Adding a second story to your home creates endless opportunities, not just in how you use the space but in how you customize it. Even so, it’s a huge project with lots of moving parts that can be hard to track if you’re unfamiliar with the process. It can be overwhelming without the right knowledge and information on hand. 

Fortunately, Los Angeles homeowners don’t have to go into this process blind. If you’re hoping to learn the ins and outs of a second-story Los Angeles home addition, you’re in the right place. Structura Remodeling is here to offer you a complete guide to second-story home additions with no questions left unanswered. Let’s get started!

Uses of a Second-Story Home Addition in L.A.

Sometimes, even a generous-sized home doesn’t quite meet the square footage needs of a family. A homeowner’s hobbies, a knack for entertaining, or frequent guests can make this problem very apparent very quickly. While a second-story addition can be used for nearly any purpose, here are the most common uses:

• Extra Bedroom: If you don’t want to move but you need another bedroom, a second story can give you that space and much more. 
• Home Gym: Ditch waiting in line for equipment or making the time to travel there. Set up your own personal home gym; just a quick walk up the stairs.
• Home Office: Avoid the noise and distractions of the main floor by using your second story as a home office away from it all. 
• Rental: With the recent uptick in rooms for rent and Airbnbs, many homeowners are opting to generate extra income using their second-story addition. 
• Mother-in-law Suite: If you need a place to keep your elderly loved ones close, a second-story addition will give you the peace of mind you need. 
• Guest Suite: A second story is a great way to offer a separate living space to your guests while preserving your own privacy. 

Benefits of a Second-Story Los Angeles Home Addition

If you’re not entirely convinced a second-story addition is right for your L.A. home, these benefits might convince you it’s an expenditure worth the effort.

• Extra Space: The most obvious benefit of adding a second story is the extra space you’ll gain. As we just established, you can use a second story addition for whatever your heart desires. It’s hard to imagine you’ll regret the extra space or the ROI when you finally sell the home.
• The View: A simple benefit but one that can go overlooked in the grand scheme of things, the view is definitely a huge benefit. If your home is on a hillside location in the Los Angeles area, you probably have somewhat of a view as it is. Adding a second story only stands to make it that much better!
• Increased ROI: A second-story addition is likely to produce a solid ROI or return on investment, essentially, how much you’ll make beyond the cost to build it. More often than not, buyers do look for unique touches in a home. They’ll undoubtedly appreciate the flex space an addition offers, making for a solid ROI.
• Redesign Opportunities: There’s no better time to redesign your first floor than when you’re adding a second. Whether that’s through remodeling and updating or a floor plan redesign, if you need another bedroom downstairs, you can move your home office or flex space upstairs. The floor plan is yours to play with!
• More Eco-friendly: In general, construction will have an impact on the environment, from the physical act of building to the materials used to finish the work. While that might be the case, building up via a second story does mitigate the green ground space used, which is at least a little more eco-friendly. 
• Added Privacy: Homeowners that choose to build out instead of up do gain the extra square footage but at the expense of their privacy. When you build up to create a second-story addition, you have the option to build the stairs in a way that offers its own private entrance. If it has its own entrance and bathroom, it’s basically a little retreat all its own!

Challenges of Building a Second-Story Los Angeles Home Addition 

There are some undeniable benefits of a second-story addition, but we’d be remiss if the possible challenges of a building process like this weren’t at least mentioned. Before you nail down a start date for your project, be sure to think through all these challenges in the planning process. It’ll help mitigate obstacles along the way. 

• Cost: As you’ll learn in the coming section, adding a second story is not a small financial investment, which makes sense seeing as you’re adding a whole section to your home. You’ll have to be sure you’re ready to make this kind of commitment since everything that happens in this build is driven by your budget. 
• Height Restrictions: Though the potential for a stellar view is a desirable prospect, building codes might rain on that parade pretty quickly. It might not feel like you’re disturbing the air space when you’re adding to a structure that already exists, but to be sure, you’ll have to check local codes for height requirements.
• HVAC Requirements: You’d be hard-pressed to find a homeowner that wants to add a second story without access to an HVAC system in the new space. The bad news is the existing system isn’t likely to have the capacity to support the new square footage. Even if it is able to, it’ll have to undergo significant modifications. Otherwise, you’ll need to install a split unit.
• Exterior Style: It’s fun to think about the interior design, but don’t overlook how your second-story addition will look from the outside. When you add to an existing structure, you need to pay close attention to the architectural design and finishing materials to ensure it blends. Nothing drags down a new addition like mismatched materials or poor design quality. 
• Mansionization: In recent years, Los Angeles and surrounding counties have taken issue with mansionization. Mansionization is basically when these new structures are created bigger and more modern than the surrounding structures. It has a way of dragging down the quaint feel of the original builds. That said, you’ll have to look into local codes to be sure you don’t feed into this issue. 
• Plumbing: Depending on where your home’s main sewer pipe connection is, the plumbing for this project could turn into a huge obstacle. It’s crucial to establish this in the planning process to get an idea of what you’re dealing with. If you’re lucky, it’ll provide easy access. In the worst-case scenario, you may end up trenching out part of the landscaping and yard to add appropriate plumbing. 

Estimated Costs to Add a Second-Story Los Angeles Home Addition 

There’s a lot to consider in the cost to add a second story, plans, materials, and labor being among the many. It’s because there are several different costs that getting an estimate isn’t always so easy. Still, homeowners can get a ballpark estimate in a few different ways. To start, here are the estimated costs based on square footage:

• 400 square feet: $180,000 to $220,000
• 600 square feet: $260,000 to $320,000
• 750 square feet: $340,000 to $420,000
• Average cost: $250,000

There are several elements of a build that will affect total costs besides square footage. Material costs are a big part of that. Take a look at the main materials to consider below:

Despite all of the factors above, there are still some more costs to keep in mind. Between labor costs and fees, you don’t want to miss including these costs in your budget. 

