Cost guides
What California construction actually costs, by scope.
Each guide pulls the LA-vs-Bay bands from our 2026 Cost Report, breaks out the cost drivers, and cites the primary sources behind every number. No email gates, no affiliate links.
Updated 2026-04-01
How much an ADU actually costs in California (2026).
Detached new-build ADUs run $250–$385/sqft in LA and $310–$485/sqft in the Bay. Garage conversions and JADUs come in lower — but only when the existing shell passes inspection.
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Updated 2026-04-01
Kitchen remodel cost in California, 2026 edition.
A real kitchen remodel runs $325–$685/sqft in LA and $410–$875/sqft in the Bay. Cabinetry and appliance tier dominate the spread.
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Updated 2026-04-01
Bathroom remodel cost in California, 2026 edition.
Bathroom remodels run $295–$615/sqft in LA and $375–$795/sqft in the Bay. Tile labor and pre-1970 supply lines drive most of the surprise.
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Updated 2026-04-01
Roof replacement cost in California, 2026 edition.
Cool-comp roof replacement runs $9.50–$16.50/sqft in LA and $11–$19/sqft in the Bay. WUI fire-zone assemblies and sheathing replacement add the most surprise cost.
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Updated 2026-04-01
Foundation repair cost in California, 2026 edition.
Full foundation replacement runs $165–$285/sqft of footprint in LA and $215–$365/sqft in the Bay. Bolt-and-brace seismic retrofits run $3.5–$14K, with most homes landing under $9K.
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Updated 2026-04-01
Whole-home remodel cost in California, 2026 edition.
Whole-home remodels run $215–$395/sqft in LA and $275–$510/sqft in the Bay. Second-story additions add another $60–125/sqft on top of the base re-engineering.
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