Quick answer: Home remodeling projects in Los Angeles costs $25,000–$200,000 in Los Angeles, depending on project type — kitchen, bathroom, ADU, addition, or whole-home. APLA Construction (CA Lic #1136359) provides free estimates across Greater Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is one of the most expensive construction markets in the United States. Labor costs, material prices, permit fees, and contractor demand all push project budgets higher than national averages. This guide gives you realistic 2026 cost ranges for every major remodeling project type in Greater LA — based on what licensed contractors are actually charging, not what renovation TV shows suggest. APLA Construction (CA Lic #1136359) has completed remodeling projects across all of Greater Los Angeles and the numbers below reflect current market reality.
A starting-point range based on real Los Angeles pricing — not a substitute for a free on-site estimate.
Estimates reflect typical Greater Los Angeles pricing as of 2026 and can vary based on site conditions, permitting jurisdiction, and design decisions. CA Lic #1136359.
Before looking at specific project costs, it helps to understand the key cost drivers in the LA construction market:
The kitchen is the single highest-return remodel in any LA home and also one of the most variable in cost.
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Basic kitchen refresh (cosmetic only) | $25,000–$45,000 — new cabinets (stock), new countertops, updated fixtures, no layout change |
| Mid-range kitchen remodel | $55,000–$95,000 — semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, new appliances, reconfigured layout |
| High-end kitchen remodel | $100,000–$200,000+ — full custom cabinets, premium appliances, structural changes, custom island, high-end stone |
Most LA homeowners doing a real kitchen remodel with quality materials and licensed labor should budget $65,000–$120,000. See our full kitchen remodel cost guide, kitchen remodel services, or the kitchen cost-per-square-foot breakdown.
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Guest bathroom remodel (cosmetic) | $15,000–$30,000 |
| Full bathroom remodel (mid-range) | $30,000–$65,000 — new tile, vanity, shower, plumbing fixtures, lighting |
| Primary bathroom remodel | $60,000–$130,000 — full gut, custom tile, freestanding tub, walk-in shower, heated floors |
Bathroom costs per square foot are the highest of any room in the house due to the concentration of plumbing, waterproofing, and tile work. See our bathroom remodel services.
| Item | Typical Cost |
| JADU (Junior ADU, interior conversion) | $50,000–$90,000 |
| Garage conversion ADU (400–600 sq ft) | $80,000–$140,000 |
| Attached ADU | $120,000–$220,000 |
| Detached ADU — new construction (400–800 sq ft) | $140,000–$280,000 |
ADUs deliver the best ROI of any remodeling project in Los Angeles because they generate rental income. A garage conversion ADU in Studio City or Sherman Oaks can generate $2,000–$2,500/month in rental income. Learn more about ADU construction costs and process. Not sure whether you need a full ADU or a JADU? See our ADU vs JADU comparison, or explore ADU financing options.
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Single-story room addition (200–400 sq ft) | $100,000–$200,000 |
| Primary suite addition (400–600 sq ft) | $150,000–$300,000 |
| Second story addition (partial, 500–800 sq ft) | $200,000–$400,000 |
| Full second story addition (1,000+ sq ft) | $350,000–$600,000+ |
Room additions in LA cost $250–$450 per square foot depending on finish level and structural complexity. Second story additions require structural engineering, temporary shoring, and roof reconstruction — which accounts for the significantly higher cost per square foot. See our room addition services, or see our dedicated second story addition cost guide.
A whole-home remodel — full interior renovation of an existing home — costs between $150 and $400 per square foot in Greater LA depending on scope and finish level.
| Item | Typical Cost |
| 1,500 sq ft home — basic remodel | $225,000–$375,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft home — mid-range remodel | $375,000–$525,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft home — high-end remodel | $525,000–$750,000+ |
Whole-home remodels typically include kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, electrical panel upgrade, HVAC, and all interior finishes. Structural work, foundation repair, or additions are priced separately. See our full remodeling services.
| Item | Typical Cost |
| New home construction (custom, per sq ft) | $350–$600/sq ft |
| 2,000 sq ft new home | $700,000–$1,200,000+ |
New construction costs in LA are driven by lot preparation, foundation type, structural requirements (including seismic), and finish level. These figures cover construction only and do not include land acquisition. See our full new construction cost breakdown.
Permit fees in LA are based on project valuation. Rough estimates:
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Kitchen remodel permit | $800–$2,500 |
| Bathroom remodel permit | $600–$1,800 |
| ADU permit (LADBS) | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Room addition permit | $4,000–$12,000 |
| New construction permit | $15,000–$40,000+ |
The average kitchen remodel in Los Angeles costs $65,000–$120,000. A full bathroom remodel costs $30,000–$65,000. A complete whole-home remodel on a 1,500 sq ft home typically runs $375,000–$525,000 at mid-range finishes. These are materially higher than national averages due to LA’s labor market and permit costs.
LA construction costs are driven by high trade labor rates, complex permit requirements, seismic (earthquake) code compliance, high material costs in a dense urban market, and significant demand for licensed contractors. Unlicensed contractors offer lower bids but expose homeowners to liability, failed inspections, and work that cannot be permitted.
Cosmetic refreshes — painting, new fixtures, resurfaced countertops — are the lowest-cost option, typically $10,000–$30,000 for a kitchen or bathroom. The least expensive structural project is a garage conversion ADU at $80,000–$140,000, which leverages an existing structure and delivers income potential that offsets the cost over time.
Get a minimum of 3 written bids from CSLB-licensed contractors. Each bid should include a detailed scope of work, material specifications, permit responsibility, timeline, and payment schedule. Bids that are dramatically lower than others usually mean missing scope, unlicensed subcontractors, or a contractor planning to generate profit through change orders.
Yes. APLA provides free on-site estimates for all project types — kitchen and bathroom remodels, ADUs, room additions, and full home renovations — throughout Greater Los Angeles. We provide written, itemized estimates so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Permits typically add 1–3% to total project cost in Los Angeles. For a $100,000 project, budget $1,000–$3,000 for permits and inspection fees. Never skip permits — unpermitted work can prevent you from selling your home, void your insurance, and require expensive demolition to correct.
Most remodel budgets include demolition, and it is normally priced as its own line rather than folded into construction. Expect demolition cost in Los Angeles to run $3,000–$40,000+, from a partial interior gut ahead of a kitchen or bathroom remodel through to a full house teardown. Permits and utility disconnects are separate again, and both need scheduling before crews arrive.
Interior scope is only half of most remodel budgets. Exterior work is priced separately, and on older Los Angeles homes it is often what the property needs first. Budget stucco repair cost in Los Angeles at $400–$25,000+, depending on whether you are patching hairline cracks or re-stuccoing a full elevation, and exterior house painting cost in Los Angeles at $4,000–$15,000+ by home size. The two are usually sequenced together — stucco is patched and cured before paint goes on — so pricing them as a single exterior package generally costs less than bringing separate trades back a year apart.
APLA Construction provides written estimates for all remodeling projects in Greater Los Angeles. We are transparent about costs, realistic about timelines, and pull permits for every project that requires them.
Call: (818) 818-4419
Email: info@aplaconstruction.com
CA General Contractor License #1136359
Serving Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Santa Monica, Culver City, Pasadena, Glendale, Torrance, and all of Greater Los Angeles. Learn more about APLA’s remodeling services.