The Process to Build a Second-Story Los Angeles Home Addition

If you’re like most homeowners, you won’t know the step-by-step building process of a home, much less a second-story addition. It can be helpful to become familiar with these steps when you’re planning an addition, though. It not only gives you an idea of the timeline but what to expect along the way. 

1. Acquire Contractor: With a project of this size, you can’t risk an inexperienced contractor. Their work and level of professionalism are what will drive this entire project, so be picky when you’re interviewing! They need to be licensed and insured, communicate well, and have a company that is well-versed in the process of building second-story additions. To do your due diligence, it’s best to get three bids for your project so you can compare. Getting recommendations from friends who have had a positive experience with a contractor is also a great option. 
2. Financial Review: After you have your bids in hand, review them in comparison to your budget. If you find that some of the elements you want, but don’t necessarily need, can be cut, then now is the time to make those adjustments for the sake of cost. Having numbers in front of you will also help you make decisions on how to fit the bill for your project. If it’s more than you can cover, you’re able to begin exploring financing options like loans, HELOCS, and the like. 
3. Feasibility Study: The feasibility study is just as it sounds; based on the information provided, is this project doable? The study will be based on crucial elements of the existing structure, like lot space and available utilities. It’ll also explore the local requirements and laws with regard to your proposed plans. Remember, this isn’t a step you want to skip. It’ll keep you from starting a project that may have been doomed from the start without knowledge of possible pitfalls. 
4. City Consult & Permitting: Once you have the all-clear from your feasibility study, the contractor can get the ball rolling on submitting your final set of drawings to the city. They can also start getting the proper permitting for your build, which is vital be ensuring your project is done safely and legally. 
5. Finalize Aesthetics: It’s time to take those ideas you’ve been dreaming of and bring them to life by picking out the finishing materials that will be used to build your addition. You can hand-pick everything or collaborate with your contractor if you have a basic idea of what you want but would like some input. They’re able to provide mock-ups and insight into current trends. 
6. Construction Begins: All the planning and paperwork are finally done, and the time has come to start the build on your second-story addition. Even though it’s just begun, you’re probably wondering how long until construction is finished. Not exactly a straightforward answer to that question, but we’ll get to more on that below!

Ideas and Tips for a Second-Story Los Angeles Home Addition

There are endless ideas and tips that’ll help make your second-story addition a success. While we can’t fit them all here, below are the best of the best!

• Think About Moving Out: Depending on the size of your second-story addition, you may want to consider moving out during construction. Your day-to-day will be majorly affected, even with a small additional, between the noise, equipment, parking, and the like. Not to mention, if it spans the length of the existing structure, you’ll have no choice as the roof will need to be removed at some point. Have some temporary housing lined up just in case. 
• Don’t Neglect the Light: Light plays a huge role in making a space feel big and bright. It also has the power to bring warmth to rooms that lamps and overhead lighting just can’t achieve. Do your best to keep means of natural light in mind during the design phase through windows and even skylights. 
• Pick a Functional Design: From the start, keep your end goal in mind. What are you hoping to use the space for? Customize your second-story addition accordingly so you can maximize the space. Whether that’s by incorporating separate rooms, shelving, storage, open spaces, or even a kitchenette and private bathroom, install what makes the area most functional for your needs.
• Explore What’s on Trend: Don’t forget to explore what’s on trend in L.A. for home exteriors. For instance, straight lines, natural wood grains, and expansive windows; they’re all common finds right now. Your local contractor will be able to give you even more trendy ideas to dress up the exterior too.  
• Stair Location: The location of your staircase is a big choice. No matter where you place it, it’ll take up a fair amount of space, so placement is key. You could put it near the front door as a focal point for a grand entry or out of the way toward the interior of the home for a more subtle appearance. 
• Matching Windows: You don’t want to make the common mistake of installing mismatched windows. This makes it extremely obvious that the second story wasn’t part of the original build. In order to be sure your exterior looks put together and cohesive, choose the same window size.
• Proper Proportions: When you build up, the original features of your home may appear out of proportion. Think about it, you’re effectively doubling your home in size, so the original accents can look dinky in comparison. That said, it’s important to either replace the features (shutters, dormers, windows, etc.) or add around them in a way that accentuates their size; for instance, try adding contrasting materials, textures, or colors. 
• Consider Roof Features: As mentioned above, the exterior features of your home can make or break an addition. This is particularly true when you add a second story. Many times, homeowners will neglect roof features which inevitably makes the addition stick out like a sore thumb. It’s because of this that you’ll want to choose some features like dormers or gables to avoid a boxy, boring roofline.

Why choose Structura Remodeling for your second-story home addition in Los Angeles?

You may be asking yourself why you should choose Structura Remodeling for your project. There’s no shortage of contractors to choose from, so what sets Structura apart? Here are more than enough reasons to make Structura your number-one choice:

• They have over 16 years of experience in the construction industry, with the owner being a third-generation contractor. 
• Their team is made up of the most qualified individuals in the field; between designers and craftsmen, you’re working with the best in the business. 
• They operate each project via a comprehensive process, starting with your vision to full estimates, home design, and the like. 
• The company is extremely detail oriented, making your dreams come to life down to every cabinet pull and color. With the help of 3D renderings and project planning, you can be sure your vision will come to fruition. 
• The level of professionalism on-site is unparalleled. The team works to keep their workspace clean while taking care of surrounding job site elements like pets, family schedules, and possessions. 
• Structura Remodeling truly cares about the customer’s experience and end result, so much so that they always aim for 100% satisfaction with each customer. 
• If all of these combined haven’t convinced you, let the reviews speak for themselves! Countless happy customers have rave reviews for Structura Remodeling!

Conclusion

Building a second-story addition is a big project, but it’s one you’ll not soon regret. Creating square footage ensures your family can stay put for the long haul with space to accommodate virtually any need. It’s not every contractor that can take on a project like this, though. Every homeowner deserves a company that’s thorough and well-versed in the ins and outs of building up. 

