Question 1

Are you the licensed contractor?

Accepted Answer

No — the partner firm we co-own holds the CSLB license, not Permit Matching itself. Permit Matching is owner-operated and holds equity in that licensed, CSLB-verified building firm, so you deal directly with the firm and its in-house crews. We are owners of the work, not a broker handing you to a stranger.

Question 2

So what exactly do you do?

Accepted Answer

We co-own licensed LA County building firms that self-perform construction, and we connect you directly with the firm that will build your project. There is no middleman and no markup — the firm fields its own crews and is accountable to you. We earn our return as owners of the firm, not by charging you a fee.

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 opposite: we hold equity in the licensed firms that actually build your project, so you reach the owners and the self-performing crews directly. No lead is sold, no project is handed off to a third party, and there is no markup added on top of your estimate.

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 focus on Los Angeles County and surrounding cities. Our partner firms are based here, build here, and 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, there is no markup — you pay the firm fair market price, because we earn our return as owners of the firm, not by charging you extra.

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 pay the firm fair market price with no markup — we are co-owners of the firm doing the work, not a middleman taking a cut.

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 pay the firm fair market price and no markup — our return comes from owning the firm, not from charging 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 fair market price with no markup, because we are owners of the building firm rather than a referral layer between you and the crew.

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 firm number sight-unseen is guessing. Use these ranges only to budget; the partner firm gives you a detailed written estimate at fair market price after walking your project. There is no markup layered on that estimate — we earn as owners of the firm, not by inflating your price.

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. The licensed partner firm that co-owns with us tells you exactly what your scope needs and handles it. You are working directly with the licensed builder, not a broker guessing about code.

Question 13

Who pulls the building permit?

Accepted Answer

The licensed partner firm that builds your project pulls the permit under its own CSLB license — not you, and not Permit Matching. Because we co-own that firm, the same people accountable for the construction are accountable for the permit and inspections. There is no handoff to a third-party contractor and no middleman between you and the licensed builder.

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). The licensed partner firm prepares the submittal and manages plan check and inspections for you. You are dealing directly with the builder who knows each local department, not a referral service.

Question 15

How does it start?

Accepted Answer

After a quick consultation call about your project, we connect you directly with the partner firm best suited to build it. You meet the builder, walk the scope, and get a fair-market estimate — usually within a few business days, depending on everyone's availability.

Question 16

What if the firm isn't 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 brief the builder before you ever meet.

Question 18

Do I have to hire the firm you introduce me to?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Meeting the builder and reviewing the estimate is completely obligation-free. There's no fee to you for the introduction or consultation, and no pressure to move forward. If you decide not to proceed, we understand.

Question 19

Who holds the contractor license?

Accepted Answer

The partner firm that builds your project holds the CSLB license (CSLB-verified). Permit Matching is owner-operated and holds equity in that firm — we are not the licensed entity. You contract directly with, and are protected by, the licensed firm doing the work.

Question 20

Are the firms licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The partner firm that builds your project carries an active California contractor's license (CSLB-verified), general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage. You're working directly with a licensed, insured builder — not a referral handed off to a stranger.

Question 21

How experienced are the firms that do the work?

Accepted Answer

We've been doing this since 2018 — eight years of building in LA County. We co-own the firms that self-perform the work, so we know their crews, their craftsmanship, and their track record firsthand. This isn't a directory of names we've never met; it's our own work.

Question 22

What if something goes wrong with the project?

Accepted Answer

Issues can occasionally arise on any construction project. Because we co-own the firm doing the work, there is no finger-pointing between a middleman and a builder — contact us, and we work directly with the firm and its crew to make it right. Your safety and satisfaction are the priority.

Question 23

Can I see references or past work?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The partner firm will gladly share references, photos of past projects, and anything else you'd like to review. Don't hesitate to ask questions when you meet the builder.

Question 24

Which LA County cities do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We build across Los Angeles County, including Pasadena, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Glendale, Burbank, and Sherman Oaks — each with its own city landing page below. Our partner firms are rooted in these communities and know each local building department, so you work directly with owner-operated builders who pull permits there regularly — not a broker reaching outside its area. See /locations/pasadena, /locations/santa-monica, /locations/long-beach, /locations/glendale, /locations/burbank, and /locations/sherman-oaks.

Question 25

What types of projects do the firms handle?

Accepted Answer

Our partner firms self-perform 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 26

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 27

Do you serve areas outside LA County?

Accepted Answer

Our partner firms are rooted in LA County and surrounding cities, where they build and hold local permitting expertise. 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 28

What does it cost to work with you?

Accepted Answer

There is no fee to you for the introduction or consultation. You pay the firm fair market price for the construction work — we do not add a markup on top of that. We earn our return as owners of the firm, not by charging you extra.

Question 29

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 the firm can plan accordingly. The partner firm provides a detailed written estimate at fair market price after meeting with you and reviewing the project.

Question 30

Is the price higher because you are involved?

Accepted Answer

No. You pay the firm fair market price for the work, and we don't add a markup. Because you're dealing directly with the builder — no middleman taking a cut — there's no layer of cost between you and the crew doing the work. We earn our return as owners of the firm.

Question 31

How does the estimate work — is it really no markup?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the licensed partner firm gives you a detailed written estimate at fair market price for the actual work, and nothing is layered on top of it for Permit Matching. Because we hold equity in that firm, our return comes from owning the work, not from inflating your number. You see the same price you would if you walked into the firm directly, with no middleman between you and the crew.

Question 32

How quickly can the work start?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 33

What happens after the introduction?

Accepted Answer

You work directly with the partner firm to schedule a site visit, review the estimate, finalize scope, and begin the project. Since we co-own the firm, we stay close — but the builder is your day-to-day point of contact, and you deal with the crew doing the work.

Question 34

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, always. The builder is your primary point of contact, but because we're owners of the firm, we're available whenever issues arise or you need guidance. Your satisfaction matters to us start to finish.

Frequently asked questions.

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