General Contractor & Custom Home Builder in Santa Monica

What we take on in Santa Monica

Santa Monica work is mostly about getting more out of an existing house or lot.

• Whole-house remodels of older Spanish, Craftsman, and mid-century homes
• Second-story additions and rear additions
• New custom homes on teardown lots
• Kitchens, bathrooms, and indoor-outdoor living

Working with older homes

Many Santa Monica homes are decades old, so a remodel often uncovers outdated wiring, plumbing, or framing. We plan for that with a renovation contingency of 15 to 20 percent and by opening up questionable areas early, before the schedule depends on them.

Some properties are historic resources or sit in historic districts, which can limit changes to the exterior. It is worth checking your property’s status before design begins.

Permits in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is not part of the City of Los Angeles. Permits go through the City of Santa Monica’s Building and Safety division, and some projects also go through planning or architectural review. Properties near the ocean may be in the Coastal Zone, which can add coastal review.

Requirements depend on the property and scope, so confirm them with the City of Santa Monica early. A complete first submittal is the best way to keep plan check short.

Additions on compact lots

On a smaller lot, the most useful square footage is often up. A second story adds space without giving up the yard, but it means checking the existing foundation and framing, and planning where you will live during the work. We look at both before you commit to a design.

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.