That’s why you need Structura Remodeling! Ready to get started on your second-story addition in Los Angeles? We’re ready to assist! Get a FREE second-story addition consultation in the Los Angeles area! Call Structura Remodeling at 1-800-922-4613 or schedule a free consultation here:

*Serving Los Angeles County and surrounding areas*

FAQs

How long do second-story additions take to complete?

In general, 3 to 5 months, but that’ll hinge on what exactly you’re building. Not all second-story additions are full additions. There’s always the option to build above just one section of the home. That said, the size of the addition, the level of added structural support, and the finish level will determine the timeline. 

Is it cheaper to build an addition out or up?

When it comes to additions, building out is definitely a way cheaper option than building up into a second story. When you build out onto an existing structure, you’ll certainly pay a pretty penny to do so between excavation, surveying, extended foundation, and the like. Regardless, creating a new structure of its own presents far fewer issues. 

Adding a second story requires intricate planning and inspection with regard to the design and structural changes, as the current structure needs to be able to support the new weight. The materials to make this happen added to the materials needed to create the new story itself, pushing the cost of building up well past build-out. 

What is the impact on the first floor when you add a second story?

As we’ve just established, building up requires some major fortification of the existing structure in order to make the home structurally sound after the new story is added. It’s because of that fact that there will be an impact on the first floor, mostly via the walls and ceilings. It’s in these areas that support beams will need to be added. 

Also, consider where your staircase will be fabricated. That’ll affect the first floor in the long run as it’ll take up a good amount of floor space to achieve. 

If you’re in the beginning stages of planning your home addition you’ve probably got endless questions. Afterall, building something from the ground up is a huge undertaking. It’s an opportunity not everyone gets, so if you’re one of the lucky few who do, you want it done right! That’s where proper permitting comes in. 

Maybe you’ve heard there’s ways around building permits for home additions or maybe you’re confident you can do the work on your own with the city being none the wiser about permits. Before you get ahead of yourself though, take a closer look at the permit requirements for your home addition. Weigh the risks with us below and you be the judge. 

Can I Build A Home Addition Without Permitting?

In a word, no. You can’t build a home addition without a permit; At least not without consequence. Even so, this doesn’t keep some homeowners from trying and succeeding, either by doing the work themselves or hiring an unethical contractor or handyman. Unfortunately, they’ll find this shortcut presents a slew of problems that could have easily been avoided. 

Even if you try to be sneaky and build without a permit (and sometimes it seems much easier to do so), the bottomline is that permits for home additions are there for your safety. The permitting process allows the city to check your plans for flaws and later inspect the work, ensuring it’s up to the safety standards required by the state. 

Why People Build Home Additions Without Permitting

• DIY: The DIY (do it yourself) movement is still going strong with many homeowners taking matters into their own hands. If they can’t do it, they might have a family friend or relative that can. The desire to “do it yourself” coupled with personal connections can lead to building an addition without permit. 
• Cost: The price of obtaining a building permit can deter some from applying for one at all; Though the cost of the permit, generally in the hundreds, is nothing in comparison to the penalties incurred if you’re caught building without one. 
• Timeline: Homeowners with their hearts set on starting their addition as soon as possible might be more prone to bend the rules. Permitting may take a while between submitting the actual plans and application and then waiting on the permit to become available. 

Risks of Building a Home Addition Without a Permit

Can a home addition be built without permitting? Sure. Is it your best option in the long run? Certainly not. There’s more than a handful of reasons why building an addition without permit is a risk without rewards. Check out some of these reasons below, noting the consequential and legal ramifications:

• Loan Obstacles: There’s no guarantee of mortgage companies approving a home’s financing if the home has unpermitted work. This can pose major issues when it comes time to sell (more on that later) or for those who acquired a home without knowledge of the permitting issues. 

Lenders will likely require an in depth inspection of the unpermitted work to be submitted with the loan application. Others may only approve the loan if the project can become permitted and then approved by inspectors. Even after all of this, there’s still a chance the loan application will be rejected altogether. 

• Penalties: If making retroactive corrections weren’t enough, building an addition without permit almost always leads to penalties. The cost of these penalties varies based upon exactly what work was done without the permit. Fines for building without permit can be upwards of $600 and into the thousands if the penalty isn’t paid within a certain amount of time.

States like California take accountability to the next level, upping the penalties significantly for any contractors who have been found not using proper permitting. The Contractors State License Board states that penalties can reach up to $5,000 for those operating outside their permitting safety standards. 

• Resale Issues: You may think you worked the system and successfully constructed a home addition without permitting but when it comes time to sell you may think differently. Going into the selling process your home won’t be appraised for as high a value as your square footage deserves since the addition wasn’t done under permits. 

Many prospective homebuyers may also become uninterested once they’re made aware of the unpermitted work. It’s mandatory for the current homeowners to report their unpermitted work in the selling process and some buyers might not want to take on the hassle of getting it up to code or the risk of insuring it as is. 

• Insurance Problems: Insurance companies want to be sure that the project they’re insuring has been approved by all the right entities. You’d be hard pressed to find an insurance carrier that doesn’t perform their due diligence with regard to permitting when a homeowner specifically requests build coverage for an addition. 

Even if the carrier doesn’t ask for this permitting proof upfront, you’d likely run into problems if you need to make a claim on incidents during the build of the addition. Once they find that it wasn’t properly permitted, you’ll be on the hook to cover the amount of the incident. 

Similarly, it’ll be near impossible to find coverage for the addition itself once it’s complete if it was done without permitting. Trying to make a claim with your current carrier for anything falling under this new work will undoubtedly be denied, seen as negligence on your part by the insurance carrier. 

• Faulty Results: One of the biggest risks of building an addition without permit is ending up with a bad final result. The permit application can make certain there’s no potential issues in your design, especially when it comes to structure. Improper foreknowledge can lead to structural instability and lack of other support materials. 

