FAQ

No — Santa Monica is an independent city with its own Building & Safety Division under the Community Development Department (CDD). ADU permits in Santa Monica are submitted to the City of Santa Monica, not to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Santa Monica’s ADU regulations are governed by the Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC § 9.31.025) and California state ADU law. Additionally, most properties in Santa Monica — particularly those south of the I-10 freeway — are located within the California Coastal Zone and require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to standard building permits. This adds a layer of review not required for ADU projects in other Los Angeles neighborhoods. Kobzev Pro manages the full permit process with the City of Santa Monica, including CDP applications where applicable.

Yes — but hillside properties in Sherman Oaks come with additional requirements that flat-lot projects don’t face. Properties located in the City of Los Angeles Hillside Area are subject to stricter grading standards, increased setback rules, and in some cases, brush clearance and fire-resistive construction requirements under the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) designation. A soils report and grading plan are typically required before LADBS will approve an ADU permit on a steep lot. Kobzev Pro conducts a detailed site assessment during the free in-home consultation to identify these factors early — so your timeline and budget reflect the real scope of the project before any work begins.

Home remodeling costs in Encino, CA vary significantly based on project scope. A kitchen remodel typically ranges from $40,000 to $120,000 or more for a full renovation with custom cabinetry, new appliances, and layout changes. A bathroom remodel generally runs $15,000 to $75,000 depending on size and finish level — a basic guest bath refresh sits at the lower end, while a full master bathroom with custom tile and a walk-in shower approaches the higher end. A whole-home remodel in Encino can range from $150,000 to $500,000+ depending on the extent of structural, mechanical, and cosmetic changes involved.
Encino homeowners tend to invest in higher-end finishes given the neighborhood’s premium property values and strong resale market. Kobzev Pro provides a detailed, fixed-price written estimate before any work begins — broken down by trade and scope — so there are no hidden costs when the project is underway.

Under current City of Los Angeles regulations, the maximum size for a detached ADU is 1,200 square feet. For a studio or one-bedroom detached ADU, the cap is 850 square feet. An attached ADU — one that shares a wall with the primary home — can be up to 50% of the primary dwelling’s square footage, with a maximum of 1,200 square feet. A Junior ADU (JADU), which is created within the existing footprint of the primary home, is limited to 500 square feet.
These size limits apply to new construction. Garage conversions are generally permitted up to the existing garage footprint, regardless of size, provided the structure meets building code requirements. Kobzev Pro helps Encino homeowners maximize their allowable square footage based on lot size, zoning, and project goals — ensuring you build as much value as current regulations allow.

A garage conversion to ADU in Encino typically takes 4 to 7 months from the initial consultation to final city inspection. The timeline breaks down into three main phases: design and planning (2 to 4 weeks), LADBS permit review (8 to 14 weeks), and construction (6 to 10 weeks depending on scope).

The permitting phase is usually the longest part of the process and is largely outside the contractor’s control — LADBS plan check timelines vary by project complexity and current workload. Kobzev Pro submits complete, accurate permit packages to minimize the risk of corrections that add weeks to the review. Once permits are issued, a typical garage conversion construction phase runs 6 to 10 weeks for a standard single-car garage conversion with a bathroom and kitchen.

Yes — in most cases, Encino homeowners can legally convert an attached or detached garage into a fully permitted ADU. California state law (effective since 2020 and strengthened by subsequent legislation) requires the City of Los Angeles to approve garage conversion ADUs on single-family lots that meet basic requirements. Under current LA regulations, you are generally not required to replace the parking space you remove when converting a garage to an ADU, which makes this one of the most accessible ADU options available.

To qualify, the garage typically needs to meet minimum ceiling height requirements, be connected to the property’s utility systems, and comply with setback rules. Interior upgrades — insulation, drywall, HVAC, plumbing if a bathroom is added, and electrical — are standard parts of the conversion. Kobzev Pro specializes in garage-to-ADU conversions throughout Encino and handles every phase: structural assessment, architectural plans, LADBS permits, and full construction.

