Remodeling questions, answered plainly

Most Tulip projects land in the $30K–$325K range (design, permit preparation and construction; city permit fees are separate), depending on scope. We don't take on projects under about $20K. After a free consultation you receive a written summary with an approximate price and timeline.

Mostly scope and structure: moving plumbing or walls, structural and foundation work, systems found at demolition, finish level and, for additions and ADUs, site work and utility connections. City fees and any design review play a part too. The cost estimator shows how these add up for your project type.

We can talk about typical ranges on the phone, and the cost estimator gives a rough range in a couple of minutes. A real number needs a site visit, because structure, existing systems and access change cost more than square footage does.

First, a written summary with an approximate price and timeline, usually within 2–3 business days (4–7 for larger projects). The final price is set in your contract once the design, measurements, materials and site conditions are known. The deposit is $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. After that you pay at written milestones as work is completed and materials are delivered, with the final balance due at completion.

Every change is documented in writing with its price before the work proceeds, whether you ask for it or we find something behind a wall. Nothing extra is built without your signed approval.

A Tulip project leader meets you at your home, walks the space and talks through your goals, budget and timing; the visit takes about 45–60 minutes (up to 90 for larger projects). It's free and there's no pressure. Afterward you get clear next steps and a written summary with an approximate price and timeline, usually within 2–3 business days (4–7 for larger projects).

Photos of the space, any plans or surveys you have, your budget range, your ideal timing and a few images you like. If you don't have plans, that's fine; we produce them.

It depends on the scope and on your city's plan-check time. As a guide, from the first design meeting to completion, a kitchen usually takes 3–6 months, a bathroom 2–6 months, a whole-home remodel or an ADU 7–13 months, and a second story 11–20 months. Each includes design, permits and ordering before construction starts, and you get both phases on a written schedule after the consultation.

Usually, for a kitchen, a bathroom or a ground-floor addition: we seal off the work area, protect floors and keep the rest of the house usable. For whole-home remodels and second stories, moving out for part or all of the job is often shorter and less costly. We'll recommend one or the other for your scope.

Your project leader gives you a selections calendar showing when each decision is due, so materials arrive on time. We go to showrooms with you and pass along our trade pricing.

Yes, it's part of our standard scope. We prepare the drawings, coordinate engineering and Title 24 energy calculations, submit to your city's building department, respond to plan-check comments and meet every inspector.

In the City of Los Angeles it's LADBS; Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Culver City and other cities run their own departments. In the Bay Area, each city has its own building division, and unincorporated areas go through the county. We confirm the right office for your address at the start.

Some will. Interior remodels rarely do, but second stories and visible exterior changes can, for example under Palo Alto's two-story standards or Individual Review, or in a Los Angeles Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. We check before design so the schedule reflects it.

It depends on zoning, setbacks, height and floor-area limits, overlays and utilities. Our feasibility check reviews these for your address before you spend on design.

State law requires cities to act on a complete ADU application within 60 days, generally caps side and rear setbacks at 4 feet, and exempts ADUs with 750 sq ft or less of interior livable space from impact fees (see California HCD (opens in new tab)). Cities add their own rules on top, so we confirm what applies to your lot.

Generally no. New work must meet current code, and some upgrades come with it, such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, water-conserving fixtures in older homes and energy rules for new or altered spaces. We tell you which apply before your contract price is set.

Yes. Design is part of every project: we develop the floor plan and show it to you in 3D renderings, so you can see the finished space before anything is ordered.

You don't need one. Design, engineering and permit drawings are part of our design-build process, and we bring in structural engineers and energy consultants as each project needs them. If you already have an architect or designer, we can price and build from their drawings and coordinate engineering and permits with them; bringing us in during design helps keep the plans within your budget.

During the design phase, once the floor plan is set. You review and revise them before the contract price is final and before anything is ordered.

You can, though buying through us keeps one team accountable for fit, delivery and schedule. If you supply items, we agree in writing who handles ordering, receiving and any damage.

Yes. Tulip Remodeling is a California licensed general contractor, CSLB #1059213, bonded and insured. You can verify our license on the CSLB website (opens in new tab).

We don't take on repairs, handyman work, paint-only or flooring-only jobs, stand-alone fixture installs, or projects under about $20K. That work is welcome as part of a larger remodel.

One Tulip project leader, from design through the final walkthrough. Your project leader answers your calls and texts and sends a written update with photos every week, and more often during key phases. A Tulip supervisor is on site every working day, and every change is documented in writing, with its price, before work proceeds.

Typically one year on workmanship from completion, plus the manufacturers' warranties on products we install. Normal wear, misuse, lack of maintenance and unrelated damage aren't covered. Your exact terms are in your contract, and you receive the warranty documents at the final walkthrough.

We reply to every project inquiry within one business day. If you book online, you choose your consultation time on the spot.

We walk through every room with you, make a punch list and complete it, then hand over warranty documents and a care guide for your new finishes.

In Southern California: Los Angeles, from Mid-City and the Westside through the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, the South Bay and beach cities, Long Beach, the Conejo Valley and Santa Clarita. In Northern California: all nine Bay Area counties, from San José, Silicon Valley and the Peninsula to San Francisco, the East Bay, the Tri-Valley and the North Bay. Use the ZIP checker to confirm your address.

Our Los Angeles office is at 630 1/2 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, near the Fairfax District, and our Bay Area team is based in Los Altos. Consultations happen at your home.

We work throughout Greater Los Angeles and all nine Bay Area counties. If your address is near the edge of either area, tell us about the project and we'll let you know.