How Long Does Construction Take in Los Angeles? — 2026 Complete Timeline Guide
One of the most common questions homeowners ask before starting a construction project in Los Angeles is “how long will this actually take?” The answer is significantly different in LA than in most other California cities — primarily because the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) adds permitting time that can run 6–14 weeks before construction even begins. This guide breaks down realistic construction timelines for every major project type in 2026. APLA Construction (CA Lic #1136359) has completed hundreds of projects across Los Angeles and the greater metro area.
Understanding the Los Angeles Construction Timeline
A Los Angeles construction timeline has three phases:
- Design and planning: Architectural drawings, structural engineering, contractor selection. 4–12 weeks.
- Permitting: LADBS (or local city) plan check and permit issuance. 3–14 weeks depending on project type and city.
- Construction: Actual demolition, framing, rough-in trades, finishes. 6–52 weeks depending on scope.
Total project duration = Phase 1 + Phase 2 + Phase 3. The key insight: in LA, permitting often takes as long as construction for smaller projects.
Construction Timelines by Project Type — Los Angeles 2026
Kitchen Remodel
- Basic cosmetic refresh (no permits): 4–8 weeks total
- Mid-range renovation with permits: 14–20 weeks total (8–10 weeks construction + 4–8 weeks LADBS)
- High-end renovation with structural changes: 18–28 weeks total
Bathroom Remodel
- Guest bath renovation with permits: 10–16 weeks total
- Primary bath mid-range renovation: 14–22 weeks total
- Primary bath expansion (new footprint): 18–28 weeks total
ADU Construction
- JADU (Junior ADU — within existing home): 12–18 weeks total
- Garage conversion ADU: 14–22 weeks total
- New detached ADU: 22–38 weeks total
Room Additions
- Ground-floor room addition (500 sq ft): 24–36 weeks total
- Second story addition (800–1,200 sq ft): 32–50 weeks total
New Home Construction
- Single-family home 1,800–2,500 sq ft (City of LA): 54–80 weeks total
- Single-family home in independent city (faster permits): 46–68 weeks total
LADBS Plan Check Timeline by Project Type (2026)
| Project Type |
Standard Plan Check |
Expedited (add $1,500–$4,000) |
| Kitchen remodel (plumbing/electrical only) |
4–8 weeks |
2–3 weeks |
| Bathroom remodel |
4–8 weeks |
2–3 weeks |
| ADU (garage conversion) |
6–10 weeks |
3–4 weeks |
| ADU (new detached) |
8–14 weeks |
4–6 weeks |
| Room addition (ground floor) |
8–14 weeks |
4–6 weeks |
| Second story addition |
10–16 weeks |
5–8 weeks |
| New home construction |
14–22 weeks |
7–12 weeks |
Independent City Permit Times (Faster than LADBS)
If your property is in an independent city rather than the City of Los Angeles, permit timelines are typically significantly faster:
- El Segundo: 2–5 weeks for most residential projects (fastest in South Bay)
- Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach: 3–6 weeks
- Culver City: 3–6 weeks
- Burbank: 3–6 weeks
- Santa Monica: 4–8 weeks
- Long Beach: 3–7 weeks
What Can Delay a Los Angeles Construction Project?
- LADBS plan check corrections: If LADBS returns comments requiring plan revisions, add 3–8 weeks for each correction cycle
- Custom material lead times: Custom cabinetry (8–14 weeks), natural stone slabs (4–8 weeks), steel beams for structural work (3–6 weeks), specialty windows and doors (8–16 weeks)
- Subcontractor availability: In peak season (spring and early fall), electrical, plumbing, and HVAC subcontractors can have 2–4 week wait times for initial rough-in scheduling
- Structural engineering: Hillside properties, second story additions, and any work involving load-bearing wall removal requires structural engineer drawings — add 3–5 weeks
- HOA approval: If your property is in an HOA, architectural review can add 4–12 weeks before permits can be submitted
Frequently Asked Questions — Construction Timeline Los Angeles
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Los Angeles in 2026?
With permits (as all mid-range and above renovations should have): 14–20 weeks for a mid-range renovation, 18–28 weeks for a high-end or structural renovation. LADBS plan check (4–8 weeks) runs concurrently with material ordering, so the permitting time does not always add directly to construction time.
How long does an ADU take in Los Angeles?
Garage conversion: 14–22 weeks total. New detached ADU: 22–38 weeks total. The ADU-specific permit process (LADBS ADU plan check) is currently 6–14 weeks depending on the complexity. APLA submits ADU applications strategically to minimize LADBS review time.
How long does a second story addition take in Los Angeles?
32–50 weeks total from project start to move-in. Plan check is 10–16 weeks. Construction is 16–28 weeks for the structural work, rough-in trades, and finishes. Second story additions are the longest residential renovation projects because of the structural complexity and the full LADBS review required.
Can APLA provide a specific timeline for my project?
Yes. APLA (CA Lic #1136359) provides a detailed project schedule with every proposal — showing design, permitting, material lead time, and construction phases. Call (818) 818-4419 for a free consultation and project timeline assessment.
Get a Free Timeline Assessment for Your LA Project
Call: (818) 818-4419
Email: info@aplaconstruction.com
CA General Contractor License #1136359
General Contractor Los Angeles | ADU Construction LA | Room Additions LA | Home Remodeling LA
