FAQs

1. Who is Toiling Builders?
   A family-owned, Los Angeles–area builder delivering ADUs, SB-9 projects, remodels, and ground-up construction with transparent process and premium craftsmanship.

2. Where do you work?
   We serve the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles County.

3. Are you licensed and insured?
   Yes—fully licensed and insured in California; details available on request.

4. What types of projects do you take on?
   ADUs, SB-9 (lot splits and duplexes), custom homes, and remodels.

5. What makes you different from other contractors?
   Family values, decades of hands-on experience, a clear step-by-step process, and a 24/7 client portal for total transparency.

6. How do I start?
   Book a free consultation or send a message; we begin with feasibility and clear next steps.

7. Do you offer free consultations?
   Yes—no pressure, no obligation.

8. How fast do you respond?
   Typically within one business day.

9. Can you visit my property?
   Yes—after an initial call, we can schedule a site visit if helpful.

10. Do you work with HOAs?
    Yes— we coordinate submittals and incorporate HOA guidelines into design.

11. Do you handle design and engineering?
    Yes—architecture, structural, and MEP engineering as needed.

12. Do you manage permits?
    Absolutely—we prepare and submit complete packages and handle corrections.

13. Do you provide 3D renderings?
    We can—great for visualizing layouts, finishes, and massing.

14. How do you keep projects on schedule?
    Defined milestones, weekly check-ins, and real-time schedule tracking in the portal.

15. How will I get updates?
    Through our client portal (messages, photos, schedule, documents), plus direct calls when needed.

1. What is the client portal?
   A secure hub with your documents, drawings, approvals, schedules, invoices, change orders, messages, and progress photos.

2. Do I need to download an app?
   No—the portal works in any modern web browser.

3. Can multiple family members access the portal?
   Yes—request additional logins or role-based access.

4. Will I see change history and approvals?
   Yes—revisions, approvals, and change orders are tracked for transparency.

5. Can I message the project manager in the portal?
   Yes—organized threads keep communication in one place.

6. Are payments handled in the portal?
   We share invoices and payment schedules there; payment methods vary by project.

7. Is my information secure?
   We use reputable platforms with encryption and access controls.

8. What if I prefer email or phone?
   That’s fine—the portal simply keeps everything organized and visible.

9. Will the portal show the construction schedule?
   Yes—major milestones and target dates are visible and updated.

1. What is an ADU?
   An Accessory Dwelling Unit: a self-contained home on the same lot as your primary residence (kitchen, bath, separate entrance).

2. Why build an ADU in Los Angeles?
   Rental income potential, added property value, flexible living for family, and streamlined state laws.

3. How much can an ADU rent for in LA?
   Market rates vary by neighborhood; we can share local comps during feasibility.

4. What types of ADUs do you build?
   Detached, attached, garage conversions, basement units, and JADUs (junior ADUs).

5. How long does an ADU take?
   Typical timelines run ~6–9 months from feasibility to final inspection (scope and city dependent).

6. How much does an ADU cost?
   Cost depends on size, site conditions, utilities, and finishes; we provide a budget window after feasibility.

7. Do you convert existing garages?
   Yes—garage conversions are a popular, efficient ADU path.

8. Can I build a detached ADU in my backyard?
   Often yes—subject to setbacks, utilities, and objective standards; we confirm in feasibility.

9. Do you handle ADU permits?
   Yes—complete submittal, ministerial approvals, and corrections.

10. Do ADUs require parking?
    Parking rules are location-specific; exemptions may apply near transit— we verify for your address.

11. Can I add a JADU in addition to an ADU?
    In some cases—rules vary; we evaluate options during feasibility.

12. Will an ADU increase property value?
    Often—ADUs can strengthen appraisals and marketability; your results depend on location and build quality.

13. Do you help with ADU financing?
    We can connect you with lenders familiar with ADUs and renovation loans.

14. Can I short-term rent my ADU?
    Regulations vary by city; we advise checking local short-term rental rules.

15. What utilities are needed for an ADU?
    Electrical capacity, water, sewer/gas tie-ins; we assess during design.

16. Do ADUs require solar in California?
    Energy code may require solar for certain new construction; we’ll confirm per code cycle.

17. Can my ADU have a separate address or meters?
    Often possible; local utility and city policies apply.

18. How big can my ADU be?
    Size limits are set by state/local rules; we verify based on your zoning and lot.

19. Do you provide interior design or finish selections?
    Yes—finish packages and custom selections are available.

20. What’s included in your ADU scope?
    Design, engineering, permits, site work, build, inspections, and handover—defined in your contract.

21. What happens after the ADU is finished?
    Final inspections, certificate of occupancy, warranty handover, and owner orientation.

22. Do you handle hillside or tricky sites?
    Case by case—engineering and access may impact cost/timeline.

23. Can you add accessibility features to my ADU?
    Yes—universal design, wider doors, ramps, and accessible baths can be incorporated.

24. Will construction disrupt my home?
    We set expectations up front, maintain safety, and minimize impact where possible.

25. Can I customize the ADU layout?
    Absolutely—within code and site constraints.

26. Do you help with rental readiness (appliances, closets, blinds)?
    We can include appliance packages and standard move-in items per your scope.

1. What is SB-9?
   A California law enabling lot splits and/or two units on a single-family lot—potentially up to four homes on one property when combined with ADUs.

