Practical guidance for better renovation decisions.

Both options add square footage, but they solve different problems. An addition extends your existing house — a new primary suite over the garage, or a bumped-out kitchen. An ADU is a separate, self-contained unit with its own kitchen and bath, useful for rental income, aging parents, or adult children.

When an addition usually wins

If you want more space that functions as part of your existing home — a bigger kitchen, a second living area — an addition is typically faster to permit and less expensive per square foot than a detached ADU.

When an ADU usually wins

If you want a legally separate living space, either for rental income or for a family member who needs privacy, an ADU is the better fit. Los Angeles's ADU ordinances have made permitting more predictable than it was a decade ago, though timelines still vary by lot.

The right call usually comes down to your lot size, your setback constraints, and whether you want that new space to be part of your household or its own.

A renovation contract should protect you as much as the contractor. Before signing, ask:

1. Is the scope of work written in detail?

Vague language like "remodel kitchen" leaves room for disputes later. Look for specific materials, fixtures, and finishes named in the contract.

2. How are change orders handled?

Ask to see a sample change order. It should document cost and schedule impact before work continues, not after.

3. Who is actually doing the work?

Ask whether the crew on site works directly for the company or is subcontracted, and how disputes with subs get resolved.

4. What's the payment schedule?

Payments tied to project milestones, rather than large upfront deposits, generally protect you better if a project stalls.

5. What happens after completion?

Ask what warranty coverage applies and who you call if something needs adjustment six months later.

Most first-time renovators underestimate two categories: what's behind the walls, and the contingency they'll actually need.

Labor and materials

For a typical kitchen or bath remodel, labor and materials each account for roughly a third to a half of the budget, with the split shifting toward materials as finish quality goes up.

What's behind the walls

Older Los Angeles homes often need plumbing, electrical, or structural work that isn't visible until demo starts. Budgeting for this upfront, rather than treating it as a surprise, avoids most mid-project budget blowouts.

Contingency

A contingency of roughly 10–15% of the total budget, held in reserve rather than spent on upgrades, is what actually absorbs the surprises behind older walls.