The same can be said for virtually any part of the build from the wiring down to the floors. At the end of the day, a project of this size requiring this much time, effort, and money should produce a perfect product. There’s no need to risk any other outcome. 

Conclusion

While building an addition without permit might be a tempting prospect, don’t take the easy way out in exchange for instant gratification. Make sure the work is done right by obtaining the proper permitting and in turn, protecting yourself and your home in the process. 

Are you ready to get started on your home addition but aren’t clear on your permitting needs? We’re ready to assist! Get a FREE home addition consultation in the Los Angeles area! Call Structura Remodeling at 1-800-922-4613 or schedule a free consultation here:

Call Today 1800-922-4613 for a free in-home estimate.

Structura Remodel and Design Company…Dream. Design. Build.

*Serving Los Angeles county and surrounding areas*

FAQ

What if an honest mistake was made and I did not get a permit accidentally?

If you’re doing the work yourself and aren’t well versed on the ins and outs of the build process, mistakes are anticipated. Albeit, not permitting a home addition is a rather large and often costly mistake to make. If the damage is already done though and you’ve started the build without a permit, you may be wondering, “Can I get a permit after remodeling”. In short, yes. It is possible to retroactively permit the work.

Contacting your city is the best place to start. They’ll direct you to whatever paperwork is necessary which should resemble the permitting paperwork you should have filled out from the start. A retroactive build permit can be issued once the city confirms that your project design and product are up to snuff. 

What’s the process for obtaining a permit for my home addition?

The process of getting your home addition building permit is fairly straightforward. You’ll want to check your city’s requirements, most of which start with a design and a full set of plans (blue prints) which will be required for the application. Once complete, you’ll file your application and the city will review your plans and request. 

Usually there is some back and forth between city departments (building and planning) for minor corrections including new codes or ordinances. Upon approval, you’ll be issued an RTI (ready to issue) and then a permit can be pulled. Lucky for you, when you use a contractor they take care of this entire process, making it seamless for you!

The permitting process doesn’t end once you have it in hand though. Keep in mind, you’ll have to pass multiple inspections throughout the process and a final inspection when it’s all said and done. This comes in the form of three different inspections to include building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical. Again, in the end the permitting really does act as a safety mechanism for you. 

Though sometimes a long process, you’ll be able to rest assured that your project was done correctly and the final product is safe for you and your family. 

How long does it take to get a permit and how long will it last?

Once everything is filed, it can take about 3 to 6 months to receive your building permit. Keep in mind this number can be a “give or take” scenario depending on your county and the overall scope of the project being reviewed.

As far as expiration goes, if you stick to your timeline you shouldn’t need to worry about re-applying for a permit. Building permits for home additions will remain good for 1 to 2 years. So long as your team begins the building process within 6 months after receipt of the permit, you’ll be good to go. 

What if my home addition is attached to the current home. Does it need a permit?

Home additions don’t necessarily have to be detached from the main home itself. Many of these additions come in the form of ADUs or accessory dwelling units that are considered additions in themselves. They can be a garage conversion, finished basement, or added floor. 

All of the home additions above do require a permit to build. Since these additions still require installation of plumbing, electrical, and building materials, they need to be up to code and properly inspected. All of which will occur with the help of a permit.

The real estate market in Southern California has gone totally nuts. We have seen a year-over-year price gain of 22.1%. Demand is high. Mortgage rates are still low, and there is very little inventory out there.

Have you heard all these crazy stories about bidding wars? Houses often have twenty to thirty bids. People are paying thousands of dollars above the asking price to secure their deal. Agents’ and buyers’ stress levels are through the roof!!!

If you don’t think you have the physical or emotional stamina for this market, you are not alone. More people are choosing to stay put and renovate their homes. Home additions are a practical and cost-effective solution to your additional space needs.

The benefits include creating a customized space that meets your needs while adding value to your home and future sales potential. A home addition saves you the stress of fighting for a property that you probably will have to update anyway.

Now would be a great time to investigate a house addition before you jump into the housing market. You will be pleasantly surprised at the options to upgrade your space and the affordability of the projects.

HERE ARE SOME GREAT IDEAS FOR HOUSE ADDITIONS TO ADD MORE SQUARE FOOTAGE.

Finish Your Basement

A finished basement is the easiest way to increase the livable square footage in your home. A basement is perfect for a small apartment and can create rental income or use the space for taking care of aging family members. Maybe you want to expand your living space to include a home theater or family game area. There is nothing better than sending the kids downstairs while you enjoy some peace and alone time in your own home.

When working with your Los Angeles contractor, remember that you must have an emergency exit to add a bedroom to the basement. That can be a backyard walk-out or an accessible emergency window. Most realtors feel a finished basement will return at least 70% of the investment. That does not include the value of all the joy from using the space.

An Attached Garage Can Make a Great Extra Room

If you are okay with parking your cars elsewhere, consider turning your garage into additional usable square footage for a living. Take the time to clear out the junk, and in return, you will gain a great space for a home gym, a guest bedroom, art studio, or craft room. Depending on the configuration of your home, you can even use the space to expand your kitchen. Add an island, dining area, or great room with a vaulted ceiling. You can get really creative with this space. Work with a design firm that has experience in great ideas for house additions to add more square footage and see their best suggestions for your space and your needs. You should expect to recapture about 80% return on your investment.

Another Way to Repurpose Your Space- Build a Room Over the Garage

Novels romanticize living in the apartment over the garage. It sounds like the perfect spot to write your great American novel or house the kids when they return from college. You could also turn it into a rental property or use it as guest quarters if your zoning allows.

Garage additions require some specific additional materials. Adding the new roof, vapor barrios to protect from car fumes, and fireproof drywall will be a bit more expensive than a traditional addition. Still, if you plan to use it as a rental unit, you can easily make your money back, add value to your property and create a consistent cash income.

Second Story Additions add Maximum Square Footage.

