Los Angeles County / Pasadena, CA
Home Builder & General Contractor in Pasadena
KR Building & Remodeling Inc. is a licensed general contractor building new homes, additions, remodels, and ADUs in Pasadena. KR manages City of Pasadena permits, including design and historic review when a property sits in a landmark district.
- Permits through
- City of Pasadena Planning and Community Development Department, Building and Safety Division
- Contractor
- CSLB #1127167, Sherman Oaks
Pasadena has one of the richest collections of early 20th century houses in Southern California. Craftsman bungalows fill Bungalow Heaven and Historic Highlands, and larger period homes line the Arroyo Seco. Many of these homes have deep lots with room to expand at the rear or add a second unit, and later, plainer houses on the east side are sometimes better candidates for a rebuild. The catch is that Pasadena takes preservation seriously, so the design has to respect the house and the street.
Additions and rebuilds on period homes
Older Pasadena homes often have original redwood framing, knob-and-tube wiring, and raised foundations that need bolting or repair. That work tends to surface when you plan a rear home addition or a whole-home remodel that updates systems and layouts while keeping the details owners bought the house for. Outside the landmark districts, owners of later and less distinctive houses sometimes build new from the ground up instead. In the hillside areas of Linda Vista and San Rafael Heights, fire zone rules also shape material choices.
Adding an ADU to a Craftsman lot
A lot of Pasadena bungalows have a narrow driveway running to a small garage at the back. That garage can often become a garage conversion, or it can be replaced with a new detached unit. In landmark districts, expect the city to look at roof pitch, siding, window style, and how visible the unit is from the street. State law limits how much design review can slow an ADU, but a design that fits the neighborhood from the start moves more smoothly.
Building or remodeling in Pasadena?
Or call (603) 264-9370
Services in Pasadena
What we build in Pasadena
- A-101New Home Construction in Pasadena
- A-102Home Additions in Pasadena
- A-103ADU Construction in Pasadena
- B-104Garage Conversions in Pasadena
- B-101Whole-Home Remodeling in Pasadena
- C-104Siding & Exterior Finishes in Pasadena
- B-102Kitchen Remodeling in Pasadena
- B-103Bathroom Remodeling in Pasadena
- B-105Interior Renovations in Pasadena
FAQ
Pasadena project FAQ
Can I add onto a historic Pasadena home?
Usually, yes, and additions at the rear that are not prominent from the street tend to move through review more easily. Properties in landmark districts get design review for scale, roof form, and materials. KR confirms your district status and designs the addition to match the original house before submitting.
What upgrades do older Pasadena homes usually need during a remodel?
Common items include foundation bolting, electrical panel and wiring replacement, plumbing updates, and insulation. Many of these come up once walls are opened. KR inspects the house early and builds a realistic scope around what we find.
Can I build an ADU in a Pasadena landmark district?
Yes, ADUs are allowed, but properties in landmark or historic districts may need design review for the exterior. Pasadena looks at how the unit relates to the historic house and the street. KR checks your district status and designs the ADU to meet those standards.
Can I convert my detached garage into an ADU in Pasadena?
Often, yes. Many Pasadena garages can be converted if the structure can meet current code, and state law does not require replacement parking when a garage becomes an ADU. Very old garages sometimes cost less to rebuild than to convert, and KR compares both.
Does Pasadena have its own building department?
Yes. Pasadena is an independent city, and its Building and Safety Division reviews plans and performs inspections. Planning and historic preservation staff may also review your project depending on location.
Next Step / Site Visit
Start your Pasadena project.
Share a few details about your property and project. We will follow up to talk through feasibility, scope, and next steps, and schedule a site visit for a written estimate.