Welcome to the 1 Smart Build Q&A! We’re so delighted to have you join us.
😊 Here’s our friendly Q&A to help you feel right at home from the get-go!
“At 1 Smart Build, Inc., we specialize in exactly the type of project you are planning. Our team has extensive expertise in New Construction, ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), and full-scale Home Additions across the Los Angeles area and the San Fernando Valley.
We distinguish ourselves by managing the entire lifecycle of the build. We have a deep understanding of local zoning laws and engineering requirements, which allows us to navigate city permitting smoothly before we even break ground. Whether it is a ground-up construction or a complex remodel, our dedicated crews bring precision and efficiency to every job site. We treat your property with the utmost respect and are committed to delivering high-quality craftsmanship on time and on budget.”
Since every project is unique, we pride ourselves on tailoring our approach to the specific vision of each client. Below are a few standout examples that highlight our capabilities in New Construction, ADUs, and Full Home Remodels.
Location: Woodland Hills, CA
Scope: Detached ADU and Garage Conversion
Highlights:
Transformed a standard garage into a fully functional, modern living space.
Focused on maximizing square footage (efficient 800+ sq. ft. designs) to create a high-value rental unit or guest suite.
Relevance to you: If you are looking to maximize your lot’s potential with a secondary unit, this project showcases our ability to navigate local zoning (Woodland Hills specific) and deliver high-end finishes in compact spaces.
Location: Glendora, CA
Scope: Full “Down-to-the-Studs” Remodel
Highlights:
A comprehensive renovation that modernized a dated layout into an open-concept masterpiece.
Included structural changes, a chef’s kitchen expansion with custom cabinetry, and luxury bathroom upgrades.
Relevance to you: This demonstrates our capacity to handle complex, large-scale renovations where structural integrity and high-level design must come together seamlessly.
Location: West Hills, CA
Scope: Simultaneous Kitchen and Multi-Bathroom Renovation
Highlights:
Managed multiple room renovations at once to minimize timeline disruption for the homeowner.
Features included custom tile work, electrical upgrades, and new plumbing throughout.
Relevance to you: Perfect for clients who want to update the core “living” areas of their home efficiently without sacrificing quality.
Location: Woodland Hills, CA
Scope: Ground-up New Construction (Twin Units: 1,200 sq. ft. & 800 sq. ft.)
Highlights:
We are currently in the process of building two distinct new construction homes on a single lot.
This project highlights our expertise in ground-up construction, foundation work, and managing multi-unit builds from blueprint to final inspection.
We are a veteran-owned and operated construction firm based in West Hills, California, serving the greater Southern California area. We operate as a boutique General Contractor (License #1076428, Class B), which means we prioritize quality over quantity.
Rather than a massive, impersonal corporation, we maintain a tight-knit structure that allows us to treat every client like family. Our business model relies on a dedicated core management team that oversees specialized, highly skilled crews for every phase of construction—from structural framing to fine finish work. This ensures that you get the personalized attention of a small business with the capability and expertise of a large firm.
Your Project Team
For your specific project, you will be supported by our leadership and on-site specialists:
Isaac Sade (CFO & Project Lead): You will likely have direct contact with Mr. Sade. He oversees the financial and logistical health of your project, ensuring we stay on budget and on schedule while maintaining our high standards of customer service.
Lee Levin: Another key member of our leadership team who ensures operations run smoothly and client expectations are met.
On-Site Crews: Our working staff are easily identifiable and professional. You will see our team members arriving at your site in our standard uniform: black polo shirts and blue jeans.
Yes, we do utilize subcontractors for specific portions of our projects.
As a licensed General Building Contractor (License #1076428), our primary role is to manage the entire construction process, ensuring your project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. While our core in-house team handles project management, supervision, and general construction tasks, we partner with specialized tradespeople for specific licensed work.
It is industry standard and best practice to bring in dedicated experts for highly regulated trades. This ensures that every aspect of your build—whether it’s the wiring behind your walls or the foundation under your feet—is handled by a specialist who does that specific job every day.
Commonly subcontracted trades include:
Electrical & Plumbing: Requires specific state licensure for safety and code compliance.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Specialized installation and ductwork.
