Remodeling FAQs Answered By A Licensed Contractor
These remodeling FAQs cover the questions homeowners ask us most: cost, permits, timelines, living through construction and choosing a contractor. H&A My Design is a licensed design-build general contractor, family-owned for more than 20 years. Serving Southern California and the surrounding areas.
Licensed & bonded California general contractor — CSLB #999603. Design, permits and construction in one contract.
How To Use These Remodeling FAQs
Most remodeling problems come from decisions made before anyone picks up a tool. These remodeling FAQs are grouped the way a project actually unfolds, from first idea through to handover.
What These Answers Are
These remodeling FAQs give general guidance based on how projects run in Southern California. Every house is different, and nothing here replaces a walkthrough of your own property.
No Menu Pricing
We do not publish per-square-foot prices, because they mislead more often than they help. Pricing follows scope, condition and selections.
Where To Go Next
If your question is about a specific room or type of work, the service pages go into far more detail than these remodeling FAQs can.
- Major home remodeling for large projects
- Whole-home remodeling for a full renovation
- Kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling
- Structural remodeling for walls and beams
- Home additions when you need more space
Cost And Budget Remodeling FAQs
What does a home remodel cost?
It depends on scope, the condition of the existing house and the selections you choose. Two kitchens of the same size can differ by a factor of three once cabinetry, appliances and structural work are counted. We price from a defined scope after seeing the property, not from a rule of thumb.
Why do contractor quotes vary so much?
Usually because they are quoting different things. One includes permits, engineering and allowances for the unknown; another assumes you will handle those. Compare line items, not totals, and ask what each quote excludes.
What is an allowance?
A budget placeholder for items you have not chosen yet, such as tile or plumbing fixtures. Realistic allowances keep the final number honest; artificially low ones make a quote look cheap and produce change orders later.
How do change orders work?
Any change to the agreed scope is written up with its cost and schedule impact before we proceed. You approve it in writing. Nothing changes on a verbal instruction alone.
Do you offer financing?
We are contractors rather than lenders, so financing is arranged through your own bank or lender. We supply the documentation they typically ask for.
What happens if you find hidden damage?
Rot, termite damage, old unpermitted work and failed plumbing all turn up once walls open. We photograph it, explain the options in writing and price the fix before continuing.
Permits And Approvals Remodeling FAQs
Do I need a permit to remodel?
Structural changes, new or relocated plumbing and electrical, window changes, roofing and additions all require permits. Painting, flooring and swapping cabinets in place generally do not. We confirm for your specific scope.
Who applies for the permit?
We do. As your licensed general contractor we prepare the submission, file it, answer plan-check corrections and schedule inspections.
How long does permitting take?
It varies widely by jurisdiction and scope. Simple over-the-counter permits can be same-day; plan check for structural work commonly runs several weeks or longer.
What if previous work was done without a permit?
It is common. In most cases it can be legalised with engineering and a permit application rather than being torn out, and doing so removes a problem at resale.
Will remodeling increase my property taxes?
Permitted work that adds value can trigger reassessment of the added value, not the whole property. Your county assessor is the authority on your specific situation.
Do you handle HOA approvals?
We prepare the drawings and information HOAs and design review boards ask for, and we plan the schedule around their meeting dates.
Timeline And Living Through It Remodeling FAQs
How long does a remodel take?
Design and permitting often take as long as construction. Once on site, a bathroom is typically weeks, a kitchen longer, and a full-house renovation runs to months. You receive a written schedule before work starts.
Can we stay in the house?
For work confined to one area, usually yes, with containment, dust control and a protected route. For whole-house projects with no working kitchen or bathroom, most families move out.
What are your working hours?
We work within local noise ordinances, which generally means daytime hours on weekdays. Specific hours are confirmed before we start.
How do you control dust and damage?
Containment barriers, floor protection on routes, covered furniture and daily clean-up. It is not glamorous, but it is what makes living alongside construction tolerable.
Who will be in my house each day?
A project manager oversees the work and is your point of contact. Trades come and go by stage, and you know in advance who is scheduled.
What causes delays?
Plan check corrections, long-lead materials, inspection scheduling and concealed damage. We order long-lead items early and keep the schedule updated rather than quietly slipping.
Design And Selections Remodeling FAQs
Do you provide design, or do I need an architect?
We are design-build, so design, engineering coordination, permits and construction sit under one contract. If you already have an architect, we build from their drawings.
When do I have to choose materials?
Earlier than most people expect. Tile decides the substrate and cabinetry decides the plumbing rough-in, so selections are locked before those stages, not during them.
Can I supply my own materials?
In some cases, yes, though it shifts responsibility for availability, damage and warranty to you. We will tell you honestly where it helps and where it usually does not.
Can I visit a showroom?
Yes. Our showroom is at 6723 Variel Avenue, Canoga Park, where you can see materials and finishes in person rather than on a screen.
How do I avoid a dated result?
Keep the permanent, expensive elements restrained and let paint, textiles and lighting carry personality. Those are the pieces you can change cheaply in ten years.
Will you work with my interior designer?
Regularly. We coordinate on selections, schedules and site decisions so nothing is ordered against a detail that has changed.
Choosing A Contractor Remodeling FAQs
How do I check a contractor is licensed?
Search the licence number on the California State Licensing Board website. Ours is CSLB #999603. Confirm the licence is active and that the contractor carries insurance and workers’ compensation.
What should a contract include?
A defined scope, a price with allowances stated, a payment schedule tied to progress, a start and completion window, how change orders are handled and the warranty terms.
How much deposit is normal?
California law limits the down payment on home improvement contracts. Payments after that should follow progress, never run ahead of completed work.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Workmanship is warranted, and manufacturer warranties on materials and appliances are passed through to you with the documentation.
Can I see previous projects?
Yes. Our portfolio shows completed work, and we can discuss projects similar to yours during the consultation.
Where do you work?
Throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Westlake, Pasadena, Glendale, Culver City, the South Bay, Santa Clarita Valley, Ventura County, Thousand Oaks, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Malibu, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Burbank, Granada Hills, Canoga Park, Reseda and the surrounding areas.
Still Have A Question?
If your question is not answered in these remodeling FAQs, ask us directly. We will give you a straight answer about your house, your scope and what the work realistically involves.
Related Pages
Homeowner Experiences
Hear directly from Southern California clients who trusted H&A My Design with their custom homes, ADUs, and additions.
Walk the finished home — navy kitchen with brass fittings, an open living space and a new double-vanity bathroom.
“We’re extremely happy with the results. Without a shadow of doubt, we’ve already recommended them to other neighbors.”
“Everybody was phenomenal to work with, a pleasure to have. Totally fair and wonderful company and great family.”
“H&A made the entire process transparent. Having one GC manage blueprints, city permits, and the build was night and day.”
“Their Canoga Park showroom made selecting our cabinets, quartz, and fixtures so easy. Finished right on schedule.”
“Converted our garage into a 2-bedroom rental. Flawless craftsmanship and leased immediately after final inspection.”
See the full before and after — the original kitchen, the opened-up living space and the finished bathrooms.
“From 3D plans to final city sign-off, H&A handled everything. No surprise change orders, no stress.”
“Built a modern ADU for my parents. The accessibility and aesthetic details exceeded all our expectations.”
Serving Southern California
Licensed throughout Los Angeles & Ventura Counties. HQ Showroom at 6723 Variel Ave, Canoga Park, CA.
MORE SPACE.
MORE VALUE.
Design, permits, showroom selections, and master construction—managed by one accountable team.