Burbank occupies a unique position in the greater Los Angeles market — a city with its own identity, its own municipal infrastructure, and a housing market that has performed remarkably well over the past decade. The combination of the entertainment industry employment base (Warner Bros., Disney, Universal City is next door, Netflix, Amazon Studios), a top-rated school district, and an urban downtown core has driven home values in Burbank to $850,000–$2.5M for single-family homes. For homeowners, this creates a renovation environment with strong ROI dynamics and a clear direction: invest in quality and your Burbank home responds. APLA Construction (CA Lic #1136359) is an active general contractor throughout Burbank.
Burbank’s most sought-after neighborhood — 1920s–1940s Craftsman bungalows and Spanish Colonial Revival homes on tree-lined streets. Home values: $1.1M–$2.0M. Renovation approach: Period-appropriate exterior preservation with fully modernized interiors. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are the primary investment drivers. The neighborhood’s walkability, the Magnolia Boulevard retail corridor, and the vintage housing stock command premiums in the $1.3M–$2.0M range for renovated homes.
The hillside neighborhoods above the valley floor — 1950s–1970s ranch homes, many with canyon or valley views. Home values: $950,000–$1.8M. Renovation approach: Mid-Century Modern revival is extremely popular — opening up interiors, adding glass to capture views, updating kitchens to clean modern or warm Japandi aesthetics. Second story additions and primary suite additions in the $280,000–$450,000 range are common.
The Burbank portion of Toluca Lake has some of the highest home values in the city — $1.5M–$2.5M+ — with larger lots and 1930s–1950s traditional homes. Renovation investment is correspondingly higher, with whole-home renovations in the $600,000–$1,500,000 range not uncommon.
More accessible entry point — $850,000–$1.3M. Mid-range kitchen and bath renovations ($60,000–$120,000) are common investment strategies before listing.
Burbank has its own municipal building department — the Burbank Building Division, part of Community Development. All permits for construction in Burbank go through the Burbank Building Division, not LADBS. Key points for Burbank homeowners:
A kitchen remodel involving new electrical circuits, plumbing changes, or structural modifications requires a building permit through the Burbank Building Division. Purely cosmetic changes (new countertops, paint, appliances with no new circuits) typically do not. APLA advises on Burbank permit requirements for each project scope.
Yes. California state ADU law requires Burbank to approve qualifying ADUs. Garage conversions, JADUs, and new detached ADUs are all viable depending on your lot. ADU rental income in Burbank: $2,200–$3,500/month for a 1-bed unit given the entertainment industry rental demand. APLA provides free ADU feasibility consultations for Burbank properties.
Mid-range: $58,000–$105,000. High-end (Toluca Lake, Magnolia Park): $100,000–$185,000. Burbank is a mid-to-premium LA market — above the Valley average, below the Westside.
Yes. Entertainment industry employment creates stable high-income rental and buyer demand. Magnolia Park Craftsman homes are particularly strong performers — a $80,000–$120,000 kitchen and bath renovation on a $1.2M home can push resale value to $1.5M+ in the right sub-market. APLA can advise on renovation scope and realistic ROI for your specific Burbank address.
Call: (818) 818-4419
Email: info@aplaconstruction.com
CA General Contractor License #1136359
General Contractor Burbank | ADU Contractor Burbank | Kitchen Remodel Burbank | Bathroom Remodel Burbank