- Typical cost
- $200 – $450+ per square foot depending on scope and finishes
- Typical timeline
- 6–14 months including design and permitting
- Permits through
- Pasadena Permit Center
- Service area
- Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley
What's Involved
Typically demo down to studs, structural corrections, new mechanical, electrical and plumbing, then insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry and finishes.
- Full demolition and structural corrections
- New MEP: HVAC, electrical and plumbing
- Panel upgrades and rewiring older homes
- Windows, doors, insulation and drywall
- Flooring, cabinetry, tile and finish carpentry
- Exterior, hardscape and landscaping
Complete Home Remodel Conditions in Pasadena
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
Older LA Homes
Houses from the 20s through the 60s usually hide the same set of surprises, including knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized supply lines, no insulation, and framing that was never bolted down. We open things up early and price the real conditions instead of writing change orders later.
- Knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring replacement
- Galvanized and cast-iron plumbing replacement
- Asbestos and lead testing where required
- Foundation bolting and bracing
Staying Sane During the Build
You'll get a milestone schedule up front and a private client portal with the payment schedule, signed documents, approvals and job-site photos, so you can see where things stand without chasing anyone for an update.
- Fixed-price proposal with real specifications
- Milestone-based payment schedule
- Photo and video updates from the site
- One project manager as your single contact
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you do complete home remodel in Pasadena?
Yes. Pasadena is part of our regular service area. 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.
What does complete home remodel cost in Pasadena?
$200 – $450+ per square foot depending on scope and finishes. Site conditions in Pasadena and your material selections move the number, which is why we price after walking the property rather than over the phone.
Who issues the permit in Pasadena?
Permits for this work go through Pasadena Permit Center. We handle the submittal, plan check corrections and inspections as part of the project.
How much does a whole home remodel cost in Los Angeles?
Most complete remodels run $200 to $450+ per square foot depending on how much structural and MEP work is needed and the level of finishes.
Do I need to move out during a full remodel?
For a gut remodel, almost always, the water, power and heat get shut off in stages. We'll tell you honestly during planning so you can budget for it.
How long does a complete home remodel take?
Typically 6 to 14 months from first design meeting to final walkthrough, with permitting often the least predictable stretch.
Are you the right home renovation contractors near me for an older house?
If your home was built between the 1920s and 1960s, yes, gut renovations of older LA-area homes are our core work. We handle whole house renovations across Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley and cities within 100 miles of Woodland Hills, replacing outdated wiring, plumbing and framing as part of one permitted project.
Similar Projects We've Built
Whole-Home Remodel of a 1920s Santa Monica Bungalow
A full gut renovation of a 1924 bungalow: new mechanical, electrical and plumbing throughout, structural corrections, and a rebuilt kitchen and three baths.
Whole-Home Remodel on a Manhattan Beach Walk Street
A dated 1950s beach house rebuilt inside and out on a narrow walk-street lot, with corrosion-resistant materials chosen for the salt air.
Complete Home Remodel on Ferrara Ln, Porter Ranch
On Ferrara Ln in Porter Ranch, a dated 1990s two-story tract home was renovated top to bottom: new kitchen, all bathrooms, flooring, HVAC and a reworked main floor layout.
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.