Second-story ideas for house additions can more than double the square footage of your home. It also adds significant value to your home’s future selling price. Before you begin a project like this, check with a realtor to see what your home would be valued if you go ahead with the home addition. You don’t want to be the priciest house in the area when it comes time to sell.

If this is your forever home, skip this step and hire a top Los Angeles contractor and design team. You may also want to work with an architect. Your team will ensure that your home’s foundation and structure are designed to handle a second-story addition. They might have to build some additional support structures into the plan.

Change the Porch into a Sunroom

There is nothing more relaxing than spending time on the front porch. Why not make it a year-round pleasure by turning your porch into an enclosed sunroom? For your porch to be considered as interior square footage, it needs to have heating and be accessible from the inside of your home.

If this is your front porch, it will add some interesting architectural detail to your home and create a very welcoming feeling. If this is your back porch, the enclosed space will add a great seating area to spend time in nature, appreciate your garden and the ever-changing seasons.

Finish the Attic

Popular ideas for house addition increasing square footage is a finished attic. Attics are versatile spaces and can add a lot of valuable space to your home. Whether you need a home office, a guest bedroom, crafting studio, or a place to run your home-based business, consider an attic addition.

Before you get started, you want to make sure your space meets the following requirement. If it doesn’t have at least a seven-foot ceiling and access to the stairway, it might be too costly a direction to go. If you meet these requirements, work with your local Los Angeles contractor to create an interesting and valuable addition. Enjoy your attic retreat!

KITCHEN ADDITIONS

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Since the pandemic, we have been cooking more, working from home, zoom schooling, and entertaining our family and friends at home. We need a kitchen that works well for our multi-tasking lifestyle. Building your dream kitchen is worth every penny. Buyers appreciate a beautiful, renovated kitchen. You will receive the highest return on your investment by adding a kitchen addition.

Whether you are going big with a complete addition or a smaller bump-out addition, adding a walk-in pantry, laundry/mudroom, or a dining area, both will add value to your house and enjoyment to the room where you spend most of your time.

Spend some time looking at 2021 ideas for room addition, in magazines, and in the kitchen showrooms. You will be amazed at the choices of cabinets, fixtures, flooring, findings, and countertops to choose from.

Spa Bathroom Addition

There is nothing more satisfying than a new bathroom addition. We are getting more and more tech-savvy in the bathroom. Do you dream about a large walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead, a steam option, your favorite music playing, and lights that adjust by voice command? Add to that a separate deep soaking tub to get rid of all the aches and pains, plus heated floors and a towel rack to complete the bathing experience—finally, the perfect lighting for all your grooming needs.

Every home buyer will agree that they are looking for a gorgeous master bath along with an updated kitchen. And they will pay extra for it. Bathroom house additions to add more square footage are not only popular but expected. Using odd spaces to add another half bath or powder room is also a great idea. Don’t be afraid to go all out. You will get your money back for providing that kind of value.

The cost of a house addition to adding more square footage in Los Angeles is based on the specific project you are contracting for.

Here are some of the items to consider:

• The total square footage of the home addition.
• What systems are being upgraded?
• Are you replacing kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, windows, and doors as part of your home remodeling or garage conversion?

Structura’s team, comprised of interior designers and home remodeling contractors in Los Angeles,

will meet with you to listen to your specific needs and design ideas for the project. They will provide an in-depth analysis of the costs and a complete 3-D design for your approval. Their design ideas and contributions to your home renovation will enhance your build and save your money while honoring the project’s scope.

Structura has been the top Los Angeles home addition company for more than sixteen years. Their experience, knowledge, and partnerships will save you time and money. They order direct from the manufacturers, wholesalers and pass those savings along to you. They also have a team of skilled craftsmen to customize your build with the expertise and artistry you crave.

Call Structura today for a FREE in-home quote. Work with the best home remodeling company in Los Angeles.

They will deliver your project with all the quality and high-end finishes you expect on time, on budget, giving you peace of mind. Ask about our 0 down 0 due at signing financing.
Call today for your free in-home consultation.

Call Structura today for a free in-home design estimate or a virtual video design estimate.
Structura Remodeling and Design- tops in Los Angeles. No job too big or too small. Let us design and build the home improvement and backyard patio ideas you have chosen to increase your home value.

Call Today 1800-922-4613 for a free in-home estimate.

Structura Remodel and Design Company…Dream. Design. Build.

So, you think you are up to the challenge of renovating an old home in your Los Angeles neighborhood. Buying and renovating Mid Century Modern homes is a popular trend for the Los Angeles DIY crowd. Millennials seem to love the style and the freedom of design inspired by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

What distinguishes a Mid Century Modern home is the rooms, often divined into many levels separated by a step or two. Large, flat paned geometric windows throughout, and unique way nature becomes part of the interior design. The vintage style of these homes, including small nooks and spaces, freedom to decorate authentically, or combine eras, appeal to this homebuyer generation.

You found your dream home and are now researching renovation ideas for old homes in Los Angeles. Before we get to all the incredible design options for renovating your old home, we must talk about the unsexy but critical behind-the-scenes stuff- renovating your home’s infrastructure. Your old home’s electrical, plumbing, HVAC are at least sixty years old. Then there are the roof, water, and sewer lines to think about.

When it comes to renovation ideas for old homes, a new homebuyer can be shocked by the price tag for getting your home up to code and tech-friendly for this new modern world. Hopefully, you did your research beforehand, and your realtor alerted you to the potential costs ahead. It is best to take on these upgrades before you begin any cosmetic restorations or new design projects. It will be less costly in the long run.

WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE INTERNET, IT IS MUCH EASIER TO RESEARCH YOUR HOME. IF YOU WANT TO RESTORE IT TO ITS ORIGINAL GLORY, START BY RESEARCHING RENOVATION IDEAS FOR OLD HOMES IN LOS ANGELES.

