What we take on in Brentwood
Most Brentwood work falls into a few groups.
- New custom homes on teardown lots
- Whole-house remodels of traditional and mid-century homes
- Additions and second stories on flat lots south of Sunset
- Kitchens, primary suites, and outdoor living
Canyon lots versus flat lots
Where your lot sits shapes the budget more than almost anything else. North of Sunset, many lots are in canyons or on hillsides, which can mean soils and geology reports, retaining walls, deeper foundations, and tighter access for trucks and equipment.
South of Sunset, lots are generally flatter and simpler to build on, but size limits still apply. In both cases we sort out site conditions during planning, so they show up in the price rather than in a change order.
Permits and local rules
Brentwood is part of the City of Los Angeles, so permits go through the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Hillside lots generally fall under the Baseline Hillside Ordinance, and flat lots under the Baseline Mansionization Ordinance. Both limit how large a home can be relative to its lot.
Much of hillside Brentwood is a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, which brings California’s wildland-urban interface building standards and brush clearance. Plan check in Los Angeles typically takes 3 to 9 months, and longer on hillside lots. Confirm the rules for your parcel with LADBS before design is final.
Remodel or rebuild?
Many Brentwood homes are solid but dated. A whole-house remodel keeps what works and is often the faster path. A new home makes more sense when the layout, structure, or systems would all need replacing anyway.
We price both options early, using real site conditions, so the decision is based on numbers rather than guesses.
How we work
We walk the site, write down what is in the job, and give you drawings, a schedule, and a clear price before anyone starts. During construction you get one crew, weekly updates and photos, and a written yes before any change. At the end there is a walkthrough and a punch list, and we stand behind the work.
Frequently asked questions
Do you take on projects in Brentwood?
Yes. SAS Builds takes on custom homes, whole-house remodels, additions, kitchens, and baths in Brentwood. We are a licensed California general contractor (License #1073990) and have built in Greater Los Angeles since 2004.
Who issues building permits in Brentwood?
Brentwood is part of the City of Los Angeles, so building permits come from the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Hillside lots may also need grading review and must meet fire-zone construction standards.
How big can I build on a Brentwood lot?
It depends on the lot. Hillside lots generally fall under the Baseline Hillside Ordinance and flat lots under the Baseline Mansionization Ordinance, which cap floor area relative to lot size. Your architect and LADBS can confirm the exact limit for your parcel.
How long does a custom home in Brentwood take?
Construction on a custom home typically takes 12 to 18 months once permits are issued. Design, engineering, and plan check usually add another year or more, so most projects run 24 to 36 months from first sketch to move-in.
