Studio City and Toluca Lake represent some of the most desirable neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley, with charming tree-lined streets, proximity to entertainment industry hubs, and strong community character. For homeowners in these areas, adding space through room additions or second-story expansions is often preferable to moving—preserving the neighborhood they love while gaining the square footage they need.
Why Studio City & Toluca Lake Homeowners Add On
Neighborhood Appeal
Both communities offer compelling reasons to stay and expand:
Studio City:
Toluca Lake:
Common Reasons for Additions:
Types of Home Additions
1. Ground-Floor Room Additions
Most Popular Options:
Benefits:
Considerations:
Cost Range: $150,000-$400,000
2. Second-Story Additions
Popular Configurations:
Benefits:
Considerations:
Cost Range: $250,000-$600,000+
3. