Frequently Asked Questions
ANSWERS FOR SOUTH BAY HOMEOWNERS
Local Builder who lives and works in the community with a deep love for the community.
Your Questions, Answered
Below are the questions our clients in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes, and throughout the South Bay and Westside of Los Angeles, as well as Pacific Palisades, ask us most often. If you do not see yours here, reach out. We answer every inquiry personally.
About Lux Builders
How long has Lux Builders been in business?
Lux Builders & Remodeling Inc. has been building and remodeling homes across the South Bay, Manhattan Beach, and Los Angeles for over 20 years. We are a licensed California general contractor (CSLB License #864453), fully insured and family-run. We have the same 888-335-0777 number since 2005!
What areas of Los Angeles do you service?
We focus on the South Bay, Los Angeles, and the Westside. We also live and work in Manhattan Beach where we are part of the community, where we raise our families and call this beautiful place our home. Our primary service cities include Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates, Rolling Hills, El Segundo, Westchester, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Venice, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Culver City, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Beverly Glen, Trousdale Estates, Hawthorne, Gardena, and Lawndale. A full list lives on our Areas We Service page.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We hold an active California State License Board general contractor license (#864453), carry full liability insurance, and are bonded. We are happy to provide current certificates of insurance before any project begins.
Services & Project Types
What services does Lux Builders offer?
We specialize in new custom home construction, whole-home remodeling, room additions, second-story additions, ADUs (accessory dwelling units, both detached and attached), complete kitchen remodeling, and complete bathroom remodeling.
Do you handle small jobs, partial remodels, or cosmetic refreshes?
We focus exclusively on complete, full-scope projects, which is where our team delivers the most value. A complete kitchen remodel for us means everything from demolition and layout changes through cabinetry, countertops, plumbing, electrical, flooring, and finishes. We do not take on cabinet-only swaps, paint-only refreshes, or single-appliance installs. If you are looking for a partial update, we are happy to refer you to a trusted handyman.
What is the typical budget range for a Lux Builders project?
Every home is different, so every project is scoped and priced individually. That said, most of our clients start at $50,000 or more for their projects. Our sweet spot is high-quality, full-scope work where it is worth doing things right the first time. We offer free online and on-site consultations so you can get a realistic estimate for your specific home before making any decisions.
Do you build ADUs?
Yes, ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are one of our specialties. Under current California law, most single-family lots in our service area are eligible for an ADU, and many also qualify for a JADU (Junior ADU). We handle design, permits, and construction end to end. Once built, ADUs can typically be rented long-term to help offset your mortgage or house multi-generational family.
Can you add a second story to my existing home?
In most cases, yes. A second-story addition is one of the most cost-effective ways to nearly double your square footage without losing yard space, especially on smaller South Bay lots. We will assess your existing foundation, framing, and local zoning (each city, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa, Redondo, PV, has its own height and setback rules) during the consultation.
Process, Timeline & Permits
How long does a typical remodel or new build take?
Rough guidance, start to finish: complete kitchen remodel 8-14 weeks; complete bathroom remodel 6-10 weeks; room addition 3-8 months; detached ADU 3-5 months; second-story addition 7-10 months; new custom home 12-18+ months. Timelines depend heavily on city permits, finishes, size, and clients’ preferences. We build a realistic schedule into every proposal.
Do you handle permits and plans?
Yes, we handle the entire process, including architectural plans, structural engineering, Title 24 energy compliance, HOA approvals (where applicable), and city permits in all cities we service. You stay informed; we do the running around.
What does the design-build process look like?
Our typical flow: (1) Free consultation online and at your home where we listen, measure, and discuss scope; (2) Design & scope proposal plans, material selections, fixed-price estimate; (3) Permits & preconstruction submittals, approvals, scheduling; (4) Construction your dedicated project manager gives you weekly updates; (5) Walkthrough & warranty final punch list, handover, and our workmanship warranty.
Will I have a single point of contact during construction?
Yes. You will have a dedicated project manager and a direct line to the owner and the contractor. You will not be passed between subcontractors or left wondering who is in charge.
Cost, Estimates & Payment
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We offer online initial meetings, In-home consultations, and initial estimates are always free, with no obligation. Request yours here or call us directly.
Are your estimates fixed-price or time and materials?
We use fixed-price contracts based on a detailed scope of work. Change orders are issued when the scope changes or we add excluded materials and labor. We perform additional work upon the clients’ approval. We pride ourselves on a flexible approach.
How are payments structured?
Projects are paid in milestone-based progress payments tied to progressing phases of work, as required by California law. We never ask for the full amount up front, and every payment corresponds to completed progress on your home.
Quality & Warranty
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
Yes. All Lux Builders’ work is covered by our workmanship warranty, plus we pass through all manufacturer warranties on materials, fixtures, and appliances. California also requires a 10-year implied warranty for latent defects in new construction, which we stand behind in full.
Can I see reviews or past projects before I commit?
Absolutely, we encourage it. Read 50+ verified 5-star reviews from South Bay homeowners, browse our portfolio of completed projects, and we can arrange to show you a recently completed home in person, with the owner’s permission.