• Get inspired by browsing newspaper and magazine advertisements from the 1950’s and 1960” s.
• Review the materials and colors for the kitchen. Notice how everything is matte countertops and matte fixtures.
• Research bathroom designs of the 1950s. Notice how popular repeating geometric tiles for the bathroom were and the classic pastel colors of pink, teal, or yellow tiles.
• Speak to local contractors and artisans who specialize in the renovation of period homes.
• Research the types of wood paneling and flooring most popular back in the 1950s.
• Tour some of the old renovated homes in your area.

If your home hasn’t been through any previous renovations, then you are blessed with all the original materials to create your dream home. Let your old home contractor know you want to preserve as much of the original materials as possible. In your design meeting, bring your collection of photos, design ideas, and even custom requests for showcasing unique iconic furnishings you might have collected in your travels. Make sure you are on the same page with your design aesthetic. Are you looking for total authenticity or a more modern interpretation of the style? Once you are on the same page, you can begin locking in the design plan.

FOUR TOP RENOVATION IDEAS FOR OLD HOMES IN LOS ANGELES

• Wood Panel Walls- is your home blessed with room after room of wood panel walls?
  If the wood is a bit too much of a good thing, refresh your rooms by adding extra lighting or additional windows. Add bold artwork with pops of brightly colored accessories to the rooms, and you will find your balance of wood, color, and light.
• Become your own interior designer- Hunt for furnishings and treasures from the 50’s and 60”s at a garage or estate sales. Become obsessed with Etsy, eBay, and Craigslist. Talk to local artisans, and you may find the perfect person to reproduce a hard-to-find piece that can become the centerpiece of your room design.
• Upgrade the Windows- An expensive, but necessary house renovation project for your old home is to upgrade the windows from single-pane to double-pane glass. New windows will save you a bundle on your air conditioning and heating bills. IF you are on a tight budget, you might have to skip the unique custom-shaped windows and add a double-pane to the windows around them. Either way, you will be happy you made this investment as you snuggle up in a cozy house for winter and stay cool in the summer.
• Landscape Design- house renovation Ideas for Old homes in Los Angeles rely heavily on the exterior garden spaces to complement and expand the interior living quarters. Look for ways to expand access to your backyard to bring nature indoors. Think about adding sliding glass doors to your bedrooms or even the bathroom. The idea is to have a small interior footprint that expands by connecting with nature. Find a landscape designer that is passionate about renovating old homes and understand the style. Choose someone who loves working with unique shapes and integrate different materials like flagstone, slate, and wood. Your contractor may have some good recommendations for you.

Once you find the right contractor and design team, you can decide whether to live in your home through the renovation or complete the project before moving in. That decision will totally depend on your circumstances and your tolerance for living with some chaos and noise. Good luck and enjoy the house renovation and redesign journey.

Consider Structura Remodeling, the top Los Angeles house renovation Company, for old house renovations. With more than sixteen years of experience serving the Los Angeles Community. The Design Team at Structura offers a free in-home budgeting and design consultation. Their clients love their attention to detail, excellent artistry, and professionalism. They deliver on time, on budget—great pricing, “0%” interest, and “0” down.

Call Structura today for a free in-home design estimate or a virtual video design estimate.
Structura Remodeling and Design- tops in Los Angeles. No job too big or too small. Let us design and build the home improvement and backyard patio ideas you have chosen to increase your home value.

Call Today 1800-922-4613 for a free in-home estimate.

Structura Remodel and Design Company…Dream. Design. Build.

Has choosing your home renovation contractor kept you from getting started on your home renovation project? I know we have all heard horror stories about relationships with your home renovation contractor going off the rails. If you do your homework, you can avoid all the pitfalls and have your dream house on a budget and schedule.

DON’T STRESS. JUST FOLLOW THESE RULES FOR HIRING A HOME RENOVATION CONTRACTOR.

Rule One – Do not make the mistake of failing to check the contractor’s references.

Most people looking for a home renovation contractor start their search on the internet by typing in -”home renovation contractors near me, which turns up the local companies with the most effective internet marketing strategies. They are not necessarily the best in their field or even home renovation contractor specialists. They might be running a highly effective SEO internet marketing campaign.

Start by getting local references in your neighborhood from people who had gone through a home renovation. Ask your realtor, your community online group, and of course, do your research on the internet. Do search for home renovation contractors near me and see whose name keeps popping up in all your searches.

Remember that sites like  Angie’s List and Houzz contractors pay for their listings, but they can’t buy their reviews. Pay attention to grades and customer reviews. Market researchers have uncovered many Facebook groups where you can buy Yelp reviews. I would take those five-star reviews with a grain of salt.

Once you have some serious contenders for your home renovation contractor, check them out with your state licensing board to make sure they are licensed and insured. You can also check the BBB Better Business Bureau and local Chamber of commerce to ensure they have no active complaints.

THE FINAL STEP IS TAKING THE TIME TO SPEAK TO ACTUAL CUSTOMER REFERENCES AND FIND OUT:

• How satisfied were they with the quality of the work?
• Were their expectations met?
• Was the work delivered on time and budget?
• How easy was it to communicate with their contractor?
• Did the contractor and the team show up when they said they would?
• Was the quality of the material as promised?
• Would they recommend them to their friends?

And anything else that you can think of that is critical to ensure your comfort level.

RULE TWO- DO NOT HIRE ON PRICE ALONE.

Sometimes buy picking the lowest-priced bid, you will end up paying more and regretting it.

If you shop by price alone, you can be missing the details. A bid may often look similar, but you must dig into the details and the fine print.

Sometimes a lower cost means that your home renovation contractor is using less-experienced workers. They may have the basic skills but not be the true artisans needed to get the job done to the level you desire.

Make sure you understand the quality of the materials supplied in the bids you are comparing. Is your home renovation contractor using the best quality materials for the job? Did they budget for the quality of wood flooring and custom wood kitchen cabinets that are part of your design expectations?

The budget should reflect all of your requirements. You don’t want to be negotiating after the fact about the quality of the materials. You do not want any hidden surprises.

RULE THREE- DO NOT HIRE YOUR HOME RENOVATION CONTRACTOR ON A HANDSHAKE. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING.

