The Complete Guide to Planning a New Construction Home in Los Angeles (2025 Edition)
HANNAH A · November 28, 2025
Why Building a New Home in Los Angeles Requires a Different Approach
Designing and building a custom home in Los Angeles isn’t the same as building anywhere else. Between strict seismic codes, complex zoning regulations, fire-zone requirements, hillside restrictions, and a highly detailed LADBS approval process, LA demands a level of planning and coordination far beyond a standard new-build. At ENE Builders, we’ve guided families through every stage of the process — from the first feasibility study to the final finish — and the biggest takeaway is this: the success of a project comes down to how well it is planned before construction begins.
Step One: Feasibility & Zoning Analysis
Before any design work starts, it’s essential to understand what the property legally allows. Every Los Angeles lot comes with unique zoning rules, setback requirements, height limits, and potential overlays that directly impact the size and layout of a new home. For hillside, coastal, and high-fire areas, the restrictions become even more specific. ENE Builders begins every new-construction project with a full zoning study to ensure the design aligns with city regulations from day one — preventing costly redesigns later.
Step Two: Architectural Design & 3D Visualization
Once feasibility is confirmed, the architectural and design phase begins. This is where the vision takes shape — floor plans, elevations, exterior massing, and interior flow. Because Los Angeles homeowners often want a blend of Spanish, Organic Modern, or contemporary coastal styles, the design must feel both elevated and timeless. ENE’s design team creates full 3D renderings and presentation books so clients can visualize the home long before construction begins. This step ensures the layout, materials, and architectural language are aligned with the lifestyle the home is meant to support.
Step Three: Engineering, Title-24, and Technical Plans
A new home in LA must meet strict structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy-efficiency standards. Structural engineering is especially important due to seismic requirements. Title-24 calculations, HVAC layouts, lighting plans, and plumbing diagrams all need to be precise and coordinated. ENE Builders manages all engineering in-house with specialists who design specifically for Los Angeles codes — ensuring that once the plans reach LADBS, they are compliant, complete, and ready for review.
Step Four: Permitting With LADBS or L.A. County
The permitting stage is where many new construction projects in LA get delayed. LADBS requires detailed documentation, proper indexing, and multiple department clearances. Whether the home is in the City of Los Angeles, LA County, or a city with its own building department, the process must be navigated carefully. ENE Builders handles all submittals, corrections, responses, and communication with the city to keep the approval process moving efficiently. By consolidating architecture, engineering, and planning under one team, we eliminate back-and-forth delays common in the industry.
Step Five: Construction Begins — The Most Transformative Phase
The permitting stage is where many new construction projects in LA get delayed. LADBS requires detailed documentation, proper indexing, and multiple department clearances. Whether the home is in the City of Los Angeles, LA County, or a city with its own building department, the process must be navigated carefully. ENE Builders handles all submittals, corrections, responses, and communication with the city to keep the approval process moving efficiently. By consolidating architecture, engineering, and planning under one team, we eliminate back-and-forth delays common in the industry.
Why a Design + Build Firm Is Essential for LA New Construction
Managing zoning, engineering, architecture, permitting, and construction with separate teams invites delays and miscommunication — especially in Los Angeles. With a full design-build structure, ENE Builders streamlines every step under one coordinated system. This integrated process allows us to anticipate issues before they arise, maintain budget alignment, prevent redesigns, and deliver a home that feels cohesive from foundation to finishes.
Contact us today for a consultation and let us show you how we can transform your vision into a space you will love.
ENE BUILDERS | LA + OC Remodeling
Family owned affordable design+build firm
Specializing in Spanish revival , Modern Mediterranean Organic Design
From A-Z: Architecture | Design | General Contractor | Showroom Details obsessed + Planning perfection
