Building Inside a Historic District
Behind the plaster, these houses need the same things: new supply and drain lines, a full rewire, foundation bolting and real insulation. The craft is making new work read as original, which means matching trim profiles, window proportions and rooflines rather than substituting stock parts. Permits go through the Pasadena Permit Center, and design review timelines need to be built into the schedule.
- /Historic and landmark district design review on exterior changes
- /1900 to 1930 Craftsman framing, often unbolted and uninsulated
- /Galvanized supply lines and original wiring replacement
- /Rot and joist repair under original bathrooms and porches
- /Trim, window and roofline matching so additions read as original
What We Build in Pasadena
Most of our Pasadena 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 Craftsman and period revival homes with design review
Pasadena is largely made up of Craftsman and period revival homes with design review. 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 Pasadena
Permits for your project go through Pasadena Permit Center, 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 Pasadena Permit Center
- Structural engineering where the scope requires it
- Title 24 energy compliance
- Inspections scheduled and met at every milestone
How Your Pasadena 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 Pasadena
- 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 Pasadena
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you work in Pasadena?
Yes. Pasadena is part of our regular service area across the San Gabriel 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 Pasadena?
If you're moving plumbing, adding or relocating electrical, removing walls, or adding square footage, yes. Permits are issued through Pasadena Permit Center. 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 Pasadena?
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 Pasadena?
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 Pasadena and your material selections move the number, which is why we price after walking the property.
Are you licensed and insured to work in Pasadena?
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.