The reality
Renovation is harder than new construction.
That's not an opinion — it's a structural fact. When you renovate a luxury home you're working inside someone else's decisions: old framing, outdated systems, and surprises behind every wall you open. Most contractors treat renovation like a simpler version of new construction. It's the opposite.
We specialize in renovations that require real problem-solving — whole-house gut remodels where scope evolves as conditions are uncovered, additions that integrate seamlessly with existing architecture, and high-end finish work where tolerances are measured in millimeters, not inches.
The work
What a luxury renovation looks like.
Whole-House Gut Remodel
Strip the home to studs and rebuild from the inside out — new systems, new layout, new finishes — while preserving the structure and exterior envelope. Typically 8–14 months.
Major Addition + Renovation
Expand the footprint — second story, new wing, ADU — while renovating the existing space to match. Structural engineering, permit coordination, and careful phasing so new and old feel like one house.
Historic & Character Restoration
Older homes in Pasadena, Hancock Park, and Los Feliz need a different approach — matching trim profiles, restoring original plaster, and upgrading systems without erasing period details.
Kitchen & Bath Within Scope
When a kitchen or bath is part of a larger renovation — custom millwork, imported tile, integrated appliances — that's where we deliver at the highest level.
Risk, handled
How we manage the unknowns.
The biggest risk in any renovation is what you can't see until demolition starts. Our approach: we build contingency into the budget upfront (typically 10–15% for luxury renovations), document existing conditions thoroughly before demo, and when we find surprises, we bring solutions to the table — not just problems.
Weekly OAC meetings keep the architect, designer, and owner aligned so decisions happen fast and don't stall the schedule. Your architect focuses on design. We focus on execution — and we flag conflicts between design intent and field conditions before they become expensive.
Real numbers
What a luxury renovation costs in LA.
A high-end whole-house renovation in Los Angeles runs $300 to $700+ per square foot, depending on scope, finishes, and structural work. A 3,000–5,000 sq ft gut remodel commonly runs $1.2M–$3.5M; a major addition plus renovation, $800K–$2M+. Custom millwork runs $80,000–$300,000+; an architect-designed kitchen $150,000–$400,000+. We provide line-item estimates by trade and phase — and when conditions change during demo, we present options with costs before proceeding.
Common Questions
What clients ask before they renovate.
How long does a luxury renovation take in Los Angeles?+
A whole-house gut remodel typically takes 8 to 14 months from permit to completion. Major additions with renovation can run 10 to 18 months. Permitting adds 2 to 4 months before construction starts.
What does a luxury renovation cost in LA?+
A high-end whole-house renovation in Los Angeles typically runs $300 to $700+ per square foot depending on scope, finishes, and structural work. A 3,000–5,000 sq ft gut remodel commonly runs $1.2M to $3.5M.
Can I live in my home during renovation?+
For a whole-house gut remodel, no — you'll need to relocate for the duration. For phased renovations or additions, it's sometimes possible to live in the unaffected portion. We advise on this during pre-construction.
Do you handle permits for renovations?+
Yes. We manage the entire permit process — LADBS or county — including the additional structural, mechanical, and plumbing approvals renovations often require, plus historic overlay review where it applies.
Planning a renovation?
Whether you have plans ready or you're exploring what's possible, we'd like to hear about it.
Last updated: July 2026