Say goodbye to renovation stress—Better Together Builders guarantees your kitchen remodel timeline and budget in Los Angeles for a smooth, on-time, and cost-controlled transformation.
Why Kitchen Remodels Blow Past Time and Budget
If you’ve ever heard horror stories about kitchen remodels dragging on for months or costing double the original estimate, you’re not alone. Homeowners in Los Angeles often face contractor delays, hidden kitchen remodel costs, and frustratingly poor communication. Between California’s overloaded permitting offices and unpredictable supply chain issues, it’s no wonder why Los Angeles remodeling challenges are among the most notorious in the country.
Common Delay Culprits in Los Angeles Homes
Here are the top regional factors that cause schedule overruns:
- Permit backlogs at LADBS – City offices often take 10–20 business days just to review applications.
- Long lead times for custom cabinets and imported tiles – “Lead time” is the period between ordering a material and when it arrives onsite.
- Outdated systems behind 1920s-era walls – Surprise plumbing and electrical upgrades are common in older Los Angeles homes.
- HOA approvals for condos in Santa Monica and Glendale – These add an extra layer of paperwork and waiting.
- Labor shortages – Skilled trades like tile setters and finish carpenters are booked weeks out.
Hidden Costs Most Contractors Overlook
Unexpected expenses can pile up fast when you’re working with an inexperienced or vague contractor. Watch for these common budget busters:
- Sub-floor water damage discovered after demo.
- Electrical panel upgrades from 100-amp to 200-amp service to meet code.
- Asbestos or lead paint abatement—“Abatement” means the safe removal and disposal of hazardous materials per EPA regulations.
- Change orders due to design indecision or miscommunication.
- Rush-order shipping fees for back-ordered appliances.
That’s why Better Together Builders takes a proactive approach to identifying and preventing these issues early on.
Our Six-Step Process That Locks in Your Schedule
Follow these six milestones to keep your project on rails.
- Initial Consultation and Scope Freeze
In a 60-minute site visit, we document your must-haves and nice-to-haves. We then “freeze the scope” in a signed document—this means no new features are added unless a formal, priced change order is approved.
- 3D Design With Fixed-Price Quote
We present photorealistic 3D renderings side-by-side with your existing space. You receive a fixed-price quote covering labor, materials, and permit fees—no vague allowances.
- Permit Pull and Material Ordering
We submit plans to LADBS within 48 hours and order long-lead items like cabinets in the same week. Most permits are approved within 10–15 business days when paperwork is in order.
- Demo Day and Weekly Milestones
We protect your home with plastic walls and negative-air machines. Here’s what the weekly flow looks like:
- Week 1: Demo
- Week 2: Rough plumbing & framing
- Week 3: Electrical & HVAC
- Week 4: Drywall & prime paint
- Week 5: Cabinets & flooring
- Week 6: Countertops & backsplash
- Quality Checkpoints and Client Walk-Throughs
We conduct three key inspections—post-framing, pre-drywall electrical/plumbing, and finish carpentry sign-off. Each ends with a WhatsApp photo set and homeowner approval.
- Final Handoff and Warranty Activation
You receive a 2-year workmanship warranty, manufacturer coverage, and a care guide. We schedule a 30-day follow-up call to address any punch-list items.
Transparent Budgeting From Day One
Better Together Builders is the anti-surprise contractor—every dollar is tracked before hammers swing.
Line-Item Estimates Versus Lump-Sum Bids
| Traditional Lump-Sum Bid | Our Line-Item Estimate |
|---|---|
| Labor: Included (but not broken out) | Labor: Itemized with hours and cost per trade |
| Materials: Flat amount | Materials: Specific vendors and SKUs listed |
| Permits: Buried in total | Permits: Shown as a separate line item |
| Contingency: Often missing | Contingency: Transparent 10–15% fund |
Allowances and How We Prevent Change Orders
Some contractors quote $3/sq.ft. for tile when your taste runs closer to $12/sq.ft.—that’s how change orders happen. We take you on real-cost sourcing trips to tile showrooms in Reseda and El Segundo. Our signed “No Allowance, No Surprise” clause ensures everything is priced upfront.
Contingency Planning for Unforeseen Structural Issues
A contingency fund is a 10–15% buffer for genuine surprises. If it’s not needed, we refund it. One client received $2,300 back after framing passed with no structural work required.
Week-by-Week Timeline You Can Hold Us To
Eight weeks from demo to dinner party. Here’s what it looks like:
Pre-Construction Countdown (Weeks -4 to 0)
- Finalize design & 3D renderings
- Submit permits to LADBS
- Order materials & appliances
- Schedule appliance storage/delivery
Construction Sprint (Weeks 1–6)
- Week 1: Demo & rough plumbing
- Week 2: Electrical & HVAC
- Week 3: Inspections & insulation
- Week 4: Drywall & prime paint
- Week 5: Cabinetry & flooring
- Week 6: Countertops & backsplashes
Finishing Touches and Inspection (Weeks 7–8)
- Final paint, hardware, appliances
- City inspection & sign-off
- Professional deep clean
- Week 8: You cook your first meal in your new kitchen
Collaboration Tools That Keep You in Control
We put decision-making power in your hands with full visibility, updates, and real-time coordination—whether you’re home or away.
Dedicated Project Manager and WhatsApp Updates
Expect daily photo drops, a 24-hour response time, and weekly video summaries of progress from your dedicated PM.
On-Site and Virtual Design Sessions
We offer flexible meetings via Zoom for fixture changes and in-person visits for selecting items like stone slabs and custom cabinets.
Progress Photos, Budgets, and Schedules in Your Client Portal
- Live budget tracker with every itemized cost
- Calendar view of all inspections and milestones
- Cloud folder for permits, warranties, and manuals
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens if City Permits Take Longer Than Expected?
Example Answer: We escalate directly with LADBS, and our schedule includes buffers to absorb minor delays.
Can I Live in My Home During the Remodel?
Example Answer: Yes, but expect noise, dust, and limited kitchen access—we install plastic barriers and air filters for safety.
How Does the Timeline Guarantee Appear in My Contract?
Example Answer: Your contract includes a fixed completion date with financial penalties if we miss it without valid cause.
What Financing or Phased Payments Do You Offer?
Example Answer: We accept progress payments, home-equity financing, and offer 0% short-term payment plans for qualified clients.
What Warranties Cover Workmanship and Materials?
Example Answer: We provide a 2-year workmanship warranty, plus all manufacturer warranties—both are transferable if you sell your home.
Ready to get started?
Click here to schedule your free consultation
General Contractor License #1047689
