Question 1

How accurate is this estimate?

Accepted Answer

It is a planning range based on 2025–2026 Los Angeles prices from licensed contractors, HRG's own project costs and published cost guides. Most projects land inside the range. Hidden conditions (rot, old wiring, soil) and the exact products you choose move the final number, which HRG fixes after a site visit.

Question 2

Why do you show a range instead of one price?

Accepted Answer

Two homes with the same square footage can differ a lot behind the walls. The range runs from 10% below to 15% above the most likely total, because surprises in remodeling tend to add cost rather than remove it.

Question 3

What does the estimate include?

Accepted Answer

Materials, labor and sales tax for each line, plus design and engineering when a permit is needed, permit fees, site protection and cleanup, lead and asbestos testing for homes built before 1978, and a 10% contingency.

Question 4

What isn't included?

Accepted Answer

Furniture, moving and temporary housing, utility company charges, and repairs to damage found once walls or floors are opened. Each job lists what it leaves out.

Question 5

Do I need a permit?

Accepted Answer

Most work that changes plumbing, electrical, structure or the roof needs one in Los Angeles. Painting, flooring and like-for-like cabinet swaps usually do not. Use the permit checker above, and HRG handles the permit when one is needed.

Question 6

How long will it take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline in your estimate covers design, city plan check, construction and inspections. Small cosmetic jobs take days; kitchens take about 2½–4 months from start to finish; ADUs take 6–12 months.

Question 7

Can I stay in my home during the remodel?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes for single rooms, floors and exterior work. For a kitchen, plan a temporary kitchen. For whole-home remodels or termite tenting, plan to stay elsewhere for part of the time.

Question 8

What is the difference between an ADU and a JADU?

Accepted Answer

An ADU is a separate home on your lot (backyard, garage conversion or attached), up to 1,200 sq ft. A JADU is up to 500 sq ft inside your existing house, with its own entrance and a small kitchen, and it can share a bathroom.

Question 9

My house was built before 1978. What changes?

Accepted Answer

Paint and some materials may contain lead or asbestos. Before demolition, HRG tests and, if needed, uses certified lead-safe or abatement crews. Testing is already in your estimate.

Question 10

Can I use this outside Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pick your city or state under Location and every price is adjusted with a regional construction cost index. Outside Southern California, treat it as a ballpark: local labor markets and codes can move prices more than an index shows. HRG itself builds across Los Angeles County.

Question 11

How do I get a firm price?

Accepted Answer

Send your estimate with the form. HRG reviews it, schedules a site visit and gives you a written, fixed scope and price.

Question 12

What happens if hidden damage is found?

Accepted Answer

Walls and floors sometimes hide rot, termite damage, old wiring or leaks. Your estimate carries a 10% contingency for this. Anything beyond it is written up as a change order with a price before the work is done.

Question 13

Will a remodel raise my property taxes?

Accepted Answer

In California, only new construction is reassessed: an addition, an ADU or new living space adds value to your assessment, while repairs and like-for-like replacements usually don't. Seismic retrofits, accessibility work and (through 2026) solar are excluded. Rules differ in other states.

Question 14

Do I need an architect?

Accepted Answer

For kitchens, baths and most replacements, a drafted plan set (or no plans at all) is enough. Additions, ADUs, second stories and anything that moves load-bearing walls need drawings and a structural engineer. HRG arranges both when a project needs them.

Question 15

Can I buy some materials myself?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, for items like light fixtures, faucets or appliances. Ask first: some items need specific rough-in sizes, and installer warranties may not cover materials they didn't supply.

Question 16

Are these prices in today's dollars?

Accepted Answer

Yes. They reflect 2025–2026 costs. Material prices and labor rates change, so an estimate is most useful within a few months.

Question 17

Is it better to remodel everything at once?

Accepted Answer

Usually it costs less overall, because demolition, permits, plumbing and electrical work happen once. Doing it in phases spreads the cost and lets you stay in more of the home. Add each phase as a job to compare.

Question 18

How do rebates work?

Accepted Answer

Most are paid after the work is done, by your utility or a state program, and many need approval before you start (LADWP's turf rebate does). Rebates aren't subtracted from the estimate; check the rebates section and HRG confirms them with you.

Question 19

Is my information kept private?

Accepted Answer

Your estimate is saved only in your own browser until you choose to send it. When you send it, your details and estimate go to HRG so the team can contact you about your project.

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From estimate to finished home

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Questions to ask any contractor

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Frequently asked

Remodeling terms, in plain English

The Home Remodel Group