Short answer. The 60-item checklist below covers a whole house remodel in Los Angeles from planning to final inspection. The phases run sequentially with overlap during long-lead activities. Skip a step and pay for it later. Built from years of CSLB-licensed remodel projects (#1072368).
Phase 1: Planning (months 1 to 2)
- Define the goals of the remodel in one paragraph.
- Write a prioritized scope document (must-have, want, future).
- Set the total budget cap and include 15 to 20 percent contingency.
- Decide whether to stay in the home or move out during construction.
- Tour 3 to 5 finished remodels at similar scope for reference.
- Build a visual reference document (50 to 100 images).
- Decide on design-build vs hire-an-architect path.
- Identify must-keep elements in the existing home.
Phase 2: Contractor selection (months 2 to 3)
- Build a list of 6 to 10 qualified candidates.
- Run CSLB license lookup on each.
- Phone screen the top 5 to 6.
- Schedule onsite meetings with 4 finalists.
- Request bids from 3 final candidates on identical scope.
- Compare bids line by line in a spreadsheet.
- Call 3 references per finalist.
- Visit one active project per finalist.
- Negotiate scope, schedule, and contract terms.
- Have a construction lawyer review the contract over $50,000.
- Sign the contract and pay the deposit (capped at 10 percent or $1,000).
Phase 3: Design and selections (months 3 to 5)
- Schematic floor plans complete.
- Elevations and 3D renderings complete.
- Structural review by a licensed engineer (if structural changes).
- Title 24 energy compliance analysis complete.
- Cabinetry selected and ordered.
- Tile selected and ordered (all rooms).
- Plumbing fixtures selected and ordered.
- Lighting fixtures selected and ordered.
- Flooring selected.
- Paint colors selected.
- Hardware selected.
- Appliances ordered.
- Windows and doors specified and ordered.
- Final drawings signed off by homeowner.
Phase 4: Permits and pre-construction (months 4 to 6)
- Permit application submitted to LADBS.
- Coastal Commission or HPOZ overlay review (if applicable).
- Plan check corrections addressed.
- Permits issued and posted onsite.
- Insurance certificates (COI) received from contractor and subs.
- Pre-construction meeting with project manager and trades.
- Construction start date confirmed.
- Living arrangements finalized (rental, family, in-place).
- Storage arranged if needed.
- Neighbors notified of construction start date.
Phase 5: Construction (months 6 to 10)
- Demolition complete.
- Hidden conditions documented and change orders signed.
- Foundation work complete (if applicable).
- Framing complete and inspected.
- Roofing complete (if applicable).
- Windows and exterior doors installed.
- Rough plumbing inspected.
- Rough electrical inspected.
- Rough HVAC inspected.
- Insulation inspected.
- Drywall complete.
- Interior trim and casing complete.
- Painting complete.
- Tile complete.
- Cabinetry installed.
- Countertops templated and installed.
- Plumbing trim installed.
- Electrical trim installed.
- Flooring complete.
- Final cleaning.
Phase 6: Closeout (months 10 to 12)
- Punch list walkthrough complete.
- All punch list items closed.
- Final inspection with LADBS passed.
- Certificate of Occupancy received (if applicable).
- Warranty documents in hand.
- Final payment released.
- Move back in.
For full home remodel services, see full home remodeling. For schedule expectations, read how long does it take to remodel a house. For mistakes to avoid, see 11 kitchen remodel mistakes. To start a whole-home conversation, open the contact page.
