Home Remodeling Contractor in Pasadena

The City of Pasadena handles planning and building permits, and its Planning and Community Development Department implements the Eaton Fire rebuild ordinance. RnD Builders also prepares the plans and submittals and manages corrections and inspections.

The City’s ordinance lets owners rebuild without a separate land-use entitlement when the project is in a similar location and no more than 10 percent larger. Larger projects can still go ahead if they meet the Zoning Code. We read the rules against your lot before we design.

In August 2025 the City Council approved waivers for eligible sites, such as plan check and building permit fees. Eligibility depends on your property, so we review it with you at the first meeting.

Yes. Hillside lots need real engineering for grading, drainage, retaining walls and foundations, and areas such as Upper Hastings Ranch have Hillside Development Overlays. We evaluate the site early so the plan, the schedule and the estimate reflect it.

Yes. Many Pasadena homes date from the early 20th century, and some neighborhoods are landmark districts where exterior changes can also require design review. We confirm your address first, then plan updates that respect the home and meet current code.

Yes. We also guide homeowners through design, City permits and construction, and we prepare cost documentation for insurance. We are not a licensed public adjuster or attorney, so those decisions stay with you and your advisors.

Pasadena homeowners usually ask about three numbers first: kitchens at $35,000 to $150,000, bathrooms at $25,000 to $85,000 and interior remodels at $75,000 to $250,000. Beyond those, garage conversions run $140,000 to $200,000, detached ADUs $220,000 to $350,000, additions start at $450 per square foot and custom homes at $650. Site conditions can also change a project. Your estimate itemizes every cost element, and larger or more complex projects can also run higher.

Timelines follow the work. A kitchen is guaranteed within 28 days, a bathroom takes about 3 weeks and a basic garage conversion 3 to 6 weeks, while a detached ADU takes up to 3 months from the first day of construction and a whole-home remodel 4 to 6 months. We set realistic timelines at the start.

Kitchens generally run $35,000 to $150,000, depending on size, layout changes, cabinetry and finishes, and a kitchen is guaranteed within 28 days. Larger kitchens and premium materials can also run higher, and we confirm the exact price in a written estimate after we see your space.

Yes. Room additions, kitchen remodeling and whole-home renovations are all part of our work in Pasadena, and additions start at $450 per square foot. We design the changes in 3D first so you can adjust them before construction.

New detached ADUs generally run $220,000 to $350,000, and garage conversions $140,000 to $200,000, depending on size, site conditions and finishes. Rents and returns vary, so we scope the design and costs with you and do not promise a specific payback. Your written estimate confirms the exact price.

Yes. Whether you have a vacant lot or want to demolish and rebuild, we guide you through site evaluation, architectural design, structural engineering, permits and construction. Custom homes start at $650 per square foot and generally take 11 to 20 months.

We price from what we can see and verify on the first visit, and we list it line by line. On older homes we check framing, plumbing and electrical before pricing. Any change is agreed in writing before work on it begins, so the project stays in line with the budget agreed in your contract.

One team handles design, permits and construction, so plans are drawn with the build in mind. RnD Builders gives Pasadena homeowners 3D renderings, itemized written proposals and a single point of contact. Our office is in Woodland Hills. Whoever you hire, confirm the license, the written contract and the permits. You can check us on the CSLB website: RnD Builders is a licensed California general contractor, License #1081122. State law requires a license for projects that need a permit or total $1,000 or more, so ask every contractor for a number.