We get asked this question almost every week: “What’s it going to cost to gut my place and start over?” And the honest answer—the one that doesn’t come from a glossy brochure—is that a complete home renovation in Burbank can land anywhere from $180 to $350 per square foot, depending on what you’re willing to live with and what you’re not. We’ve seen projects come in under that range, and we’ve seen them blow right past it. The difference usually comes down to three things: the bones of the house, the finishes you pick, and how much you’re willing to let go of the “perfect” plan.
Key Takeaways
Burbank sits in a weird sweet spot. It’s not Beverly Hills pricing, but it’s not the Valley floor either. We’ve worked on bungalows in the Rancho district that needed full foundation work because of the clay soil shifting over decades, and we’ve renovated mid-century ranches near the airport that had zero insulation and single-pane windows. The local climate—hot, dry summers with occasional wildfire smoke—means you’re almost always upgrading HVAC and windows if the house is older than 30 years. Those aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities if you want the place to be comfortable and insurable.
Permitting in Burbank is another layer. The city has its own building code amendments that go beyond the state’s. We’ve had inspectors flag things like window egress dimensions that were fine in Glendale but not here. If you’re doing a full renovation, expect to budget $3,000 to $8,000 just for permits and plan checks. And plan on waiting. The city’s plan review can take 6–10 weeks for a gut remodel. That timeline eats into your budget if you’re paying for temporary housing.
We’ve put together a rough table based on dozens of projects we’ve managed in Burbank, from the hillside homes near the Stough Canyon Nature Center to the flatter neighborhoods around Magnolia Park. These are mid-range numbers—not builder-grade, not high-end custom.
| Scope of Work | Typical Cost Range | % of Total Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition & Dump Fees | $3,000 – $8,000 | 3–5% | Older homes may have asbestos or lead paint requiring special disposal |
| Structural & Foundation | $5,000 – $25,000 | 5–15% | Only if you’re moving walls or the slab is cracked |
| Electrical (Full Rewire) | $8,000 – $18,000 | 8–12% | 1950s homes often have knob-and-tube; code requires AFCI breakers now |
| Plumbing (Full Repipe) | $6,000 – $15,000 | 5–10% | Galvanized pipes rust from the inside; expect to replace them |
| HVAC (Ducts & Unit) | $8,000 – $18,000 | 5–10% | Burbank’s heat means you need a properly sized system |
| Windows & Doors | $5,000 – $15,000 | 5–10% | Double-pane, low-E glass is standard; wood frames cost more |
| Kitchen (Cabinets, Counter, Appliances) | $15,000 – $45,000 | 20–30% | Biggest variable; custom cabinets vs. semi-custom make a huge difference |
| Bathrooms (Per Bath) | $10,000 – $25,000 | 15–20% | Tile selection and waterproofing are where costs climb |
| Flooring | $4,000 – $12,000 | 5–8% | Engineered hardwood is popular; LVP is cheaper but feels less solid |
| Paint, Trim, Finishes | $3,000 – $8,000 | 3–5% | Don’t skimp on primer if the walls have been smoked in |
| Permits & Fees | $3,000 – $8,000 | 2–5% | Burbank charges plan check fees based on valuation |
| Contingency (15–20%) | $10,000 – $40,000 | 15–20% | You will find something unexpected. We guarantee it. |
Here’s where we see most homeowners go wrong. They fall in love with a $12,000 range and $8,000 countertops, and suddenly the kitchen alone is $50,000. That’s fine if you have the money. But if you’re on a tighter budget, the kitchen and bathrooms will eat your entire contingency if you let them.
We had a client in the Media District who wanted a professional-grade gas range. The problem? Her 1940s house had a 100-amp panel and no gas line to the kitchen. Upgrading the electrical panel to 200 amps, running a new gas line, and adding a hood vent that actually vented outside (code requirement in Burbank) added $7,000 before she even bought the stove. That’s the kind of hidden cost that doesn’t show up on a Pinterest board.
Our advice: pick appliances and fixtures that are one tier below “dream” and put the savings into insulation, windows, and electrical. Those upgrades pay you back every month in lower utility bills and fewer headaches.
We’re not going to tell you never to do anything yourself. Painting, demolition (if it’s not load-bearing), and even some flooring installation can be done by a motivated homeowner. We’ve seen people save $5,000 by demoing their own kitchen. We’ve also seen people cost themselves $15,000 by trying to move a wall that turned out to be structural.
Here’s the rule we use: if it involves water, electricity, or load-bearing structure, hire a pro. Burbank requires licensed contractors for any work over $500 that requires a permit. And the city inspects everything. We’ve had homeowners try to pull their own permits for electrical work and get shut down because they didn’t have a C-10 license. The inspector will red-tag the job, and then you’re paying a licensed electrician to fix it anyway, plus a fine.
If you’re handy, do the demo, do the painting, do the landscaping. Leave the plumbing, electrical, and structural work to people who carry insurance and know the local code.
Every renovation hits this moment. You’re looking at exposed studs and thinking, “Well, while the walls are open, we should add insulation.” That’s smart. Then you think, “And maybe run speaker wires.” Also smart. Then you think, “And move that outlet three feet.” That’s where the scope creep starts.