To ensure your home renovation goes to plan, you should always get everything in writing, from the initial proposal to the contract to begin work. Make sure you read the fine print and that everything is spelled out in the contract. Do not begin the job until the contract is signed. An executed contract protects both you and the contractor against any misunderstanding.

WHEN IN DOUBT, SPELL IT OUT.

• the estimated costs
• the scope of work
• materials to be used such as brands of appliances, HVAC, grade of flooring cabinetry, etc.
• payment schedule
• contingencies in place for any additional charges or delays.

It is critical to include a 10% to 15% contingency in the budget for the unforeseeable things in any home renovation. You can’t predict if you are going o run into stuff like hidden water damage, electrical wiring, or have to replace plumbing. Better to be prepared

So, start with the internet and search Home Renovation Contractors near me and do your research. After your due diligence, pick the best fit for you and your project. Pick the home Renovation Contractor you can trust.

Structura Home Remodeling is the most trusted home renovation contractor in Los Angeles, serving the Los Angeles community for more than sixteen years and a top choice for elegant and creative home renovation solutions with your budget in mind.
The Design Team at Structura offers a free in-home budgeting and design consultation. Their clients love their attention to detail, excellent artistry, and professionalism. They deliver on time, on budget—great pricing, “0%” interest, and “0” down.

Call Structura today for a free in-home design estimate or a virtual video design estimate.
Structura Remodeling and Design- tops in Los Angeles. No job too big or too small. Let us design and build the home improvement and backyard patio ideas you have chosen to increase your home value.

Call Today 1800-922-4613 for a free in-home estimate.

Structura Remodel and Design Company…Dream. Design. Build.

Have you been priced out of the crazy Los Angeles real estate market, but you crave more space? Have you been planning your future and thinking you need an income property or a granny flat for your aging parents? These are some of the issue’s homeowners are dealing with these days,

But there is Good News

The city of Los Angeles has recently relaxed the laws and regulations around building ADUs.
An ADU is an accessory dwelling unit or additional dwelling unit built on your property. The official names for granny flats, garage conversions, or home additions separate from the main dwelling.

Whether you want more space for your family or starting a business from home, one of the easiest and most cost-efficient ways to do that is with a garage conversion.

HERE ARE SOME GREAT GARAGE CONVERSION IDEAS FOR YOUR LOS ANGELES PROPERTY.

• Convert your garage into a dual-purpose pool house and guest house. This way, you will have an extra bathroom and kitchen out by the pool and also a place for your weekend guests away from the house. Great for when the kids come home from college. It will keep your peace and sanity. It can become a rental or granny flat as your needs shift. Well worth the investment.
• Convert your garage into your ultimate office space. Whether you’ve decided you are never going back to an office again or it’s time to start your own business, make your vision a reality with this cost-effective solution. In your retirement years, you can repurpose it as your writer’s studio or for your artistic projects.
• Convert your garage into a home theatre and family room. If you can’t imagine going back to your local movie theatre, create your own. A big screen, surround sound, comfy reclining chairs, and your own private stocked concession stand complete with a popcorn maker.
• Some of the best garage conversion ideas I have seen are adding creative living space to the overall home by taking down the garage and building a two-story addition in its place. Some include an apartment and additional living space or a soaring two-story open plan kitchen. If you can dream it, your garage conversion contractor can build it.

You will want to discuss your garage conversion ideas with a local architect who can draw the plans for you and submit them to the city building department. It is essential to get everything permitted for your safety and the future sale of your property.

If your garage conversion ideas include building an addition to your garage, there are a few more things to consider. A single-story addition to the garage or a second story built over the garage will require meeting different city requirements. If the expansion is over 500 square feet, you may be required to meet the low-impact development requirements. Your architect and your city building department will be able to guide you.

While waiting for the permits to come through, take your garage conversion ideas and interview several Los Angeles general contractors. You want to hire someone local. Make sure they are licensed and that they are active on the state licensing board’s website. Make sure that they have up-to-date active insurance and experience building ADUs in your community. This way, they are familiar with all the regulations for your town. You can also check their online reviews and ask for references.

Now that your garage conversion ideas have been converted into your designer’s plan and you have hired your licensed Los Angeles general contractor, it is time to focus on the renovation details.

Before your L.A. contractor can give you a final bid, you will need to make decisions about electrical, lighting, plumbing, HVAC. These items are not part of the plan submitted to the city building department.

For example:

• Your electrical needs- Where do you want the light switches, outlets, and lighting fixtures? How many in total? Where will the electrical panel be located, and what are your needs?
• Your plumbing needs- What type of hot water heater? Are you going with the new tankless design, and will it be gas or electric?
• Your HVAC needs- do you want a whole HVAC system, or do you want a small ‘ductless’ unit? The ductless unit will be less expensive but cover a smaller area,

In your original garage conversion ideas, I’m sure you included all the bells and whistles, but then there is the reality of the budget. Here are some examples of areas where you can decide that you want to invest or go for savings.

• How much do you want to invest in a new driveway and landscaping?
• Will you invest extra for vaulted ceilings?
• Is it critical to level a sloping garage floor?
• Do you need to paint the exterior of your garage conversion?
• Do you want to spend it on a bathtub or just a shower?
• Will your kitchen include prefab cabinets or custom?

Sometimes you must decide to spend on issues that will not add visible value but are essential structural items. For example, do you need a new roof, or do you wait? Some things can’t be put off, like repairing termite damage or water damage. Pay now or pay later? What are the best options?

The more you can plan, the fewer surprises there will be for the budget and the project timeline.

Consider Structura Remodeling, the top Los Angeles Home Renovation Company. With more than sixteen years of experience serving the Los Angeles Community. The Design Team at Structura offers a free in-home budgeting and design consultation. Their clients love their attention to detail, excellent artistry, and professionalism. They deliver on time, on budget—great pricing, “0%” interest, and “0” down.