Yes — a permit from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) is required to build any ADU in Encino, CA. Encino falls under the jurisdiction of the City of Los Angeles, and all ADU construction must comply with LA’s zoning regulations, California Building Code, and current state ADU laws. Required permits typically include a building permit, electrical permit, plumbing permit, and mechanical permit.
The permitting process involves submitting architectural plans, a site plan, and supporting documentation to LADBS. Plan check review currently takes 8 to 14 weeks in most cases, depending on project complexity. Kobzev Pro handles the entire permitting process on your behalf — from preparing the drawings to responding to city corrections — so your project stays on track without you having to navigate the bureaucracy.

Building an ADU in Encino, CA typically costs between $150,000 and $400,000 or more, depending on the type of unit, size, and level of finishes. A garage conversion is the most affordable option, generally ranging from $80,000 to $150,000, since the existing structure eliminates foundation and framing costs. A detached ADU built from the ground up on an Encino lot typically runs $200,000 to $400,000+, depending on square footage and design complexity. Attached ADUs fall somewhere in between.
Several factors affect the final cost: lot conditions, utility connections, architectural design, permit fees, and material selections. In Encino — where average home values exceed $1.5 million — a well-built ADU commonly adds $300,000 to $500,000 in property value, making the investment especially strong. Use our ADU Cost Calculator to get a quick ballpark estimate based on your specific project type and size. For a precise, fixed-price proposal, Kobzev Pro offers free in-home consultations with no obligation.

Kobzev Pro serves homeowners throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, including Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Reseda, North Hollywood, Burbank, and Santa Monica. We are based in Van Nuys, CA, and our teams typically serve projects within a 30-mile radius of our office.

Yes — most homeowners remain in their homes during a bathroom remodel. Kobzev Pro installs heavy-duty floor protection and sealed dust barriers with HEPA air scrubbers before demolition begins, keeping the rest of your home clean and livable. We do recommend having access to a second bathroom during the renovation. If the master bath is your only bathroom, we can discuss sequencing the work to ensure you always have access to a functioning toilet and shower.

Kobzev Pro uses industry-leading waterproofing systems for all shower installations, including Schluter-Kerdi membrane and traditional hot mop (a built-up asphalt membrane applied to the shower pan). Both methods create a fully sealed wet environment before any tile is installed. We never skip this step — improper waterproofing is the leading cause of mold and structural damage in bathroom remodels. Every shower we build is tested for leaks before tiling begins.

Permits are required in Los Angeles whenever a bathroom remodel involves changes to plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural elements. Cosmetic updates — like replacing a vanity, toilet, or tile — typically do not require a permit. As a licensed Class B General Contractor (CSLB #1148495), Kobzev Pro handles all permit applications with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) on your behalf, ensuring your project is fully code-compliant.

A typical guest bathroom remodel in Los Angeles takes 2–4 weeks from demolition to final walkthrough. A full master bathroom renovation — including custom tile work, new plumbing fixtures, and a walk-in shower — generally takes 4–6 weeks. Timelines depend on material lead times and project complexity. At Kobzev Pro, we coordinate all trades on a tight schedule to minimize the time you’re without a functioning bathroom.

Bathroom remodel costs in Los Angeles typically range from $12,000 for a basic guest bath refresh to $75,000 or more for a full master bathroom renovation with custom tile, a walk-in shower, soaking tub, and layout changes. The final cost depends on the bathroom’s size, the materials selected, and whether plumbing or electrical lines need to be relocated. Kobzev Pro provides a fixed-price written proposal before any work begins, so there are no surprise costs.

Not necessarily. We conduct a structural assessment to ensure your existing slab can support the new living space. If needed, we perform minor retrofitting or moisture barrier installation to meet modern California residential building codes.

Yes, typically a garage conversion costs 20% to 40% less than a ground-up detached ADU. Since the foundation, walls, and roof are already in place, you save significantly on structural materials and labor, allowing you to invest more in high-end interior finishes.

In most Los Angeles areas, especially those near public transit, current California law (SB 9 and ADU mandates) eliminates the requirement to replace covered parking when converting an existing garage. This makes the process much more affordable and feasible for most homeowners.

A custom build usually takes 9-12 months: 3-5 months for design and LADBS permits, and 6-7 months for construction and final inspections.

Typically up to 1,200 sq. ft. for a detached unit, depending on your primary home size and lot coverage rules. We’ll check your specific zoning in 30 seconds.

