Renology answers
One question. One researched answer.
Renology Answers is a library of single-question renovation guides for Southern California and Greater Seattle. Each page states the short answer up front, backed by current local cost data, permit steps, and cited sources.
All answers
Browse by question.
Each page states the short answer up front, then shows the cost tables, permit steps, and sources behind it.
Los Angeles · ADU
How long does ADU permitting take in Los Angeles in 2026?
A custom-design ADU permit in Los Angeles takes 4 to 8 months in 2026, with 2 to 3 plan-check revision rounds typical. Using an LADBS Standard Plan compresses that to 3 to 4 weeks. SB 1211 (effective January 1, 2025) requires the City to complete an initial completeness review within 15 business days of submittal.
Read the full answerSan Diego · Kitchen Remodel
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in San Diego in 2026?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in San Diego costs $48,000 to $85,000 in 2026 for a typical 150 sqft kitchen, including cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring, and labor. High-end remodels run $90,000 to $180,000. Budget refreshes (paint, hardware, counter swap) land at $14,000 to $28,000.
Read the full answerSeattle · ADU
How much does it cost to build a detached ADU in the Seattle area in 2026?
A detached 600 to 800 sqft ADU (called a DADU in Seattle) costs $235,000 to $360,000 to build in the Seattle metro in 2026, including permits, design, and standard finishes. Bellevue and Eastside cities run roughly 10 to 15 percent higher due to stricter design review and Title 24-equivalent energy code enforcement.
Read the full answerSan Francisco · Bathroom Remodel
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in San Francisco in 2026?
A mid-range full bathroom remodel in San Francisco costs $35,000 to $62,000 in 2026 for a standard 5x8 ft layout. Primary bathroom remodels (80 to 120 sqft) run $58,000 to $115,000. Cosmetic refreshes (tile, vanity, fixtures, no plumbing relocation) land at $14,000 to $26,000.
Read the full answerPortland · Driveway Replacement
How much does it cost to replace a driveway in Portland, Oregon in 2026?
Replacing a standard two-car concrete driveway (about 600 sqft) in Portland costs $7,800 to $12,500 in 2026, including demo and disposal of the existing surface. Asphalt runs $5,500 to $8,800 for the same area. Permeable pavers run $13,500 to $22,000 and qualify for City of Portland stormwater credit.
Read the full answerSeattle · Kitchen Refacing
How much does kitchen cabinet refacing cost in Seattle in 2026?
Kitchen cabinet refacing in Seattle costs $8,500 to $18,500 in 2026 for a typical 30 linear foot kitchen, using veneer plus new doors and drawer fronts. Full door replacement only (existing boxes, new doors and hardware) runs $5,500 to $11,000. Cabinet painting by a professional finisher runs $3,800 to $7,500.
Read the full answerDenver · ADU
How long does ADU permitting take in Denver in 2026?
A custom ADU permit in Denver takes 5 to 9 months in 2026, including 8 to 14 weeks for plan review across two to three rounds. Denver expanded ADU eligibility citywide in 2024, but lot-by-lot zoning still varies. The new Permit Hub launched in 2025 has cut average review time by roughly 3 weeks.
Read the full answerSan Diego · Foundation Repair
How much does foundation repair cost in San Diego in 2026?
Minor foundation repair (cosmetic crack injection, minor settlement leveling) in San Diego costs $1,800 to $6,500 in 2026. Mid-severity work (helical piers, push piers, slab jacking on 1,200 to 2,000 sqft) runs $8,500 to $24,000. Major reconstruction (new pour, expansive-soil mitigation, hillside reinforcement) runs $28,000 to $85,000 or more.
Read the full answerLos Angeles · Garage Conversion
How much does a garage-to-ADU conversion cost in Los Angeles in 2026?
A standard two-car garage conversion to an ADU in Los Angeles costs $95,000 to $165,000 in 2026, for a finished 400 to 500 sqft living space. This is roughly 35 to 45 percent less than building a new detached ADU of the same size because the foundation, walls, and roof already exist.
Read the full answerAustin · Bathroom Remodel
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Austin, Texas in 2026?
A mid-range full bathroom remodel in Austin costs $22,000 to $42,000 in 2026 for a standard 5x8 ft layout. Primary bathroom remodels (80 to 120 sqft) run $38,000 to $78,000. Cosmetic refreshes without plumbing relocation run $9,500 to $18,000. Austin pricing is roughly 30 percent below San Francisco and 10 to 15 percent below Los Angeles.
Read the full answerLos Angeles · ADU
How much does a detached 600 sqft ADU cost to build in Los Angeles in 2026?
A detached 600 sqft ADU in Los Angeles costs $190,000 to $295,000 to build in 2026, including permits, design, and standard finishes. The median completed project lands near $235,000, or roughly $390 per square foot. Detached units run 20 to 25 percent more than attached conversions because of the separate foundation, full envelope, and independent utility connections.
Read the full answerFree, private, no obligation
Got the answer? Get the pro.
When the numbers make sense, the next step is talking to someone who has built it before. We match you with 2 to 3 vetted local contractors.
2 to 3 vetted matches, clear next steps, and no obligation to hire.