No matter where in the world you reside, building a home is a huge undertaking.
There are so many things to consider, it’s difficult to even know where to begin.
That said, these issues are magnified when building in a large metropolitan area such as Los Angeles.
In addition to the numerous considerations when building a home, such as budget, financing, design, and hiring the right team, Los Angeles carries with it some unique characteristics to keep in mind.
Below, you’ll find five of the most important things you must consider when building a home in Los Angeles. Each one can make or break your new home build process.
Understand the Climate
When we think of Los Angeles, many people imagine bright, sunny days sitting by a pool and relaxing in the warmth.
However, Los Angeles’ climate can vary quite a bit depending on where in the region you are.
Sure, Los Angeles is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, but that can differ greatly if you’re by the coast, for example.
If you’re close to the coast, then you’ll experience a different climate than if you’re further inland.
Not only that, but if you’re at a higher elevation (Los Angeles is known for its hilly terrain), then you’ll likely have different considerations than those who are closer to sea level.
So, what does this all mean for a future homeowner?
When building a home, it’s incredibly important to take the climate into consideration.
Maybe you need to focus on having energy-efficient, insulated windows.
Perhaps you’ll want to seriously consider solar paneling for your roof because of the amount of sun your location receives daily.
It’s quite possible that the idyllic Los Angeles climate will be your new reality.
If that’s important to you, then understanding a region’s climate should be one of your top considerations.
City Ordinances & HOA Regulations Are Massively Important
There are ordinances and regulations, no matter where you build a home.
Obviously, you can’t secure permits and continue the home-building process until you sort them out.
However, building in Los Angeles could be more of a regulatory headache than you’re anticipating.
First, you have the city ordinances. Without following these, building a new home is literally impossible.
And if you don’t secure permits in a timely manner, then your build will likely be delayed, which could increase costs and cause even more issues down the line.
Los Angeles is also known for its detailed permit process.
There are also unique issues that need to be understood before building can even begin, such as density considerations.
Hiring a knowledgeable team that understands the situation is incredibly important.
Next, you have to seriously consider the individual HOA regulations that are imposed on specific neighborhoods.
Everything from landscaping to the paint color of your new home is often subject to approval by the homeowners association.
Before you choose where in Los Angeles you want to build or even begin a home renovation, understanding the permit process and potential HOA hoops you have to jump through is imperative.
Choose the Neighborhood That Fits Your Needs
There’s the climate, as well as regulatory concerns.
But after you get through that, there is the fact that you have to live there, and choosing the right neighborhood will make the whole complicated building process worth it in the end.
Of course, when you build a new home, you want to plant your roots and stay for years to come.
That could include growing your family, switching careers, or even developing new hobbies.
Needless to say, Los Angeles neighborhoods are incredibly diverse and vary greatly from location to location.
If you have children or plan to have them in the future, you obviously need to consider a neighborhood with quality schools and friendly neighbors.
Maybe you even want to live in a place that has families in a similar stage of life as you.
Another consideration when choosing a neighborhood is your career.
Do you want to live close to your current job? Perhaps you’ll be happy living near the robust Los Angeles public transportation system.
Los Angeles is world-renowned for its seemingly endless traffic issues, so choosing the right neighborhood might mean that you avoid driving altogether.
What about hobbies? Do you want to live closer to the coast so that you can swim or surf? Maybe you want to live near one of the many hiking trails through the Los Angeles hills.
Building Eco-Friendly Isn’t Just a Luxury – It’s a Requirement
Nowadays, there are so many options for building a more eco-friendly, sustainable home.
When building in Los Angeles, there are often times when being more eco-conscious isn’t just applauded, it’s required.
As California is a state that is seemingly always on the verge of drought, there are guidelines for water-efficient fixtures and landscaping that everyone must adhere to as a homeowner.
Understanding all of the building codes when it comes to green initiatives is imperative.
Not all eco-friendly considerations are required, however.
We previously discussed the idea of adding solar panels to your roof, which is something that many choose when living in Los Angeles and California as a whole.
That said, there are less expensive options that can not only limit the carbon footprint of your new home but also save money and increase the long-term value of your property.
Rainwater collection barrels, energy-efficient windows and appliances, and even sustainable gardening are just a few of the ways you can do your part to use your space as an eco-oasis.
Unfortunately, Natural Disasters Are a Concern
There’s no denying that California, and Los Angeles, specifically, is a hotbed for natural disasters and ecological concerns.
From drought to earthquakes to deadly wildfires, there are a ton of different potential natural disasters you have to worry about when building a home.
Obviously, there are building regulations that have been established to protect a home against potential natural disasters.
Depending on your location, there might be earthquake-resistant building regulations that have to be adhered to.
There are also landscaping and irrigation requirements that can help stop the spread of fires.
Perhaps the biggest consideration of all is the knowledge that building in Los Angeles immediately puts you at a higher risk for certain natural disasters than other metropolitan areas.
Maybe it’s all too much, and you don’t necessarily want to be concerned by these issues. That’s up to you to decide.
Conclusion: Los Angeles Is Beautiful but Complicated
As is readily apparent from the list above, building a new home in Los Angeles isn’t as simple as it might be to build in another region in the U.S.
Of course, there are plenty of positives that make living in L.A. one of the most desirable places in the nation.
Overall, it’s all about understanding what’s needed when you build a new home and hiring the right people.
Once you understand everything that goes into building a home in Los Angeles, it can be a fairly straightforward process. Just be prepared, and you’ll be fine.
