The Jencor blog
Field notes on building and remodeling in Los Angeles: ADUs, additions, remodels, custom homes, and how to choose and work with a builder.
ADU Planning
What Drives ADU Cost in Los Angeles?
A no-fake-precision guide to the inputs that shape an ADU budget.
Choosing a Builder for an ADU in Los Angeles
Choose an ADU builder by testing property feasibility, current California review rules, scope control, utility planning, and site coordination.
Detached vs. Attached vs. Junior ADU: How to Choose
A decision guide for choosing an ADU configuration before committing to a design.
Garage Conversion ADU Planning Checklist for Los Angeles
A practical predesign checklist for homeowners evaluating whether an existing garage can become an ADU.
Contractor Selection
Boutique Builder vs. High-Volume General Contractor
Compare boutique and high-volume contractors by project fit, supervision, communication, scope control, and accountability.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Custom Builder
Use current California contract and license guidance to evaluate a custom builder, compare scope, and recognize hiring red flags.
How to Select a Boutique Home Builder in Los Angeles
Compare Los Angeles home builders by accountability, scope, supervision, communication, and verifiable project fit before signing a contract.
What Is a Boutique General Contractor?
A practical definition of a boutique general contractor based on accountability, project load, decision continuity, and field responsibility.
Site Planning
Building or Remodeling on a Los Angeles Hillside Lot
Plan a Los Angeles hillside project through parcel research, access, grading, geotechnical review, structure, drainage, logistics, and approvals.
Renovating in Santa Monica's Coastal Zone
Plan a Santa Monica renovation by confirming the parcel's coastal status, permit path, current code cycle, scope, and material exposure.
Hiring a Contractor
How to Compare General Contractor Estimates and Proposals
A homeowner checklist for comparing contractor proposals on the same scope instead of choosing by bottom-line price alone.
How to Verify a Licensed General Contractor in California
A step-by-step homeowner guide to checking a California contractor before discussing price or signing an agreement.
Home Additions
Planning a Home Addition in Westlake Village
Plan a Westlake Village addition through city zoning clearance, county building review, property constraints, design continuity, and private restrictions.
Second-Story Addition Feasibility Checklist
A due-diligence guide for deciding whether to add a level before commissioning a complete design.
Project Planning
Remodel, Add On, or Build New: How to Decide
Compare remodeling, adding space, and building new through property condition, layout, lot constraints, scope, approvals, and long-term goals.
What to Expect During a Custom Build, Phase by Phase
Understand a custom build through definition, design coordination, approvals, preconstruction, construction, and closeout.