Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about working with WDC for full home renovation and ADU projects in Los Angeles.
About WDC
What types of projects does WDC take on?
WDC specializes in full home renovations and ADU construction across Los Angeles. We are built for comprehensive, whole-home scopes — structural reconfiguration, whole-system MEP upgrades, kitchen and bath, and finish work managed under one contract. We do not take on small repairs, cosmetic refreshes, or commercial projects.
Where does WDC work in Los Angeles?
We take on projects in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Thousand Oaks, and throughout the City of Los Angeles. Each market has its own permit environment and construction requirements. WDC has the specific knowledge to work effectively in all of them.
What is WDC’s background?
WDC was founded in San Francisco — a market defined by complex permitting, steep-lot construction, and clients with high specification standards. We built our reputation there and brought those standards to Los Angeles. Our team of 18+ construction professionals operates under one company standard across all projects.
Full Home Remodeling
How long does a full home remodel take in Los Angeles?
A full structural remodel — from contract through certificate of occupancy — typically takes 12–18 months depending on scope, city, and permit complexity. Projects in coastal zones, hillside areas, or historic overlay districts may require additional time. WDC provides a detailed, property-specific schedule before construction begins.
Do you manage the architect and design team?
Yes. WDC coordinates the full project team — architect, structural engineer, interior designer, and all trade contractors — under a single point of accountability. You have one project manager rather than managing separate relationships between designer and contractor.
How do you handle permitting?
WDC manages the complete permit process for every project — submission, plan check coordination, correction responses, and inspection scheduling through certificate of occupancy. We work within each city’s specific building department: Beverly Hills Building & Safety, Santa Monica Building & Safety, LADBS for LA City jurisdictions, and City of Thousand Oaks for Ventura County projects.
What does a WDC full home remodel cost?
Full home renovation cost in Los Angeles varies significantly based on scope, structural complexity, finish specification, and permit requirements. WDC projects are comprehensive in nature. We establish a detailed cost picture during the feasibility and design phase — not with a per-square-foot estimate before we understand your property’s specific conditions.
ADU and Garage Conversions
How long does an ADU take to build?
A garage conversion on a standard LA City lot typically takes 6–11 months from contract to certificate of occupancy. Detached ADUs requiring new foundation work run 9–14 months. Projects in coastal zones, hillside areas, or fire zones may take longer. WDC provides a property-specific schedule at the start.
Do I need to replace parking if I convert my garage to an ADU?
Under current California ADU law, replacement parking is generally not required when converting an existing garage to an ADU. This applies across most of WDC’s service areas. We confirm the specific requirements for your property and zone during the feasibility assessment.
What is the school developer fee exemption?
Under SB 543 (effective 2026), ADUs at or under 750 sqft are exempt from school developer fees in California. WDC calculates applicable fees as part of the initial project estimate so there are no surprise costs at permit issuance.
Can I build an ADU and remodel my primary home at the same time?
Yes — and this is typically more efficient than sequencing the two projects. WDC coordinates full home renovation and ADU construction simultaneously under one permit set and one construction schedule where applicable.
Coastal and Hillside Projects
What is a Coastal Development Permit and when do I need one?
A Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is issued by the California Coastal Commission and is required for construction projects within California’s coastal zone. In Santa Monica, properties generally west of Lincoln Boulevard may require a CDP in addition to City permits. CDP review adds 2–4 months to the permit timeline. WDC identifies coastal zone status at the start of every Santa Monica project and manages CDP coordination where required.
What additional requirements apply to hillside properties?
Hillside properties — including those in Brentwood’s canyons, the Hollywood Hills, Sherman Oaks’ hillside zones, and Thousand Oaks’ foothill areas — typically require grading permits, geotechnical reports for foundation and retaining work, and in fire-designated zones, ignition-resistant exterior construction. WDC identifies all hillside-specific requirements during the feasibility assessment.
My property is in a fire zone. How does that affect renovation?
Properties within California’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) must use ignition-resistant construction materials for exterior work — Class A roofing, non-combustible siding, ember-resistant venting. These are regulatory requirements, not optional upgrades. WDC identifies fire zone status for every project and specifies exterior materials accordingly from the design phase.
Have a Question Not Listed Here?
Every project is different. A consultation with WDC addresses your specific property’s conditions, permit path, and what your project actually requires.