Roofing & Concrete: Specific structural expertise.
We do not publish a static public list of subcontractors because we tailor our team to fit the specific needs of each project (e.g., a custom ADU in Woodland Hills may require a different specialist than a bathroom remodel).
However, we maintain a tight network of trusted, long-term partners who we have vetted extensively.
Vetting: Every subcontractor we hire is licensed, insured, and has a proven track record of quality with us.
Supervision: Regardless of who is performing the specific trade work, 1 Smart Build retains full responsibility. Our project managers (like Isaac Sade) and site supervisors oversee all work to ensure it meets our strict quality control.
We pride ourselves on efficiency and transparency, so you always know what to expect.
Every project is unique—whether we are building a new ADU in Woodland Hills or remodeling a master bath—but our commitment to a structured, organized process remains the same. Below is a clear timeline framework highlighting the key milestones we target to keep your project on track and on budget.
This phase is about precision planning. We measure twice so we only have to cut once.
Milestone 1: Initial Consultation & Site Assessment
We meet (often with one of our project managers) to discuss your vision, budget, and feasibility.
Goal: Establish a clear scope of work.
Milestone 2: Design & Engineering
Our team creates architectural plans and 3D renderings if needed.
Goal: You sign off on the final design and layout.
Milestone 3: Permitting & City Approvals
We submit all necessary paperwork to the city (e.g., Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety).
Goal: Receive the “Ready to Issue” (RTI) permit stamp. Note: Timelines here vary by city.
Once permits are in hand, our crew—easily identifiable in our black polos—gets to work.
| Stage | Key Activities & Milestones |
| 1. Site Prep & Foundation | Demolition, grading, and pouring the concrete foundation. Milestone: Foundation Inspection Passed. |
| 2. Framing | The “skeleton” of the structure goes up (walls, roof trusses). Milestone: Framing Inspection Passed. |
| 3. Systems (MEP) | Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing rough-ins are installed. Milestone: Rough-in Inspections Passed (Walls are still open). |
| 4. Insulation & Drywall | Insulation is placed, and walls are closed up and smoothed. Milestone: Drywall Inspection Passed. |
| 5. Finishes | Installation of flooring, cabinetry, tile, paint, and fixtures. Milestone: All interior finishes installed. |
We ensure every detail meets our high standards before handing over the keys.
Milestone 4: Final Clean-Up & Walkthrough
We remove all debris and perform a deep clean. We walk the property with you to identify any final “touch-ups” (punch list).
Milestone 5: Final City Inspection
The city inspector signs off on the completed project.
Goal: Certificate of Occupancy (COO) obtained.
Milestone 6: Project Handover
We hand you the keys, warranties, and manuals.
Goal: You enjoy your new space!
Small Remodels (Bath/Kitchen): 4 – 8 Weeks
Garage Conversions / ADUs: 3 – 5 Months
New Construction Homes: 6 – 12 Months
Note: Weather, material availability, and city processing times can influence these windows, but we will communicate with you weekly to keep you updated.
We are proud of the relationships we’ve built with our clients across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Transparency and trust are our top priorities.
While we respect our clients’ privacy and do not post their personal phone numbers publicly, we can certainly share details of recent successful projects and testimonials that act as references for our work quality. Many of our clients are happy to speak with serious prospects—please call our office, and we can arrange a direct reference conversation for you.
Recent Client References & Project Highlights
Here are a few recent projects where we delivered exceptional results:
1. Major Home Renovation – Woodland Hills/Burbank Area
Client: Leonardo L.
Project Scope: Full home renovation including structural elements, millwork, and tiling.
Feedback: The client noted that our “experience exceeded every expectation” and highlighted our transparency and daily communication. They specifically appreciated that there were “no hidden costs or surprises.”
2. Kitchen & Dual Bathroom Remodel
Client: David. S (Verified Homeowner)
Project Scope: Complete remodel of a kitchen and two bathrooms, including new plumbing, electrical, and custom hand-done tile work.
Feedback: This project was completed in under 12 weeks. The client praised our Project Manager, Isaac, for stopping by several times a week to oversee the crew (Jesus, Manuel, Kevin, and Jorah).