We had a job in the Hillside District where the homeowner wanted to add a bathroom vent fan. Simple enough. But the ceiling had no attic access, so we had to cut into the drywall, which meant patching and painting the entire hallway. What was supposed to be a $500 fan turned into a $2,500 hallway refinish. That’s the “while we’re at it” tax.
The fix is to make a list of everything you want done before the drywall goes up. Then prioritize. If you can’t afford it all, pick the items that are hardest to do later—like insulation, wiring, and plumbing. You can always change light fixtures and paint colors after the walls are closed.
We know a lot of people try to skip permits to save money. In Burbank, that’s a bad idea. The city has a robust code enforcement department, and neighbors will report you. We’ve seen unpermitted renovations flagged during a home sale, forcing the seller to either rip out the work or get it retroactively permitted—which costs more than doing it right the first time.
Burbank’s permit process isn’t just bureaucracy. It’s also a safety net. The inspections catch things like improper venting (which can cause carbon monoxide buildup) and inadequate structural support. We’ve had inspectors flag a header that was undersized for a window opening. Annoying at the time, but it kept the house safe.
If you’re on a tight timeline, factor in the permit wait. Plan review takes 4–8 weeks for a full renovation. You can’t start demo until the permit is issued. Don’t schedule your move-in date until you have the final inspection signed off.
Start by getting three bids from contractors who have done full renovations in Burbank. Not handymen, not unlicensed “contractors.” Licensed, bonded, insured GCs. Ask for references and call them. Visit a job site if you can.
Once you have bids, add 20% to the lowest one. That’s your real budget. The low bidder almost always finds something they missed. The high bidder might be padding for unknowns. The middle bid is usually the one that reflects reality.
Then separate your budget into “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” Must-haves include structural repairs, code compliance, and functional systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC). Nice-to-haves include custom tile, premium fixtures, and smart home automation. If the must-haves eat up your budget, the nice-to-haves wait until next year.
Not every house is worth a full gut. If you’re in a starter home in a neighborhood that’s still turning over, spending $150,000 on a renovation might not make financial sense. We’ve seen people put $200,000 into a house that comps at $700,000, and then they can’t sell for what they put in.
In those cases, a partial renovation—kitchen and one bathroom, plus paint and flooring—might be the smarter move. Or focus on the stuff that adds the most value: curb appeal, a functional kitchen, and a clean bathroom. Leave the master suite expansion for the next owner.
Also, if you’re planning to sell within five years, don’t over-customize. A $20,000 countertop might be your dream, but the next buyer might hate it. Stick with neutral finishes and timeless layouts. Save the bold choices for furniture and art.
After years of renovating homes in Burbank, from the older bungalows near the Burbank Town Center to the mid-century ranches closer to the Verdugo Mountains, we’ve learned a few things that don’t show up in the cost guides.
First, the soil here is unpredictable. We’ve dug footings that hit solid ground at three feet and others that kept sinking at six. That’s why we always budget for a geotechnical report if we’re doing foundation work. It’s $2,000 well spent.
Second, the local lumber yards and supply houses are your best friends. Big box stores don’t stock the specialty items you need for older homes, like 2x4s that are actually straight or custom-sized windows. Build a relationship with a local supplier. They’ll save you time and headaches.
Third, trust your contractor’s timeline but add a buffer. Every renovation has delays. Material backorders, inspection reschedules, weather (yes, even in California). If your contractor says six months, plan for eight. If you’re living in the house during the renovation, plan for ten.
A complete home renovation in Burbank is a big investment, but it’s one of the few ways to turn a dated house into exactly what you want. The key is going in with open eyes. Know that you’ll find surprises. Know that the budget will stretch. Know that the process will test your patience.
But if you plan well, hire the right people, and stay flexible, you’ll end up with a home that works for your life. And that’s worth the cost.
If you’re considering a full renovation and want a realistic assessment of what it would take for your specific property, IBA Builders located in Los Angeles, CA can walk through the numbers with you. We’ve seen every kind of house in Burbank, and we don’t sugarcoat the process. Sometimes the best decision is to wait, save more, or scale back. Sometimes it’s to go all in. Either way, you’ll know what you’re getting into.
The 30% rule is a widely recognized guideline in home renovation, suggesting that you should not spend more than 30% of your home's current market value on a single room or major project. This helps ensure your investment does not overcapitalize the property, making it difficult to recoup costs upon resale. For example, if your home is valued at $500,000, you would cap a kitchen remodel at $150,000. However, this is a flexible benchmark, not a strict law. For more detailed strategies on managing your budget effectively, please refer to our internal article Home Renovation Tips For Staying On Budget And Avoiding Overspending. At IBA Builders, we always advise clients to balance personal enjoyment with long-term property value.
A budget of $200,000 is generally a substantial amount for a home remodel, but its sufficiency depends entirely on the scope of work and the size of your property in Los Angeles. For a full kitchen and bathroom renovation, along with new flooring and painting, this budget is often more than adequate. However, if you are planning a complete gut renovation that includes structural changes, new windows, a roof, or major systems like HVAC and plumbing, costs can escalate quickly. To ensure your money is allocated effectively, we recommend reading our detailed guide: How To Plan A Full Home Renovation With Confidence. At IBA Builders, we always advise clients to set aside a 15-20% contingency fund for unexpected issues, which is a standard industry practice for any major remodel.
