California real estatePhoto byShutterstock/Jennie Book
How much does home remodeling cost in Los Angeles?
Notebook, calculator, and tools on wooden background to make a remodeling budgetPhoto by(Shutterstock/Alexander Ruiz Acevedo)
The average cost of remodeling in Los Angeles ranges from $15,000 to $200,000. Compared to 2022, the cost of remodeling in 2023 has gone up to 5-10% because of higher material costs and a shortage of qualified labor.
Here are some of the most common areas for home remodeling and their respective average cost range:
Kitchen
The kitchen is typically the first place homeowners think of remodeling. When looking at homes for sale, a modern kitchen usually encourages buyers to make an offer. On average, kitchen remodeling in LA could set you back anywhere between $50,000-$70,000.
Bathroom
The bathroom is another key area for potential buyers. The size, quality and layout of a bathroom can make a big difference in whether a buyer makes an offer or not. For a full renovation of a standard bathroom in LA without layout changes, the average cost starts at $18,000. An upscale bathroom remodeling can go up to $75,000.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
An ADU is a secondary residential unit on a property with an existing home. It is also known as a granny flat or backyard home, meaning it’s a full-on house with its own kitchen and bathroom. In comparison, a junior ADU (JADU) is an ADU of no more than 500 square feet that can be built within a single-family home or accessory structure, such as a garage, and does not require its own bathroom.
The new California ADU regulation changes have afforded most single-family homes with greater flexibility. Most Los Angeles homeowners can add living space on their property by building an ADU, JADU or garage conversion. You can build an ADU up to 1,200 square feet or as small as 200 square feet. Cost can be anywhere between $120,000 to $400,000 because it must include a kitchen and bathroom.
Tips to stay on top of your remodeling budget
Couple budgeting for remodelling costs.Photo by(Shutterstock/Ground Picture)
- Fluff up your budget with an additional 10-15% contingency in case of project overruns and unforeseen structural, plumbing or heating problems.
- Fix the plumbing and electrical infrastructure while under renovation or face more costly problems down the road.
- If you’re doing it for the resale value, focus on critical areas like the kitchen and bathroom. They add the most value, so they should be top priority.
- Consult experts before any work begins. Involving an architect or designer while creating the plan can help avoid costly changes mid-stream.
Conclusion
Costs for remodeling a home in Los Angeles have steadily increased in the past few years. However, for homeowners, it might be a necessary expense that could prove beneficial in the long run. Before you contemplate how much remodeling will cost, starting with a plan and checklist of the items you need for the project is a good idea. It’s important for the contractors bidding on the project to see the scope of the project to provide you with an accurate estimate, helping you budget accordingly.