Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. KM Builders holds California State License Board (CSLB) license #1080573. We are licensed, bonded, and insured for residential construction and remodeling in California. You can verify our license at cslb.ca.gov.

We primarily serve the San Fernando Valley (Encino, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, etc.), Greater Los Angeles (Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Glendale, Pasadena, etc.), and Ventura County (Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Camarillo). We also take select projects in Orange County. Contact us to confirm service in your area.

KM Builders has been serving the Los Angeles area for more than 25 years. The company is family-owned and operated, now in its third generation of construction professionals.

Yes - all estimates are completely free and come with no obligation. We visit your property, assess the scope, and provide a detailed written estimate. Call 1-888-807-7775 or submit our contact form to schedule.

We handle residential construction: kitchen and bathroom remodels, ADU construction, room additions, new home construction, complete home remodeling, roofing, solar installation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, flooring, landscaping, hardscaping, and pool & spa.

ADU costs in LA typically range from $150,000–$350,000+ depending on size, finishes, and site conditions. A standard attached ADU conversion (garage or room) generally runs $150–$200/sq ft. A detached new-construction ADU typically runs $200–$300/sq ft. KM Builders provides free site-specific estimates.

A garage conversion ADU typically takes 3–5 months from permit approval to occupancy. A detached new-construction ADU takes 5–9 months. The full timeline including permit processing through LADBS is usually 6–12 months total. KM Builders manages the entire permit process.

Yes. ADUs built with proper permits in Los Angeles can be rented out as long-term rentals. AB 1033 (2024) also permits selling an ADU separately as a condominium in some jurisdictions. Short-term rental restrictions (Airbnb, VRBO) vary by city - KM Builders recommends consulting a real estate attorney for STR compliance.

Under California law (AB 670), HOAs cannot prohibit ADU construction outright, though they may impose reasonable design standards. KM Builders works with HOA architectural review committees to ensure designs meet HOA requirements while complying with state ADU law.

Yes. California law requires cities to allow at minimum a 800 sq ft ADU on most residential lots, regardless of lot coverage or floor-area-ratio limits. Junior ADUs (JADUs) of up to 500 sq ft can be built within an existing structure on any lot with a single-family home.

Kitchen remodel costs in LA range widely. A minor refresh (new countertops, appliances, paint) typically runs $20,000–$40,000. A mid-range remodel with new cabinets, tile, and fixtures runs $50,000–$100,000. A high-end or full layout-change remodel can exceed $150,000. KM Builders offers free in-home estimates with itemized quotes.

Most bathroom remodels take 2–4 weeks once materials are on-site. Complex jobs (moving plumbing, large master bath) take 4–8 weeks. The pre-construction phase (design, material selection, permit if required) typically adds 2–6 weeks. KM Builders provides a project timeline in the estimate.

Minor cosmetic work (replacing fixtures, painting, re-tiling in place) typically does not require permits. Work that moves plumbing, gas lines, or structural walls does require LADBS permits. KM Builders evaluates each project and handles permit applications when required.

Yes. KM Builders works with multiple lending partners offering home improvement loans, HELOCs, construction loans, and PACE financing. Terms from 3–25 years with rates from 6.99% APR. Visit our Finance page or call 1-888-807-7775 to discuss options.

PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) allows you to finance energy improvements - solar, HVAC, insulation, windows, roofing - with no money down, repaid through your property tax bill over 5–25 years. PACE is available for qualifying improvements and is not a traditional loan. KM Builders can connect you with PACE program administrators.

The Inflation Reduction Act provides a 30% federal tax credit (with annual caps) for solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, EV chargers, insulation, and qualifying windows and doors. KM Builders provides itemized invoices suitable for IRS Form 5695 filing.

Yes. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan is one of the most common ways to finance a remodel in California. With LA home values, many homeowners have significant equity available. KM Builders can refer you to lending partners who specialize in renovation financing.

KM Builders pulls all required permits as the licensed general contractor. This protects you legally and ensures work is performed to code. Permits are filed with LADBS (City of LA) or the relevant city department depending on your location.

Unpermitted work is a serious risk: it can make your home harder to sell, invalidate homeowner's insurance claims, result in fines, and require costly tear-out and redo. KM Builders does not perform work that requires permits without obtaining them. We recommend against any contractor who suggests skipping permits.

Permit turnaround through LADBS varies by project type. Over-the-counter permits (minor work) can be approved same-day. Plan check for larger projects typically takes 4–12 weeks, though express plan check services can reduce this. KM Builders files complete, accurate permit packages to minimize delays.

Step 1: Free consultation and site visit. Step 2: Written estimate delivered within 3–5 business days. Step 3: Contract signing and design finalization. Step 4: Permit application filing (if required). Step 5: Material procurement and scheduling. Step 6: Construction start. Step 7: Inspections and final sign-off. Step 8: Final walkthrough and project close.

Yes. Every KM Builders project is assigned a dedicated project manager who serves as your main point of contact throughout construction. You'll receive daily or as-needed updates on progress, and the PM coordinates all subcontractors and inspections.

KM Builders provides detailed fixed-price contracts for defined scopes of work. Any changes to scope (change orders) are priced and approved in writing before work proceeds. Unforeseen conditions (hidden mold, structural issues discovered during demo) are documented immediately and reviewed with you before proceeding.

Yes. KM Builders provides a 1-year workmanship warranty on all completed projects. Manufacturer warranties apply to materials and equipment (roofing, windows, HVAC, solar). California law also provides statutory implied warranties for new construction.