Yes, provided there is enough clearance from the pool’s structural “zone of influence”. We perform a site assessment to ensure safe and legal placement.

We trench new lines for sewer, water, and electricity directly to the main house or a separate meter. We manage all coordination with LADWP and the city.

On average, construction takes 4 to 6 weeks. We recommend setting up a temporary kitchenette (microwave/fridge) in another room during this time.

A minor remodel (keeping the layout) starts around 25k−35k. A full custom renovation with layout changes and new cabinets typically ranges from $50k to $80k+. We provide a detailed quote based on your material choices.

While your property taxes will be reassessed based on the value of the new improvements, your primary home’s tax base remains protected. Under Proposition 13, only the value of the new ADU is added to your tax bill, not the entire property’s market value.

Yes! State laws encourage ADUs for rental housing. You can rent it out long-term to generate passive income immediately.

In Los Angeles, the permitting process usually takes 2 to 4 months, depending on the city’s backlog. Once permits are issued, construction takes another 3–4 months.

ADU construction costs in Los Angeles vary based on the project type, square footage, and chosen finishes. At Kobzev Pro Contracting Group, we offer transparent, value-driven pricing to help you maximize your ROI:

• Garage to ADU Conversions: Pricing typically starts at $250 per sq. ft. Since we leverage your existing structure, this is the most cost-effective way to add a legal living unit to your property.
• New Ground-Up ADU Construction: For detached or attached units built from scratch, pricing starts at $300 per sq. ft. This covers complete site preparation, new foundation, framing, and full utility integration.

Please note: These are baseline investment figures for standard designs. Final pricing depends on your specific architectural choices, material selections (Standard vs. Luxury), LADBS permit fees, and the complexity of utility hookups. Contact us for a detailed, line-item estimate tailored to your lot.

Yes. While we don’t sell materials directly, we guide you through the selection process, recommending trusted local suppliers for tile, fixtures, and vanities to ensure quality and compatibility.

Yes! For bathroom and kitchen remodels, most clients stay home. We isolate the work zone to minimize dust and noise disruption. We just ask that you have access to a secondary bathroom/kitchenette if needed.

A standard bathroom remodel typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. Larger master bathrooms or projects involving layout changes may take 4–5 weeks.

For cosmetic changes (tile, paint, cabinets), usually no. But if we are moving plumbing, changing electrical, or removing walls, a city permit is required. As a licensed contractor, we handle all necessary permits for you.

We are based in Van Nuys and serve the entire San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area. Our primary service areas include Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Woodland Hills, Santa Monica, and Hollywood.

ADU costs in Los Angeles in 2026 vary significantly based on unit type, size, finishes, and site conditions. Garage conversions are the most cost-effective option, typically ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 — the existing structure eliminates foundation and framing costs, making them the fastest path to a permitted living unit. Attached ADUs generally run $120,000 to $250,000 depending on how much structural work the connection requires. New detached ADUs built from the ground up are the most expensive option, typically $150,000 to $400,000+, reflecting full foundation, framing, and utility connection costs.
Beyond unit type, final cost is shaped by lot conditions, utility tie-in complexity, architectural design, LADBS permit fees, and material selections. A project on a flat R-1 lot with easy access costs meaningfully less than the same square footage on a hillside parcel with grading requirements.
For a quick ballpark based on your specific project type and size, use our ADU Cost Calculator. For a precise, fixed-price written proposal with no hidden costs, Kobzev Pro offers free in-home consultations across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

Yes! We understand that remodeling can be disruptive, so we take extra care to seal off the construction area with dust barriers and protect your floors. For a standard bathroom remodel (taking 2–3 weeks), you can stay in your home comfortably, provided you have another bathroom available for use.

While every project is unique, a standard Garage Conversion in Los Angeles typically takes 2 to 4 months for construction, once permits are issued. The permitting phase can take an additional 2–4 months depending on the city’s current backlog. We provide a detailed timeline before we start.

Absolutely. We are a full-service design-build company. This means we handle the entire process, including architectural drawings, engineering, and navigating the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) to secure all necessary permits for your ADU or remodel.

Yes, Kobzev Pro Contracting Group is a fully licensed B-General Building Contractor in the State of California. We carry full General Liability insurance and Worker’s Compensation coverage to protect your property and our team throughout the entire project.