Call Structura today for a free in-home design estimate or a virtual video design estimate.
Structura Remodeling and Design- tops in Los Angeles. No job too big or too small. Let us design and build the home improvement and backyard patio ideas you have chosen to increase your home value.

Call Today 1800-922-4613 for a free in-home estimate.

Structura Remodel and Design Company…Dream. Design. Build.

This is one of those big life decisions, do you renovate, or do you sell? Some things are hard to replace. If you have fantastic neighbors and a community of friends that you have cultivated over many years, that is hard to give up and maybe irreplaceable. The garden you have tenderly nurtured with its heirloom plants and prize-winning blooms is not something you can easily pack up and take with you. And then there are the memories, the good times and the not-so-good time, all the moments that add up to the sum total of your life to date.

Can you, in good conscience, walk away? Would your kids and or grandkids even tolerate the idea? Now I know that we have become a culture of nomads in this country. We do not live our lives in our communities as much as we exist online. I’m not sure that is a good thing. Time will tell. After losing many friends and neighbors this year, I am partial to the idea that home, family, and community are essential to our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

SO HERE IS MY CASE FOR STAYING PUT AND GOING FOR A FULL HOME RENOVATION.

1. It is a sellers’ market. You can get full price for your home, and then you are on the other side of the equation. Now is not the best time to buy. Do you want to go through a stressful bidding process where it’s you and twenty other families in an obscene bidding war for the same house?
2. No matter what home you purchase, you will end up with a few renovation projects to make the house your new home. So, no matter what you do, you can’t avoid a construction project or two unless you are buying new construction. Either way, you are managing a build.
3. It’s your house, so it is your choice about the renovation process. You can choose to do it in stages or pull the band-aid off and go for the complete house renovation. Living in Los Angeles, where the weather is excellent all year round, makes this prospect much simpler. No chance of snow, frost, and winter weather interfering with your project. You can set up an outdoor kitchen and live in your camper in the backyard. Think of it as a nature vacation.
4. You decide your home renovation budget, so you control how and where the money is invested. Look for home renovation ideas on a budget. You will be on your own timeline so you can investigate budget kitchen remodels, budget bathroom remodels, and budget backyard renovations. Watch the home remodeling shows, read the home design magazines, go to the bath and kitchen showrooms. Go to open houses in your neighborhood and take the best design ideas you find.

Then you can start to assemble a working budget. You will know what things cost and how you want to invest your dollars. Here are some things to guide you on your journey to compiling your home remodel budget.

BREAKDOWN OF TYPICAL STARTING COSTS:

Gut Renovation vs. Non- Gut Renovation

In creating a budget, the first decision that impacts cost is deciding on a gut renovation vs. a non-gut renovation. A gut renovation is exactly as it sounds. You gut the house, removing everything down to the foundation. In a gut renovation, all visible surfaces are replaced. Interior walls are stripped down to the studs, and the framing is knocked out entirely.

A non- gut renovation may also involve a new kitchen, bathroom, new flooring, etc., but you will be using the existing structure and walls. A gut renovation will start at $100-$200 per square foot. A non- gut renovation will begin at about $75-$100 per square foot.

GENERAL GUIDELINE FOR A LOS ANGELES HOME RENOVATION BUDGET

• Full-home renovation $100—$200 per square foot
• Dry spaces- bedrooms and family rooms start at $50 per square foot.
• Baths start at $400 per square foot.
• Kitchens start at $300 per square foot.
• Gut remodel with customization: $200—$300 per square foot.
• Non-gut, remodel with customization: $200 per square foot.
• Structural factors like staircases and second-floor additions- extensive customization: $300 per square foot+
• Plumbing permits: from under $2,000 up to $5,000
• Electrical permits: $900
• Electrical permits: $900

Moving walls, adding staircases, shifting gas and plumbing, and electrical rewiring all contribute to a higher per-square-foot cost, plus add to the behind-the-scenes expenditures.

Since pricing for kitchens and baths runs higher than other rooms, more of those equal a higher price per square foot.

You can expect to see more extensive customization, fine finishes, and luxurious materials at this level and beyond. You will have access to handmade tiles, exotic wood grains, natural stone, and fine architectural details at this price point.

You might also see custom door casements and extensive lighting details at this level. There won’t be much in the way of off-the-shelf materials, and the artistry should be top-notch. Renovations that hit all of these notes can quickly run over $500 per square foot.

TIPS TO STAY ON TOP OF YOUR RENOVATION BUDGET:

• Include an additional 10 to 15 percent in the budget for project overruns, unforeseen structural, plumbing, or heating problems.
• Spend for high price custom materials only where it counts. Work with your designer to choose materials for maximum effect. Spend for the handmade tiles for your kitchen backsplash. They will create a standout design focus for your home. You can use standard material for the second bathroom to balance the budget.
• Fix the plumbing and electrical infrastructure. Spend it now while you are under renovation or face more costly problems down the road.
• Focus on kitchens and baths. Spend your money where it counts. Renovated kitchens and bathrooms add the most resale value to your home.
• Consult experts upfront. If you plan to hire an architect or designer for a major home renovation, get them on board early. This can help save money by mapping out a clear plan to avoid costly changes mid-stream. Set aside 15 to 20 percent of your budget for your design team. Hire your licensed professionals early, a cost-effective way to prevent headaches later.

After planning your home renovation budget, it’s time to call in the experts. Structura Home Remodeling is the top company in the Los Angeles Area for a total home renovation.

Hire a company that will keep your project on time, on-trend, and on budget.

Structura’s clients say that the Structura contractors are true artisans and deliver on every detail.

Call Structura today for a free in-home design estimate or a virtual video design estimate.
Structura Remodeling and Design- tops in Los Angeles. No job too big or too small. Let us design and build the home improvement and backyard patio ideas you have chosen to increase your home value.

Call Today 1800-922-4613 for a free in-home estimate.

Structura Remodel and Design Company…Dream. Design. Build.