We check: 1) Orientation (south-facing ideal), 2) Shading, 3) Structural integrity, and 4) CA Title 24 compliance.
CA requires permits for walls >4' tall. We engineer walls to meet seismic Zone 4 requirements.
Measure space and check CA plumbing codes. We provide free 3D designs.
Aluminum (lightweight, powder-coated) or redwood (natural, requires sealing). Avoid vinyl in high-heat areas.
1) Loose ledger board, 2) Corroded fasteners, 3) <36" railings, 4) Rot at post bases. CA requires 40lb/ft² live load rating.
Depends on scope: Always need 1) Building permit, 2) ADA compliance review, 3) Fire department approval in CA.
Steel for durability, wood for aesthetics, or insulated composite for energy efficiency.
CA requires: 1) Insulation upgrade, 2) Egress window, 3) Separate HVAC. Permit costs ~$2k in LA County.
100% acrylic elastomeric (stretches with temperature swings) with mildewcide for CA marine layer areas.
24/7 for leaks/floods. CA law requires licensed plumber for any pipe/water heater work.
Check CSLB #978430 status and request proof of general liability insurance (>$1M coverage).
Recommended for pre-1980 LA homes. We check: 1) Cripple wall bracing, 2) Foundation bolting, 3) Soft-story issues.
$25k-$75k in Southern CA depending on materials (quartz counters, custom cabinets, appliance tier).
Springs fail due to metal fatigue after 10,000+ cycles. Professional replacement recommended (CSLB #978430).
Always check CSLB # and verify C-10 classification. CA requires 4,000+ apprenticeship hours.
24 hours for foot traffic, 7 days for vehicles. CA weather may accelerate curing by 20%.
Asphalt: 15-25 yrs, Tile: 50+ yrs, Metal: 40-70 yrs in CA climates.
3-5 years for high-traffic areas, 7-10 years for bedrooms. Use CA-compliant low-VOC paints.
Composite decking (Trex, Azek) for low maintenance or natural cedar for aesthetics. Concrete patios with cool-surface coatings for heat reduction.
1) CA contractor license#, 2) Material warranties, 3) Drainage plan, 4) HOA compliance experience.
Sticking doors, zigzag cracks >1/4", uneven floors. CA clay soils worsen seasonal movement.
Manual J calculation required by CA law. Oversizing by >15% voids warranties and increases humidity.
6' wrought iron with anti-climb spikes (CA compliant) or redwood privacy fence with reinforced posts.
Verify CSLB license, check BBB rating, and request written estimates before work begins.
1) Gas leaks, 2) Structural collapses, 3) Severe flooding, 4) Electrical fires. We respond within 2 hours in SoCal.
No workers' comp (you're liable), structural failures, and city inspection rejections costing 2-3x to fix.
Luxury vinyl plank (scratch/waterproof) or engineered hardwood with aluminum oxide finish.
Allocate: 25% kitchen, 20% baths, 15% flooring, 10% electrical, 10% contingency. CA permits add 8-12%.
Doors sticking, diagonal wall cracks >1/4", sloping floors (test with a marble).
1-2 days for standard homes. CA energy codes require dual-pane Low-E glass.
Yes in CA for decks >30" high. We handle permits in LA/Ventura/Orange counties.
1) ADUs (+20% value), 2) Kitchen remodel (75-85% ROI), 3) Energy-efficient windows (30% tax credit).
Concrete: $8-$12/sqft (lasts 30+ yrs), Asphalt: $3-$5/sqft (lasts 15 yrs). Concrete recommended for CA heat.
Not advised. Springs store 200+ lbs of tension - requires specialized tools.
Avoid chlorine tablets (causes corrosion) and algaecides (ineffective dispersion).
Not in CA since 2020 (SB-13). ADUs can be rented separately.
Enclosures provide year-round use (insulated glass/screens), while covers offer shade only. Enclosures add ~15% to home value in CA.
Traditional (cement-based) lasts 50+ years but cracks; synthetic (acrylic) flexes but fades. We recommend traditional for CA seismic activity.