Question 1

Are you the licensed contractor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Permit Matching is a licensed, bonded & insured California general contractor. We hold the CSLB license, pull your permit under it, and build with our own crews. CSLB license number available upon request.

Question 2

So what exactly do you do?

Accepted Answer

We are a design-build general contractor in LA County. We design, permit, and build residential projects with our own crews — one company accountable from the first drawing to the final walkthrough. The people you talk to are the people who build it.

Question 3

How is this different from Yelp, Angi, or Houzz?

Accepted Answer

Those are lead-generation services — they sell your contact information to contractors who pay for it, then step away. We are the contractor. You hire us directly to design, permit, and build your project, and nobody sells your information. We are the contractor — not a referral service.

Question 4

How did you get my information?

Accepted Answer

Because we're active in LA County construction, we see when permits are issued and reach out at the right moment. All of that information is public record, and we are fully TCPA compliant. If you'd prefer not to be contacted, just let us know and we'll add you to our do-not-call list immediately.

Question 5

What if I already have a builder?

Accepted Answer

That's great — we're glad you found someone you trust. If anything changes or you have a future project, we're here. No hard feelings at all.

Question 6

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We build across Greater Los Angeles and Southern California — Riverside, Thousand Oaks, Bakersfield, Calabasas, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley — and we're expanding into San Diego. We build where we work, and we know local building codes and permit processes inside out. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, give us a call at 424-362-6480.

Question 7

What does an ADU typically cost in LA County?

Accepted Answer

A detached ADU in LA County typically runs from the low-to-mid six figures, with most landing somewhere around $150,000 to $400,000+ — though it varies widely by size, finishes, site conditions, and utilities. A garage conversion is usually less; a larger ground-up unit is more. Whatever the scope, you get one detailed, line-item estimate after we walk the project.

Question 8

What does a kitchen remodel typically cost?

Accepted Answer

A kitchen remodel in LA County typically ranges from roughly $40,000 to $120,000+, depending on size, cabinetry, appliances, and whether you move plumbing or walls. A cosmetic refresh sits at the lower end; a full gut with custom cabinetry sits higher. You get one detailed, line-item estimate after we walk the project — transparent pricing, no vague allowances.

Question 9

What does a bathroom remodel typically cost?

Accepted Answer

A bathroom remodel in LA County typically runs from about $20,000 to $60,000+, varying with size, tile and fixture selections, and whether the layout or plumbing changes. A guest bath is usually less than a primary-suite renovation. As with every project, you get one detailed, line-item estimate after we walk the scope with you.

Question 10

What does a home addition typically cost?

Accepted Answer

A home addition in LA County typically costs in the range of roughly $300 to $600+ per square foot, so a project commonly lands anywhere from the high five figures into the several hundred thousands depending on scope, structural work, and finishes. Every estimate is detailed and line-item, spelled out before we start.

Question 11

Why are these cost ranges so wide?

Accepted Answer

Because real construction costs depend on scope, materials, site conditions, and permits — anyone quoting a single number sight-unseen is guessing. Use these ranges only to budget; we give you a detailed, line-item estimate after walking your project, so the scope and the price are spelled out before we start.

Question 12

Do I need a permit for my project?

Accepted Answer

Most structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work — ADUs, additions, and full kitchen or bath remodels that move walls or systems — requires a permit in LA County, while small cosmetic work (like paint or replacing fixtures in place) usually does not. We tell you exactly what your scope needs and pull the permit under our CSLB license. You are working directly with the licensed contractor, not a referral service guessing about code.

Question 13

Who pulls the building permit?

Accepted Answer

We do — under our own CSLB license. Not you, and not a third party. The same team accountable for the construction is accountable for the permit and inspections, so there is no handoff between a contractor and the people who actually build your project.

Question 14

How long do LA County / LADBS / city permits take?

Accepted Answer

Permit timelines generally range from a few weeks for straightforward over-the-counter work to a few months for ADUs, additions, and projects needing plan check — and they vary by jurisdiction (unincorporated LA County via Public Works, the City of LA via LADBS, or an individual city like Pasadena or Santa Monica). We prepare the submittal and manage plan check and inspections for you, working directly with each local department.

Question 15

How does it start?

Accepted Answer

After a quick consultation call about your project, we set up a time to walk the scope with you, then give you a detailed, line-item estimate and a real schedule — usually within a few business days, depending on availability.

Question 16

What if we're not the right fit?

Accepted Answer

No problem at all. Personal chemistry and fit matter on a construction project. If it doesn't feel right — for any reason — just tell us. We can talk through what didn't work, or respectfully step aside if you'd prefer to go a different direction. There's never any pressure.

