What is a design-build contractor and why does it matter for a whole home renovation?

A design-build contractor manages both the architectural design and construction under one contract. For full home renovations, this means one point of accountability, faster permitting (design team knows LADBS standards), and no coordination gaps between architect and builder. We Do Constructions operates as a design-build firm — your architect, permit manager, and construction team work together from day one.

Can I stay in my home during a full renovation in Los Angeles?

For full-scope renovations that include kitchen, bathrooms, and major systems, we typically recommend temporary relocation during active construction phases (usually 8 to 16 weeks). Partial renovations — such as a single-floor remodel on a multi-story home — can often be staged to allow occupancy in unaffected areas. We map this out explicitly in the project schedule before construction begins.

What does a full home renovation include?

A full home renovation managed by We Do Constructions can include: structural modifications, electrical system upgrade, plumbing replacement or rerouting, HVAC replacement, insulation, drywall and framing, kitchen remodel, one or more bathroom remodels, flooring throughout, custom millwork and cabinetry, windows and doors, interior paint, and exterior improvements. Scope is defined in the design phase and priced in a fixed-scope contract.

Bathroom Remodeling in Los Angeles

Q: How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Los Angeles?

Full home renovations in Los Angeles typically range from $200,000 to $600,000+ depending on square footage, scope, and finish level. A 2,000 sq ft home with kitchen, bathrooms, structural updates, and new finishes throughout typically runs $280,000 to $420,000. Larger homes or those requiring structural work, new systems, or premium materials can exceed $600,000.

Q: How long does a bathroom remodel take in Los Angeles?

A full home renovation in LA typically takes 4 to 9 months from permit approval through final walkthrough, depending on scope. Permitting through LADBS adds 6 to 12 weeks before construction begins. We provide a detailed project schedule with milestones at contract signing.

Q: Do you handle permits for a full home renovation in Los Angeles?

Yes. We manage all permitting through the LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) — architectural drawings, structural engineering coordination, MEP plans, and inspection scheduling. For full renovations, permit timelines vary by scope: straightforward remodels typically take 6 to 10 weeks; projects involving structural changes or additions can take 12 to 20 weeks.

We Do Constructions manages complete home renovations across Los Angeles — structural upgrades, electrical and plumbing, kitchen and bathrooms, custom millwork, and full finish work, all under one design-build contract. Most full home renovations in LA range from $200,000 to $600,000+ depending on square footage, scope, and material selection. One team, one contract, start to finish.

What a Full Home Renovation Includes

A full home renovation is not a series of separate projects handed off between contractors. It is a coordinated transformation of your entire home managed by one team with full visibility across every trade and phase. A We Do Constructions full-scope project typically includes:

Structural work — wall removal, load-bearing modifications, foundation repairs, seismic upgrades where required
Electrical system upgrade — panel replacement, full rewire, new circuits, recessed lighting, smart home rough-in
Plumbing — supply line and drain replacement, fixture upgrades, rerouting for open-plan conversions
HVAC — new system, ductwork, zoning
Kitchen remodel — layout, custom cabinetry, countertops, appliances, tile
Bathroom remodels — one or multiple, full gut and rebuild
Flooring throughout — hardwood, tile, or engineered depending on specification
Custom millwork — built-ins, trim, staircase, fireplace surrounds
Windows and doors — replacement, new openings, pocket doors
Interior and exterior finishes — paint, stucco, landscaping coordination

Not every renovation requires every item. Scope is defined in the design phase and locked in a fixed-price contract before a single permit is filed.

Why Design-Build for a Whole Home Renovation

Most homeowners hiring for a full renovation face the same problem: an architect who has never pulled a permit, a contractor who won’t start until drawings are done, and no one accountable for the gap between them. Timelines slip. Costs escalate. The homeowner becomes the project manager.

The design-build model solves this. We Do Constructions integrates design and construction under one contract:

Waterproofing Done Right the First Time

Your architect and your construction team work for the same company. When a design decision has a cost implication, you hear about it in design — not as a change order at framing. When a site condition requires a drawing revision, it is handled internally, not at hourly billing between two separate firms.

Plumbing & Electrical Coordinated In-House

Our design team prepares drawings to LADBS standards from day one. We know what plan checkers look for in Los Angeles. Our plan check correction rate is under 20% — compared to an industry average that often requires two or three resubmittals. Fewer corrections mean a shorter permitting timeline and an earlier construction start.

Tile & Fixture Sourcing Guidance

We price to the design, not around it. Fixed-scope contracts mean your budget exposure is defined before construction starts. We do not carry open-ended unit-price contracts on full home projects. What we estimate is what we build.

Our Full Home Renovation Process

Step 1 — Consultation & Bathroom Assessment

We start with a thorough bathroom assessment to understand existing conditions — structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and finish state. We document what exists, what needs to change, and what you want. We produce a written scope brief with preliminary investment range before any design work begins.