2. Does my property qualify for SB-9?
   Depends on zoning, overlays (e.g., historic), hazards, and access; we confirm with a feasibility study.

3. What’s the difference between SB-9 and an ADU?
   SB-9 allows a lot split and/or duplex; ADUs are accessory units—both can sometimes be combined.

4. Can SB-9 create two separate lots?
   Yes—through an urban lot split process (mapping, approvals, and recordation).

5. What are SB-9 duplex options?
   Add a second primary unit on one lot or build two units on each newly split lot (where allowed).

6. Do SB-9 projects require owner occupancy?
   Lot splits typically require an owner-occupancy affidavit for a set period; we’ll explain current requirements.

7. How long do SB-9 projects take?
   Roughly 6–12+ months depending on split, design, and permitting stages.

8. What are the first steps for SB-9?
   Feasibility/eligibility, survey, conceptual site plan, and path selection (split, duplex, or both).

9. Do you manage parcel maps and surveys?
   Yes—survey, tentative map, and coordination with the city/county.

10. Can I build a duplex after splitting the lot?
    Often yes—subject to standards; we’ll map out the best sequence.

11. Are utility upgrades needed for SB-9?
    Possibly—new laterals, electrical capacity, and fire requirements may apply.

12. Can SB-9 projects include garages and driveways?
    Yes—access and parking standards apply; we design accordingly.

13. Will SB-9 raise my property value?
    Additional homes and/or a new lot typically increase equity; market conditions apply.

14. Do SB-9 projects trigger affordable housing rules?
    SB-9 is intended to be ministerial; we verify any local nuances affecting your site.

15. Can I sell the newly split lot?
    Usually, yes—after parcel map recordation; consult a real estate professional for strategy.

16. Can SB-9 be used in HOA neighborhoods?
    HOA rules may limit certain actions; we review covenants and advise.

17. Is SB-9 allowed in historic districts or high fire zones?
    Restrictions exist; feasibility confirms what’s possible at your address.

18. Can I combine SB-9 with ADUs to get four units?
    In some cases—strategy matters; we’ll show compliant configurations.

19. Do you help with SB-9 financing strategy?
    We can introduce lenders and outline typical draw schedules for construction.

20. What’s my out-of-pocket before construction?
    Typically feasibility, design/engineering, surveys, and permit fees—outlined up front.

1. What is a ground-up build?
   New construction from the ground—custom homes, duplexes, or multifamily residences.

2. Why build new instead of remodeling?
   Full control over layout, modern systems, code compliance, and long-term value.

3. How long does a custom home take?
   Commonly 12–18 months from planning to handover (size and approvals dependent).

4. Do I need to own land to start?
   Not necessarily—we can evaluate candidate lots or begin planning on your site.

5. Can you design to my budget?
   Yes—we align size, structure, and finishes to a realistic budget window.

6. Do you build duplexes and small multifamily?
   Yes—ground-up duplexes and small multifamily are part of our services.

7. Will you coordinate with my architect?
   Absolutely—or we can provide our design/engineering team.

8. Do you handle grading, drainage, and foundations?
   Yes—full site work, utilities, and structural scopes.

9. Can you build energy-efficient homes?
   Yes—Title 24 compliance, high-performance envelopes, heat-pump systems, and solar/EV readiness.

10. Do you help with finish selections?
    Yes—curated packages and custom options.

11. How are inspections handled?
    We schedule all inspections and address corrections promptly.

12. Will I get a certificate of occupancy?
    Yes—after final inspections and city approval, we provide your CO.

13. Can I live on site during construction?
    For ground-up, usually not; we’ll discuss safe options if applicable.

14. Do you offer post-construction support?
    Yes—warranty, punch-list closeout, and homeowner orientation.

15. Can you accommodate accessibility goals?
    Yes—universal design, accessible entries, baths, and clearances.

1. How do you price projects?
   Scope-based proposals with clear line items and allowances; no guesswork.

2. Do you offer fixed-price contracts?
   Many projects use fixed-scope pricing; we’ll choose the best contract type for your goals.

3. How are payments scheduled?
   Progress payments tied to milestones; shared in your portal.

4. Do you help with financing?
   We can connect you with lenders familiar with ADUs, SB-9, and construction loans.

5. What causes budget changes?
   Client-requested changes, hidden site conditions, or market-driven material shifts; all documented via change orders.

6. How do change orders work?
   We price the change, seek your approval in the portal, and update schedule/costs transparently.

7. Can you value-engineer to save cost?
   Yes—alternative materials, structural strategies, and scope adjustments without sacrificing quality.

8. Do you offer discounts for multiple projects?
   Case-by-case; ask during your consultation.

1. Do you handle city communications?
   Yes—submittals, comments, plan check, and permits are managed by our team.

2. What about utility coordination?
   We coordinate with power, water, gas, and sewer agencies as required.

3. How do you manage safety and compliance?
   Licensed trades, site safety protocols, inspections, and code adherence at every step.

4. What if my property is in a special zone?
   We research overlays (historic, hillside, fire) and adjust design/approach accordingly.

1. What warranty do you provide?
   Standard workmanship and manufacturer warranties; specifics defined in your contract.

2. Can I request maintenance help after completion?
   Yes—ask about post-build support and recommended maintenance schedules.

3. How do I get started today?
   Book a free consultation or contact us—no commitments, just clear answers and a plan that fits your goals.