Yes, $100,000 is generally a substantial budget for a home renovation, particularly in the Los Angeles area. This amount can fund a complete kitchen remodel, a master bathroom overhaul, or significant exterior upgrades like new siding and windows. However, the scope depends heavily on your home's square footage and the quality of materials selected. For a strategic approach that maximizes your investment, especially if you plan to sell, IBA Builders recommends reviewing our internal article titled Five Smart Renovations That Deliver A High Return When Selling. This guide outlines which projects offer the best return. To ensure your $100,000 budget is allocated effectively, focus on structural integrity and high-impact cosmetic updates that appeal to a broad market.
The most expensive part of a house renovation is typically the kitchen or bathroom remodel, with structural changes, plumbing, and electrical work also ranking high. These areas require significant labor, materials, and often permits, driving up costs. For a full home renovation, you must prioritize your budget to avoid overspending on cosmetic finishes while neglecting essential systems. At IBA Builders, we recommend focusing on the core structure first. For a complete guide on managing these costs, please refer to our internal article How To Plan A Full Home Renovation With Confidence, which provides a step-by-step framework for planning your project with confidence.
Estimating the cost of a house remodel depends on several key factors, including the scope of work, square footage, and material quality. For a basic kitchen or bathroom update, homeowners can expect to spend between $15,000 and $30,000, while a full home renovation often ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 or more. Labor, permits, and unexpected structural issues can also impact the final price. To get a reliable estimate, it is wise to obtain multiple quotes from licensed contractors who can assess your specific property. IBA Builders recommends creating a detailed project scope before budgeting, as this helps avoid surprises. Always set aside a contingency fund of 10 to 20 percent of the total budget to cover unforeseen expenses.
The cost of labor for a bathroom remodel in Los Angeles can vary significantly based on the scope of work and finishes chosen. On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per hour for a skilled contractor. For a full gut renovation, total labor costs typically range from $4,000 to $10,000, with the entire project often falling between $15,000 and $30,000. This price includes demolition, plumbing, electrical, tiling, and fixture installation. A smaller, cosmetic update might cost less. For a precise estimate tailored to your specific project, IBA Builders recommends getting at least three detailed quotes from licensed contractors. Always verify that the quoted price includes permits, waste removal, and a warranty on the work performed.
The cost of renovations varies widely based on the scope of work, materials, and labor. In Los Angeles, a minor kitchen remodel might start around $25,000, while a full gut renovation can exceed $100,000. Bathroom remodels typically range from $15,000 to $40,000. To maximize your investment, consider reconfiguring your existing layout rather than adding square footage. For expert guidance on this strategy, read our internal article How To Make The Most Of A Home Remodel By Rethinking Existing Space. IBA Builders recommends setting aside a 15-20% contingency fund for unexpected issues. Always obtain multiple quotes and verify contractor licenses to ensure quality and compliance with local codes.
For homeowners planning a renovation, a free home renovation cost estimator spreadsheet is a practical tool to organize expenses. These spreadsheets typically include categories for materials, labor, permits, and contingency funds. To ensure accuracy, list every anticipated cost, from flooring to fixtures, and research current market rates in Los Angeles. A common mistake is underestimating hidden costs like structural repairs or disposal fees. IBA Builders recommends adding a 15-20% buffer for unexpected issues. For a structured approach, refer to our internal article titled 'Home Renovation Tips For Staying On Budget And Avoiding Overspending' at Home Renovation Tips For Staying On Budget And Avoiding Overspending to avoid common financial pitfalls. Update your spreadsheet weekly to track actual spending against estimates, which helps maintain control over your project budget.
For general guidance, renovation costs per square foot vary widely based on scope and finishes. A basic cosmetic update might range from $10 to $30 per square foot, while a full gut renovation with high-end materials can exceed $150 per square foot. Key factors include the condition of existing structures, the complexity of layout changes, and local material and labor rates. To avoid surprises, it is critical to allocate a contingency fund of 10-20% of your total budget. For a deeper dive into managing these costs effectively, we recommend reviewing our internal article titled Home Renovation Tips For Staying On Budget And Avoiding Overspending. This resource provides practical strategies for keeping your project on track financially.
A budget of $300,000 for a home renovation is substantial and allows for a complete transformation of your property. In the Los Angeles area, this budget typically covers a full gut renovation of a primary bathroom and a kitchen, including new cabinetry, countertops, and premium appliances. It also often includes updating flooring throughout the main living areas, upgrading electrical and plumbing systems, and adding modern fixtures. To maximize the value of this investment, you should focus on rethinking your existing layout rather than just cosmetic changes. We recommend reading our internal article How To Make The Most Of A Home Remodel By Rethinking Existing Space for strategies on how to use your space more efficiently. IBA Builders emphasizes that proper planning and a clear scope of work are essential to avoid cost overruns and ensure the project meets your expectations.
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