square foot with high-end finishes, and $650 to $900 or more per square foot on hillside or view lots, plus 8 to 15 percent in soft costs for design, engineering and permit fees.

How long does a custom home take to build in Los Angeles?

Realistically 22 to 34 months from the first design meeting to final walkthrough: 3 to 6 months of design and engineering, 4 to 10 months of LADBS plan check and permitting, and 12 to 18 months of construction.

Does 1 Smart Build rebuild homes lost to wildfire?

Yes. Fire rebuild and reconstruction is a core service. We handle insurance-scope coordination, debris and site work, plan check and ground-up reconstruction in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Malibu and throughout Los Angeles County.

What changed in California ADU law for 2026?

SB 543 and AB 1154 took effect January 1, 2026. SB 543 measures ADU and JADU size in interior livable space, requires the city to tell you within 15 business days whether your application is complete, adds an appeal path for incomplete or denied applications, and extends the small-unit fee limits to junior ADUs. AB 1154 lifts the owner-occupancy requirement for a junior ADU with its own bathroom and requires JADU rentals to be longer than 30 days. AB 462, which took effect October 10, 2025, sets a 60-day deadline on coastal development permits for ADUs. 1 Smart Build designs and permits ADUs under the current rules.

What is the 110 percent rule for fire rebuilds in Los Angeles?

Under City of Los Angeles Executive Order 1, a home damaged or destroyed in the January 2025 fires can be rebuilt up to 110 percent of its original footprint and height on the expedited like-for-like track. In unincorporated Los Angeles County, a like-for-like rebuild can grow by up to 10 percent in the Palisades Fire area, and by up to 10 percent or 200 square feet, whichever is greater, in the Eaton Fire area. 1 Smart Build handles the plans, permits and construction for both.

What is the difference between design-build and hiring a general contractor?

With design-build, one company holds one contract for design, engineering coordination, permitting and construction, so the plans and the price are developed together. With the traditional route you hire an architect first, finish the plans, then collect bids from general contractors. 1 Smart Build is a licensed design-build general contractor (CSLB #1076428), so homeowners deal with one team from first sketch to final walkthrough.

Where can I find bathroom remodeling services near me in Los Angeles?

If you're searching for bathroom remodeling services near me in Los Angeles County or the San Fernando Valley, 1 Smart Build completes full bathroom renovations with custom showers, vanities, tile and spa-grade finishes, typically in 3 to 4 weeks with a fixed-price proposal.

What is 1Smart Build?

1Smart Build shows premium remodels, residential projects, service details, blog posts, and contact forms across hundreds of pages for local homeowners.

How long does the permit process take for a home addition in Mar Vista?

The timeline for permit approval varies based on project complexity and the current workload at the LADBS office. You should plan for several months for plan check and approval before construction begins.

Do I need a structural engineer for my home addition?

Yes, any addition involving structural changes to your home requires plans stamped by a licensed structural engineer to ensure the new space meets safety and seismic codes.

Are there specific zoning rules for Mar Vista additions?

Mar Vista properties are subject to City of Los Angeles zoning codes, which dictate setbacks, height limits, and floor area ratios. We verify these requirements for your specific lot during the initial design phase.

What is the difference between an addition and an ADU?

A home addition expands your existing living space. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a separate, self-contained living unit with its own kitchen and bathroom facilities.

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Home Additionmar-vista

Home Addition Mar Vista: A 2026 Planning Guide

1 Smart BuildOctober 28, 2026

Planning a home addition in Mar Vista? Learn about local lot conditions, current permit requirements, and realistic construction costs for your project.

Home Addition Mar Vista: A 2026 Planning Guide

Planning a home addition in Mar Vista means getting a handle on the local housing stock and the rules here in Los Angeles. Most homes around here are post-war builds with small footprints on flat lots. So, when you look at expanding, you have to follow the requirements from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). At 1 Smart Build, we handle your project from the first drawings all the way through the final inspection.

Adding space in Mar Vista is a big commitment that changes how you live on your property. And whether you are adding a primary suite, bumping out a kitchen, or building a home office, you are looking at structural engineering, energy compliance, and zoning codes. Getting the rules right from the start is how we keep your project moving.

Key Takeaways

Single-story rear or side additions in Los Angeles typically range from $250 to $375 per square foot.
Second-story additions generally cost between $350 and $500 per square foot because we have to reinforce the existing structure to carry the load.
All additions we build must comply with California Energy Commission Title 24 standards for insulation and window efficiency.
The LADBS requires a formal plan check for any addition involving structural changes. So we submit those through the PermitLA portal.
And if you own in Mar Vista, specific local zoning incentives might change your total buildable area.

The process for a home addition in Mar Vista

We start with a site assessment and the architectural design. After your plans are final, we submit them to LADBS for plan check. This review makes sure your project follows the California Building Code and local zoning laws. Once the city approves the plans and cuts the permit, we start building. We schedule mandatory inspections for you at foundation, framing, and final completion.

1 Smart Build handles this sequence. We coordinate the structural engineering, energy calculations, and permit submittals. Mar Vista lots have specific setback requirements. So we verify your property lines and the existing structure footprint early in the design phase to keep the plan check process moving.

Estimating the cost of a home addition

We figure out your addition costs based on the square footage, structural complexity, and the finishes you pick. LA construction prices for 2026 reflect what we're paying for labor and materials right now. So, a single-story build saves you money because we don't have to touch your foundation or reinforce your walls like we would for a second story.

Keep these main cost drivers in mind for your budget:

Foundation and site work, including the excavation, concrete, and grading.
Structural framing with wood or steel to support your new space.
Systems integration to tie your new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC lines into the house.
Interior finishes like flooring, cabinetry, lighting, and fixtures.
Permit and inspection fees you pay to the City of Los Angeles for plan review and site visits.

Check the Contractors State License Board to verify any contractor qualifications. And you can look up state-level building policies at the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

Current permit requirements in Los Angeles

The LADBS runs the show on permit requirements here in LA. If your addition involves structural work, we have to submit detailed plans for their review. You can track status or upload docs through the PermitLA portal. Some minor stuff might qualify for an express permit, but figure on a full plan check for most additions.

You have to comply with Title 24 for any new construction or additions. That means hitting specific marks for insulation, lighting, and energy-efficient windows. We make sure your design hits those numbers before we ever submit it to keep plan check corrections to a minimum.

How 1 Smart Build helps with your project

1 Smart Build is a licensed design-build general contractor (CSLB #1076428) working throughout Mar Vista and the LA area. We handle your home addition from the first sketch to the final walkthrough, keeping design, engineering, and construction under our roof. So you get a clear timeline and direct communication on every part of the job.

Ready to talk about your home addition in Mar Vista? Call 1 Smart Build at 1 (866) 419-8840 for your free estimate.

Free Consultation

DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT WITH 1 SMART BUILD

Licensed, bonded and insured design-build general contractor serving Los Angeles County and Southern California. Tell us about your property and goals, and we'll walk you through feasibility, permitting and a clear plan.

1 (866) 419-8840

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