Question 17

Can I share specific preferences for the work?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. During your consultation, tell us your priorities — eco-friendly practices, accessibility features, a particular design aesthetic, or communication style. The more we know, the better we can build those priorities into the design from day one.

Question 18

Do you subcontract the work?

Accepted Answer

We build with our own crews. Specialty trades work under our supervision, and we remain your single accountable contractor from the first drawing to the final walkthrough.

Question 19

Is the consultation obligation-free?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the consultation and estimate are completely free and no-obligation. There's no pressure to move forward. If you decide not to proceed, we understand.

Question 20

Who holds the contractor license?

Accepted Answer

We do. Permit Matching holds the CSLB license — we are a licensed, bonded & insured California general contractor. You contract directly with, and are protected by, the licensed contractor doing the work.

Question 21

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we carry an active California general contractor's license, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage. You're working directly with a licensed, bonded & insured contractor. CSLB license number available upon request.

Question 22

How experienced are the crews that do the work?

Accepted Answer

We've been building across Southern California since 2006 — 20 years of work. We build with our own in-house crews, so we know their craftsmanship and their track record firsthand. This isn't a directory of names; it's our own work.

Question 23

What if something goes wrong with the project?

Accepted Answer

Issues can occasionally arise on any construction project. We're the contractor — one call, no finger-pointing between a referral service and a builder. Contact us and we make it right. Your safety and satisfaction are the priority.

Question 24

Can I see references or past work?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We're glad to share references, photos of past projects, and anything else you'd like to review. Don't hesitate to ask questions on your consultation call.

Question 25

Which cities do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We build across Greater Los Angeles and Southern California, including Pasadena, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Glendale, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Riverside, Thousand Oaks, Bakersfield, Calabasas, and Palm Springs / the Coachella Valley — and we are expanding into San Diego. Each city has its own landing page below. We know each local building department and pull permits there regularly. See /locations/pasadena, /locations/santa-monica, /locations/long-beach, /locations/glendale, /locations/burbank, /locations/sherman-oaks, /locations/riverside, /locations/thousand-oaks, /locations/bakersfield, /locations/calabasas, /locations/palm-springs, and /locations/san-diego.

Question 26

What types of projects do you build?

Accepted Answer

We build a full range of residential construction: kitchen and bathroom remodels, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), full home renovations, ground-up new builds, home additions, demolition and rebuilds, outdoor living and landscaping, and more. If you are unsure whether we cover your project type, reach out and we will let you know.

Question 27

Do you work on commercial projects?

Accepted Answer

Currently we focus exclusively on residential projects. If you have a commercial project, we recommend reaching out to general contractors who specialize in commercial work.

Question 28

Do you serve areas outside Greater LA?

Accepted Answer

We build across Southern California — Greater Los Angeles, Riverside, Thousand Oaks, Bakersfield, Calabasas, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley — and we're expanding into San Diego, holding deep local permitting expertise in each. For projects outside this area, please call us at 424-362-6480 — we may be able to help or point you in the right direction.

Question 29

What does it cost to work with you?

Accepted Answer

The consultation is free. You pay for the construction work itself, spelled out in one detailed, line-item estimate after we walk the project with you.

Question 30

How much will my project cost?

Accepted Answer

Project costs vary with scope, materials, and complexity. During your consultation we'll discuss your budget range so we can plan accordingly. We provide a detailed, line-item estimate after meeting with you and reviewing the project.

Question 31

Is the price higher because of how you find clients?

Accepted Answer

No. You're hiring the contractor directly, so there's no referral layer or lead fee in your price. The estimate covers the design and construction work itself — spelled out line by line.

Question 32

How does your estimate work?

Accepted Answer

One detailed, line-item estimate after we walk the project — scope and price spelled out before we start. No vague allowances and no surprise change-order games; you see exactly what you are paying for.

Question 33

How quickly can the work start?

Accepted Answer

That depends on our schedule and your project scope. After your consultation and estimate, most projects can begin within 2-6 weeks, depending on crew availability and permitting requirements. We'll discuss timeline expectations during your consultation.

Question 34

What happens after the estimate?

Accepted Answer

Once you approve the estimate, we schedule the work, pull permits under our CSLB license, and start. You deal directly with us throughout — one accountable team from the first drawing to the final walkthrough.

Question 35

Can I contact you during the project if I have concerns?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always. We're the contractor — you can always reach us. Whenever issues arise or you need guidance, we're available. Your satisfaction matters to us start to finish.

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