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Licensed & Insured

San Marino, CA

High-end home remodeling and custom construction for San Marino's established residential neighborhoods.

Remodeling in San Marino's Established Neighborhoods

San Marino is defined by its older housing stock, generous lot sizes, and rigorous design standards. Most homes were built between the 1920s and 1960s, which means modernizing these properties requires careful work that honors their original character while meeting today's expectations for function and finish.

Remodeling here is not about cutting corners. The city's design review process, homeowner expectations, and the overall quality of the neighborhood all point toward thoughtful, high-caliber construction work.

Working Within Design Review

San Marino has a formal design review process managed by the city. Any exterior work, additions, or significant renovations require approval. The process is not arbitrary, but it does require clear documentation, elevations, and material specifications.

We prepare for this from the start. Our approach includes early coordination with architects, clear drawings, and material selections that meet the city's standards without overcomplicating the timeline.

Renovations That Respect Original Architecture

Many San Marino homes reflect Spanish Colonial Revival, English Tudor, or traditional Colonial styles. Updating these homes means understanding their proportions, details, and materials.

We work with homeowners who want modern interiors without losing the home's architectural identity. That might mean:

  • Restoring or replicating original moldings, casings, and trim details
  • Opening kitchens to adjacent spaces while maintaining ceiling heights and transitions
  • Expanding primary suites without disrupting rooflines or exterior massing
  • Updating plumbing and electrical systems behind the scenes

Kitchens Built for How You Live

Older San Marino kitchens were often small, closed-off, and oriented toward formal dining. Most families today want kitchens that connect to living spaces, support everyday use, and still feel appropriate to the home.

We approach kitchen remodels structurally. That often means removing a wall, relocating plumbing, adding a beam, or extending into an adjacent space. The result should feel like it was always there.

A well-executed kitchen remodel in San Marino should improve function and flow without announcing itself as an addition.

Bathrooms That Balance Period and Performance

Original bathrooms in these homes are often small, tile-heavy, and built with different standards. Updating them typically involves new framing, relocated fixtures, upgraded venting, and finishes that reflect both durability and design.

Primary bathrooms usually need the most work. Homeowners want separate vanities, walk-in showers, good lighting, and enough room to move comfortably. Secondary bathrooms benefit from similar attention, especially when the home will be on the market or handed down.

Additions That Fit the Neighborhood

Lot sizes in San Marino allow for thoughtful additions without overwhelming the property. We typically see requests for:

  • Primary suite expansions with walk-in closets and updated bathrooms
  • Kitchen extensions that connect to outdoor spaces
  • Second-story additions over garages or single-story wings
  • Accessory structures like studios, home offices, or pool houses

Each addition requires structural planning, coordination with the city, and exterior finishes that match the existing home. We handle the full scope, from foundation work through final trim.

Full-Home Transformations

Some homeowners prefer to renovate the entire house at once. This approach allows us to update systems, improve layout, and bring the home to a consistent standard throughout.

Full renovations typically include new electrical panels, updated HVAC, modern plumbing, insulation improvements, and new finishes in every room. The timeline is longer, but the result is a home that performs like new construction while keeping its original footprint and character.

Why Homeowners in San Marino Work With Us

We build for clients who expect quality work, clear communication, and results that last. Our projects reflect careful planning, skilled execution, and attention to the details that matter in established neighborhoods.

From early design through final walkthrough, we manage the process so homeowners can focus on decisions, not logistics.

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Testimonials

Trusted by Homeowners & Professionals

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How We Work

Our Proven Process

We follow a straightforward, contractor-led process that keeps your project organized, on schedule, and built to our standards of craftsmanship.

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The Lungu Method

We bridge the gap between architectural vision and flawless execution. From the first permit walkthrough to the final hand-off, our team manages the complex logistics, coordinates specialist trades, and maintains a rigorous schedule.

Strategic pre-construction, transparent weekly updates, and a white-glove handover experience.

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Los Angeles & Austin

Our Recent Projects

See the quality of our craftsmanship in homes across Los Angeles and Austin.

Modern kitchen with white marble waterfall island, beige bar stools, pendant lights, and white cabinetry with subway tile backsplash.
Modern backyard ADU with cedar siding, large windows, landscaped garden, and a stone pathway.
Backyard view of a single-story house with a patio table and chairs, green lawn, trees, and a blue swimming pool with lounge chairs.
Modern bathroom with frameless glass shower, white vanity with black faucet, toilet, and a towel on a rack by a large mirror.
Modern fireplace with black tile surround and wooden slat accent walls in a room with wood flooring.
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Behind the Build

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FAQ

Got Questions?
We’ve Got Answers.

Here are the most common questions about working with Lungu in Los Angeles and Austin. For anything else, reach out—we’re happy to help.