3. ADU & Addition – Los Angeles
Client: Tal N.
Project Scope: Addition to an existing structure and exterior yard vision.
Feedback: Tal mentioned that we brought their vision to life and that they are now a “client for life,” planning to use us for their next kitchen remodel.
4. Window & Door Replacement
Client: Jeff. L (Verified Homeowner)
Project Scope: Installation of 13 windows and 2 sliding doors.
Feedback: Commended the team for “amazing customer service” and a clean, efficient installation process.
Want to speak to a past client directly?
We understand that speaking to a peer offers the best peace of mind. Please contact our CFO, Mr. Isaac, directly. We can coordinate a reference call with a past client whose project matches the scope of your interest (e.g., ADU, New Construction, or Remodel).
📞 Direct Line: 323-327-0672 🌐 Website: Https://1Smart.Build/
At 1 Smart Build, we understand that your time is just as valuable as your budget. We pride ourselves on living up to our name—building “Smart” means planning effectively to avoid the common pitfalls of construction.
Here is how we approach scheduling and manage the inevitable reality of delays to keep your project on track.
We don’t just guess a completion date; we engineer a realistic timeline before we even break ground.
Detailed Pre-Construction Planning: Before the first hammer swings, we map out the entire project scope. This includes permitting, material lead times, and inspections.
Realistic Timelines: We provide a schedule that accounts for the real-world complexities of construction in Los Angeles, including city inspection windows and supply chain realities. We prefer to under-promise and over-deliver.
Tech-Enabled Tracking: We utilize modern project management tools to track every phase of the build. This allows our team (and you) to see exactly where the project stands in real-time.
In construction, unforeseen issues—like hidden structural damage, weather events, or material backorders—can happen. What sets 1 Smart Build apart is how we handle them.
Transparent Communication: We believe in “bad news early.” If there is a potential delay, you will hear it from us immediately—not weeks later. Our project managers, including our leadership team like Isaac, are deeply involved and accessible.
The “Buffer” Strategy: We build small buffers into our schedule for critical path items (like foundation and framing). If everything goes smoothly, we finish early. If a delay occurs, we have a safety net that often prevents the final completion date from slipping.
Solutions, Not Excuses: We don’t just report a delay; we present a solution. If a specific material is backordered, we will immediately present you with high-quality alternatives or adjust the workflow to focus on other areas of the house so progress doesn’t stop.
Our crew—easily recognizable in our black polo shirts and blue jeans—is dedicated to respecting your home and your time. We treat every project as if it were for our own family.
Our Promise: We cannot control the weather or the city inspectors, but we can control how we communicate and adapt. You will never be left in the dark.
At 1 Smart Build, we believe that clear, consistent communication is the foundation of a successful project. Here is what you can expect from us:
You will never be left guessing about the status of your project. We pride ourselves on daily updates to keep you informed of that day’s progress and the plan for the next. Additionally, we provide detailed weekly progress reports, ensuring you have a comprehensive view of the timeline, budget, and upcoming milestones. Transparency is our priority, and we are available to answer any questions as they arise.
You will be assigned a dedicated Project Manager who will serve as your primary guide from start to finish. They will be on-site regularly to oversee the crew (look for our team in their signature black polo shirts and blue jeans!) and ensure every detail meets our high standards.
As 1 Smart Build, Inc., we understand that construction projects are dynamic and that adjustments—whether due to unforeseen site conditions or new design ideas you have—are a natural part of the process.
We manage these changes through a transparent, documented process designed to keep your project on budget and on schedule without any surprises. Here is our standard procedure for managing changes:
As soon as a potential change is identified (either requested by you or discovered on-site), we immediately notify you. We do not proceed with unauthorized work that incurs extra costs.
If you request a change: We will review your request to determine feasibility and how it affects the current timeline and budget.
If we encounter an unforeseen issue: We will explain the situation clearly, provide photos or video evidence, and outline the necessary steps to resolve it.
We believe in “no hidden costs.” Before any new work begins, we generate a formal Change Order (CO) document for your review. This document includes:
Description of Work: A clear breakdown of the new scope.
Cost Breakdown: The exact cost of materials and labor for the change.
