Top 5 Floor Plans For New LA Home Builds (And Why You’ll Want to Steal These Ideas)
Let’s be real: building a new home in Los Angeles is like trying to parallel park a Hummer on a hill—thrilling, slightly terrifying, and definitely requiring a solid game plan. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy ADU tucked behind your main house or a sprawling custom home that screams “I’ve made it,” the floor plan you choose will make or break your sanity (and your budget). Lucky for you, we’ve been crafting homes across LA—from Mission Hills to the Westside—for years, and we’re spilling the beans on the top 5 floor plans that locals are obsessed with. Oh, and if you’re thinking, “But what about cost?” or “How do I find the nearest remodeling contractor who won’t ghost me?”—don’t worry. We’ve got your back.
1. The California Bungalow Revival
Perfect For: Small lots, big charm, and ADU enthusiasts
Let’s kick things off with a classic. The California Bungalow isn’t just a relic from your grandma’s photo album—it’s making a major comeback. Think wide front porches, open-concept living, and a layout that says, “Come on in, but leave your shoes at the door.”
Why We Love It For LA:
- ADU-Friendly: Pair the main house with a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for rental income or a killer home office. (FYI, our team at America Green Builders has mastered the art of ADU contracting—no cookie-cutter boxes here.)
- Small Bathroom Remodel Magic: Vintage charm meets modern efficiency. Swap clawfoot tubs for walk-in showers without losing that Craftsman vibe.
- Garage Conversion Potential: Turn that dusty storage space into a studio, gym, or finally a place for your vinyl collection.
“But wait—won’t this cost me a fortune?” Not if you work with a garage conversion contractor near you who actually listens. We’ve seen clients in neighborhoods like Highland Park and Silver Lake add 300+ sq. ft. for less than the price of a new Tesla.
2. The Modern Minimalist Cube
Perfect For: Urbanites, rooftop-deck dreamers, and clean-line addicts
If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and thought, “How do they keep their house so white?”, this one’s for you. The Modern Minimalist Cube is all about simplicity, functionality, and making your neighbors wonder if you’ve secretly hired a full-time tidying crew.
Key Features:
- Flat Roofs + Rooftop Decks: Who needs a backyard when you can sip margarites 20 feet above street level? Pair this with a deck contractor who knows how to handle LA’s… quirky weather.
- Open-Concept Kitchen Remodeling: Stainless steel, waterfall islands, and hidden appliances—because seeing your microwave kills the vibe.
- Hardscaping Heaven: Replace fussy lawns with concrete pavers, drought-tolerant succulents, and a fire pit that’s basically a year-round Instagram filter.
Pro Tip: If you’re in a hillside area like Los Feliz, invest in a hardscaping pro to prevent your zen garden from sliding into the canyon. (We’re not kidding—grading matters.)
3. The Multi-Generational Compound
Perfect For: Families, room additions, and avoiding awkward holiday dinners
LA housing prices have turned us all into creative problem-solvers. Enter the Multi-Generational Compound: a layout that lets parents, teens, and your freeloading cousin coexist without a reality TV crew.
Must-Haves:
- Dual Master Suites: Because Grandma doesn’t want to hear your 2 a.m. TikTok marathons.
- Separate Entrances: Privacy is king. Add a small bathroom remodel to each wing so nobody’s fighting over the shower.
- Outdoor Living Contractor Touch: Create shared spaces like a pergola-covered patio or pool area where everyone can pretend to get along.
“But how much does a room addition actually cost?” Great question. Check out this quick breakdown:
| Project | Average Cost in LA | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Room Addition (400 sq.ft) | $120,000 – $200,000 | 4-6 months |
| ADU Construction | $150,000 – $350,000 | 6-9 months |
| Kitchen Remodel | $50,000 – $100,000 | 2-4 months |
Spoiler: Working with a custom home building team like ours means fewer surprises (and fewer migraines).
4. The Spanish Colonial Gem
Perfect For: Historic vibes, arched doorways, and courtyards made for siesta o’clock
LA’s architecture has always borrowed from Spanish roots, and this floor plan is a love letter to red-tile roofs, wrought-iron details, and courtyards that make you forget you’re 10 minutes from a freeway.
Why It Works:
- Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Swap stuffy formal dining rooms for a courtyard that’s equal parts BBQ zone and yoga sanctuary.
- Bathroom Remodeling with Tile: Go wild with hand-painted Talavera tiles and brass fixtures. Just don’t let your remodeling contractors near you talk you into subway tiles—this isn’t Brooklyn.
- Mission Hills Approved: We’ve revived a few of these beauties in historic areas, and let’s just say the neighbors stopped side-eyeing us after the third margarita night.
5. The Eco-Friendly Flex Home
Perfect For: Solar panel nerds, tiny home aspirants, and people who unironically say “sustainability”
Look, we get it—you want a home that’s as green as your smoothie. The Eco-Friendly Flex Home is all about energy efficiency, multipurpose spaces, and making Greta Thunberg proud.
Standout Features:
- Net-Zero Energy Design: Solar panels, triple-pane windows, and insulation that actually works (a miracle in LA’s “70° and sunny” winters).
- Flex Rooms: Transform a home office into a guest room, then into a Peloton studio. Magic? No, just smart design.
- Outdoor Living Contractor Collab: Add a deck made of reclaimed wood or a veggie garden that’s not just for Instagram clout.
Fun Fact: Many of our custom home building clients in Venice and Santa Monica opt for this plan to dodge those pesky energy bills—and guilt trips from their hippie siblings.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered
Q: How do I find reliable remodeling contractors nearby?
A: Start with reviews (Yelp and Google are your friends). At America Green Builders, we’re proud of our 5-star rep for ADUs, kitchen remodels, and everything in between. Pro tip: Avoid anyone who says, “Trust me, drywall dust is a lifestyle.”
Q: What’s the price difference between a garage conversion and a full room addition?
A: Conversions typically cost $30,000 – $75,000, while additions start around $120k. But hey, if your garage is already collecting dust (and old holiday decorations), conversion is a no-brainer.
Q: How long does a kitchen remodel take in LA?
A: With permits? 2-4 months. Without? Let’s just say… don’t plan any dinner parties.
Ready to Build Your Dream Home?
Whether you’re craving a Spanish Colonial in Mission Hills or a minimalist cube that would make Marie Kondo weep with joy, America Green Builders is here to turn your Pinterest board into reality. We’re not just another “contractor near me”—we’re your partners in dodging LA’s chaos, one perfectly designed room at a time.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab that sketchpad, check our reviews, and let’s build something that’ll make the neighbors peek over the fence. (In a good way.)
P.S. If you mention this article, we’ll throw in a free consultation. Because who doesn’t love a friendly bribe? 😉
