Keep the Character, Open the Plan
Removing a load-bearing wall calls for an engineered beam, a permit and an inspection. Behind the plaster, these houses often still have knob-and-tube wiring and galvanized supply lines, and foundations are frequently unbolted. Lots are small enough that ADU placement needs careful layout rather than being automatic.
- /1930s and 1940s traditional and Spanish homes with small separate rooms
- /Load-bearing wall removal with engineered beams and posts
- /Knob-and-tube wiring and galvanized supply line replacement
- /Foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing during major work
- /Modest lots where ADU placement and parking need real planning
What We Build in Valley Village
Most of our Valley Village 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 1940s and 50s traditionals on deep lots
Valley Village is largely made up of 1940s and 50s traditionals on deep 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 Valley Village
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 Valley Village 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 Valley Village
- 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 Valley Village
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you work in Valley Village?
Yes. Valley Village 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 Valley Village?
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 Valley Village?
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 Valley Village?
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 Valley Village and your material selections move the number, which is why we price after walking the property.
Are you licensed and insured to work in Valley Village?
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.