Schedule Impact: An honest assessment of whether this change will add time to the project completion date.
We put the control in your hands. Work on the specific change does not begin until we have your signed approval on the Change Order. This ensures you are always aware of where every dollar is going before it is spent.
Once approved, the change is integrated into the project schedule. Our project managers will keep you updated on its progress through our regular daily or weekly updates, ensuring the work meets our high standards for quality and safety.
Yes, absolutely. At 1 Smart Build, Inc., we understand that trust is the foundation of any successful construction project.
We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of California. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and safety for our clients and our team.
California State License Board (CSLB) License: #1076428
Bonded: Yes, we carry the required surety bonds to protect your investment.
Insured: Yes, we hold both General Liability and Workers’ Compensation insurance to ensure complete coverage on your job site.
We are happy to provide copies of our certificates upon request so you can verify our standing directly. Your peace of mind is our priority.
Website: Https://1Smart.Build/ Hashtags: #1SmartBuild #GeneralContractor #LicensedBondedInsured #Construction #HomeRemodeling #WoodlandHills #SmartBuild
At 1 Smart Build, we believe in complete transparency and eliminating the stress of “unknowns” in your construction project. Here is how we structure our pricing and payments to protect you and ensure a smooth build.
We provide Fixed-Price Proposals, not loose estimates.
Why this matters: Unlike an “estimate” that can change wildly as the project progresses, our fixed-price proposal is a commitment. Once we agree on a detailed scope of work, the price you see is the price you pay.
No Surprises: We invest significant time upfront to detail every line item—from demolition to the final fixtures. This meticulous planning allows us to give you a guaranteed budget, ensuring you aren’t hit with hidden costs or “surprise” change orders unless you specifically request a change to the scope (like upgrading a finish material).
Our payment structure is Milestone-Based (Progress Payments), designed to keep you in control. You never pay for work that hasn’t been completed.
Initial Deposit: In accordance with California law, we require a deposit of 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) to schedule your project.
Progress Draws: The remaining balance is divided into payments tied to specific completed stages of your project (e.g., Completion of Demolition, Passing Rough Inspections, Drywall Installation, etc.).
Client Portal: We use a user-friendly Client Portal where you can track the schedule, view photos of daily progress, and approve payments only when you are satisfied that the milestone has been met.
We know that trust is built on results. By combining a fixed budget with a transparent, performance-based payment schedule, we ensure that our interests are perfectly aligned with yours: delivering a stunning, high-quality project on time and on budget.
At 1 Smart Build, Inc., we take immense pride in maintaining an exemplary safety record. We believe that a safe construction site is the foundation of high-quality work, and we are fully licensed (CSLB License #1076428), bonded, and insured to protect both our clients and our team.
Here is how we actively ensure a safe work environment on every project:
1. Strict Cal/OSHA Compliance
We adhere rigorously to all Cal/OSHA Title 8 regulations. This includes comprehensive protocols for:
Fall Protection: Mandatory guardrails and harnesses for any work above 6 feet.
Hazard Communication: Clear labeling and handling procedures for all construction materials.
Heat Illness Prevention: Strict hydration and shade schedules, especially for our outdoor teams in Woodland Hills and the San Fernando Valley.
2. Mandatory Uniform & PPE Standards
To ensure safety and instant site identification, we enforce a strict uniform and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policy:
Standard Uniform: All working staff are required to wear black polo shirts and blue jeans. This ensures that our crew is professional, durable, and easily identifiable by clients and inspectors at all times.
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PPE: Hard hats, high-visibility vests, safety goggles, and steel-toed boots are mandatory where required by site conditions.
3. Proactive Supervision & Training
Daily Site Checks: Our Project Managers, including Isaac Sade, conduct frequent site walkthroughs to identify and mitigate potential hazards immediately.
Ongoing Training: We don’t just follow rules; we teach them. Our team undergoes regular safety briefings on equipment handling (e.g., ladders, power tools) and emergency response procedures.
4. Clean & Organized Job Sites
A cluttered site is a dangerous site. We maintain a policy of “clean-as-you-go” to prevent trips, falls, and fire hazards, ensuring the workspace remains safe for our crew and your family throughout the project.