Step 2 — Layout, Tile & Fixture Planning

Our design team develops architectural drawings, space plans, and material specifications. For full renovations, this includes structural engineering coordination, Title 24 energy compliance, and any required MEP plans. We present design development drawings for your review and approval before finalizing permit documents.

Step 3 — LADBS Permits (Plumbing & Electrical)

We submit the complete permit package to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety and manage all plan check correspondence. Full renovation permits in LA take 8 to 20 weeks depending on scope — structural changes and additions take longer than cosmetic remodels. We track your application and respond to corrections within 48 hours.

Step 4 — Demo, Waterproofing & Rough-In

Once permits are in hand, we begin with a controlled demolition. We protect retained finishes, manage debris disposal, and document existing conditions for any design adjustments before rough-in begins. This phase typically takes one to two weeks for a full home.

Step 5 — Tile, Fixtures, Vanity & Finish Work

Construction proceeds in trade sequence: structural framing → rough mechanical (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) → insulation → drywall → tile and flooring → cabinetry and millwork → paint → finish hardware and fixtures. A dedicated site supervisor manages daily operations, coordinates inspections, and provides weekly progress updates with photos.

Step 6 — Final Inspection & Walkthrough

We walk the completed project with you room by room. All punch list items are resolved before we request final payment. We deliver a project documentation package: as-built drawings, permit records, appliance and system warranties, and the LADBS final inspection sign-off.

Investment Range — Full Home Renovation Los Angeles

Realistic cost reference based on completed We Do Constructions projects in Los Angeles:

Selective renovation, 1,500–2,000 sq ft (kitchen + 2 baths + finishes): $200,000 – $300,000
Full renovation, 2,000–2,800 sq ft (all systems + kitchen + all baths): $280,000 – $420,000
Full renovation with structural changes, 2,000–3,000 sq ft: $380,000 – $550,000
Premium full renovation, 3,000+ sq ft with custom millwork and finishes: $500,000 – $800,000+

These ranges include architectural drawings, permit fees, all construction labor and materials, and project management. Furniture, appliances, window treatments, and landscaping are quoted separately. Scope and fixed price are established at contract signing — not subject to open-ended change orders for scope already defined in the drawings.

Los Angeles Neighborhoods We Serve

We manage full home renovations throughout Los Angeles: Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Calabasas, and the greater San Fernando Valley. Many of our full home renovation clients purchased dated properties in established neighborhoods and are transforming them to current standards — the right move in LA’s appreciation-driven market.

Frequently Asked Questions — Full Home Renovation Los Angeles

How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Los Angeles?

Full home renovations in Los Angeles range from $200,000 to $600,000+ depending on square footage, scope, and finish level. A 2,000 sq ft home with kitchen, bathrooms, systems, and new finishes throughout typically runs $280,000 to $420,000. Larger homes or those requiring structural work, ADU additions, or premium material selections can exceed $600,000. We provide a written investment range after the site visit and a fixed-scope contract after the design phase.

How long does a bathroom remodel take in Los Angeles?

Plan for 4 to 9 months from permit approval to final walkthrough, depending on scope. Add 8 to 20 weeks for LADBS permitting before construction begins. A realistic timeline for a full 2,000 sq ft renovation — including design, permitting, and construction — is 9 to 14 months from initial consultation. We provide a full project schedule with milestones at contract signing.

What’s included in a full bathroom renovation?

A design-build contractor manages both architectural design and construction under one contract. This eliminates the coordination gap between a separate architect and contractor — the most common source of budget overruns and timeline slippage in whole home renovations. We Do Constructions operates as a design-build firm: your design team and construction team report to the same project lead from day one.

Do you handle permits for bathroom remodels in Los Angeles?

Yes. We manage all permitting through the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety — architectural drawings, structural engineering, MEP plans, and inspection scheduling. For full renovations, permit timelines typically run 8 to 12 weeks for primarily cosmetic scope and 14 to 20 weeks for projects involving structural modifications or additions.

Can I use my bathroom during the remodel?

For full-scope renovations touching kitchen, all bathrooms, and major systems, we recommend temporary relocation during active construction — typically 10 to 18 weeks. Partial renovations — a single floor, or a wing of a larger home — can often be staged to allow occupancy in unaffected areas. We plan this explicitly in the project schedule so you can arrange housing before construction begins, not mid-project.

What does We Do Constructions include in a bathroom remodel contract?

Our full home renovation contract covers: architectural design and engineering coordination, all LADBS permit filings and management, demolition and site protection, structural work, electrical system upgrade, plumbing and HVAC, insulation and drywall, kitchen and bathroom remodels, flooring, custom millwork, paint, and final inspections. Scope is fully itemized. We do not use open-ended unit pricing on full renovation projects.

Schedule a Full Home Renovation Consultation

If you own a home in Los Angeles and are planning a full renovation — whether triggered by a recent purchase, a growing family, or a long-overdue transformation — start with a site consultation. We assess existing conditions, walk through scope options, and deliver a written investment range within 48 hours of the visit.

Call us at (818) 590-5206 or submit an inquiry below. We respond within 4 business hours.