Flat Lots North, Hillside South
On the flat side, the limiting factors are usually utilities and trees rather than space. Sewer laterals and electrical panels often need upgrading before a second unit is possible, and mature protected oaks and sycamores can force a plan to rotate. On the hillside side, expect grading review, retaining work and a geotechnical report as part of the normal scope.
- /Large rear yards that support full two-bedroom detached ADUs
- /Sewer lateral and main panel upgrades before a second unit is permitted
- /Protected oak and sycamore root zones that shift footprints
- /Hillside grading review and engineered foundations south of Ventura
- /Higher-end finish expectations, which changes allowance levels not structure
What We Build in Encino
Most of our Encino projects fall into a handful of categories. Whichever one you're planning, you get a fixed-price proposal with real specifications instead of a vague per-square-foot guess.
- Kitchen remodels, from same-footprint refreshes to full layout changes
- Bathroom remodels with waterproofing done by our own crews
- Detached ADUs, attached ADUs and garage conversions
- Room additions and second-story additions
- Structural work: foundations, framing, seismic retrofits and wall removals
- Complete home remodels and ground-up custom homes
Working With Big single-story ranches and estate lots
Encino is largely made up of big single-story ranches and estate lots. Older houses here often need attention behind the walls before anything cosmetic makes sense, which is why we open things up early and price the real conditions instead of writing change orders later.
- Original wiring and undersized electrical panels
- Galvanized or cast-iron plumbing that needs replacing
- Framing that was never bolted to the foundation
- Little or no insulation and single-pane windows
Permits and Inspections in Encino
Permits for your project go through LADBS, and we handle the full submittal, plan check corrections and inspections. We never suggest skipping a permit, because unpermitted work shows up during appraisals and sales and costs far more to fix later than it did to do right.
- Plan submittal and corrections handled with LADBS
- Structural engineering where the scope requires it
- Title 24 energy compliance
- Inspections scheduled and met at every milestone
How Your Encino Project Runs
Design-build means the people who drew your project are accountable for building it. You get a milestone schedule up front and a private client portal with your payment schedule, signed documents, approvals and job-site photos, so you can see where things stand without chasing anyone.
- Free on-site consultation anywhere in Encino
- Fixed-price proposal with real specifications
- One project manager as your single point of contact
- Milestone-based payments and photo updates
- Final walkthrough, punch list and written warranty
Services We Offer in Encino
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you work in Encino?
Yes. Encino is part of our regular service area across the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County. We'll come out for a free on-site consultation, walk the property, and tell you what's realistic before you spend anything on design.
Do I need a permit to remodel in Encino?
If you're moving plumbing, adding or relocating electrical, removing walls, or adding square footage, yes. Permits are issued through LADBS. Cosmetic work on the same footprint generally does not require a permit. We pull the permits for you and you reimburse the fees.
Can I build an ADU in Encino?
In most cases, yes. California ADU law overrides many local restrictions, but setbacks, height limits, fire-severity zones, sewer capacity and your electrical panel still decide what's buildable. We review your specific parcel before any design work starts.
How much does a remodel cost in Encino?
Bathrooms start at $18,000 for a guest bath, $28,000 for mid-range and $58,000 and up for a master suite, kitchens start at $35,000 for small, $55,000 for average and $80,000 and up for large, and ADUs $120,000 to $350,000. Whole-home remodels are usually quoted per square foot. Site conditions in Encino and your material selections move the number, which is why we price after walking the property.
Are you licensed and insured to work in Encino?
Yes. 1 Smart Build is a licensed, bonded and insured California general contractor. License details and proof of insurance are available on request, and every project is permitted and inspected.
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.