- Typical cost
- $25,000 – $150,000+ depending on scope and materials
- Typical timeline
- 3–10 weeks of construction depending on scope
- Permits through
- Santa Monica Building & Safety
- Service area
- Santa Monica, Westside
What We Update
From a stucco and paint refresh to a full facade change with new windows, roofline details and entry, we handle the whole envelope with our own crews and long-standing roofing and window subs.
- Stucco repair, re-stucco and smooth-coat finishes
- Siding: fiber cement, wood and composite
- Roof replacement and re-roofing
- Window and door replacement, including oversized sliders
- Exterior paint and color consulting
- Entry porches, garage doors, gates and fencing
Exterior Remodeling Conditions in Santa Monica
Salt air is the other factor. Openings, fasteners, flashing and exterior metal all corrode faster within a mile of the water, so we specify corrosion-resistant materials rather than whatever is cheapest on the shelf. Lots are narrow and street parking is limited, which means staging materials day by day instead of filling a driveway.
- 1920s to 1940s bungalows with galvanized pipe and original wiring
- Local energy and green building amendments above state minimums
- Corrosion-resistant windows, fasteners and flashing for coastal exposure
- Narrow lots with limited staging and parking for crews
- Foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing on most pre-war houses
Fixing the Problem Behind the Finish
Cracked stucco, soft trim and staining are usually symptoms. Before we cover anything up, we look for the water intrusion, missing flashing or rotted framing that caused it, so the new finish lasts instead of failing in the same spot.
- Moisture and dry-rot inspection at windows and roof edges
- Flashing, weep screed and drainage corrections
- Framing and sheathing repairs where needed
- Termite and pest damage repair
Fire Zones, Permits and HOAs
Homes in very high fire hazard severity zones need ignition-resistant materials for roofing, siding, vents and decking. Re-roofing, window changes and structural work need permits; paint and like-for-like stucco patches usually don't. We check the zone, the permit path and any HOA design rules before we quote.
- Class A roofing and ember-resistant vents where required
- Non-combustible siding and trim options
- LADBS permits for roofing, windows and structural changes
- HOA and hillside design review submittals
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you do exterior remodeling in Santa Monica?
Yes. Santa Monica 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 exterior remodeling cost in Santa Monica?
$25,000 – $150,000+ depending on scope and materials. Site conditions in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?
Permits for this work go through Santa Monica Building & Safety. We handle the submittal, plan check corrections and inspections as part of the project.
How much does an exterior remodel cost in Los Angeles?
A stucco, paint and trim refresh usually runs $25,000 to $50,000. Adding new windows and doors pushes most homes to $60,000 to $100,000, and a full facade change with a new roof and entry can run $150,000 or more.
Do I need a permit to re-stucco or paint my house?
Paint and like-for-like stucco repair generally don't need a permit. Re-roofing, changing window sizes, adding structure to a porch or entry, and most siding replacement do. We pull whatever your scope requires.
How long does an exterior remodel take?
Most projects run 3 to 10 weeks of construction. Windows and roofing materials have lead times, so we order them before demo so the house isn't opened up while waiting.
Can you make my house fire-resistant on the outside?
Yes. We install Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, non-combustible siding, tempered dual-pane glazing and enclosed eaves, which are required in very high fire hazard severity zones and worth considering anywhere near the hills.
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.