Encino is one of the most active construction and renovation markets in the San Fernando Valley. Large lots, high property values, and a housing stock that skews toward 1960s–1980s construction make it an ideal environment for ADU additions, open-concept kitchen renovations, and primary suite expansions. This guide covers everything an Encino homeowner needs to know before starting a project in 2026.
Encino is within the City of Los Angeles, which means all construction permits go through the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). This is important because many homeowners assume they deal with a local Encino office — there is none. LADBS handles all of Encino.
Encino is one of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles to build an ADU. Here is why:
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Garage conversion ADU | $88,000–$145,000 |
| Detached new construction ADU | $155,000–$290,000 |
| Attached ADU | $140,000–$260,000 |
| Rental income for 1-bed ADU | $2,300–$3,000/month |
The dominant kitchen project in Encino is the open-concept conversion — removing the wall between the closed original kitchen and the dining room or family room to create a modern open plan. Most Encino homes from the 1970s were built with compartmentalized floor plans that no longer reflect how families live.
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Basic refresh (no layout change) | $40,000–$68,000 |
| Open-concept mid-range | $68,000–$120,000 |
| High-end with premium appliances | $120,000–$185,000+ |
Many Encino homes built in the 1960s and 1970s have only one bathroom and modest bedroom sizes. Adding a primary suite — a new master bedroom with a dedicated en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet — is one of the highest-ROI additions in this market.
Most of Encino falls under the following zoning designations:
APLA verifies zoning compliance for every Encino project during the initial feasibility assessment.
Because Encino is in the City of Los Angeles (LADBS), some contractors who only work in the Valley may not be familiar with LADBS-specific requirements. APLA has deep experience with LADBS submissions, plan check processes, and the specific inspectors and workflows that affect Encino projects. Key things to verify before hiring any contractor in Encino:
LADBS — the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. Encino is within the City of Los Angeles. There is no separate Encino building department. APLA manages all LADBS submissions for Encino projects.
Almost certainly yes if you have a detached garage or sufficient rear yard. APLA provides a free lot feasibility assessment for every Encino ADU inquiry. Most Encino lots qualify for at least a garage conversion ADU.
ADU construction delivers the best long-term ROI in Encino — generating $2,300–$3,000/month in rental income on a $88,000–$145,000 investment. Kitchen and primary suite renovations deliver strong immediate value and make the home significantly more livable and marketable.
ADU: 10–14 months. Kitchen remodel: 9–17 weeks. Primary suite addition: 9–16 months. New home: 18–28 months. LADBS permit processing is the main variable — typically 45–70 days for ADUs and 3–10 weeks for other project types.
APLA Construction is based in the San Fernando Valley and works extensively in Encino. We know the neighborhood, the LADBS process, and what Encino homeowners expect from a contractor.
Call: (818) 818-4419
Email: info@aplaconstruction.com
CA General Contractor License #1136359
General Contractor Encino | ADU Contractor Encino | Home Remodeling Encino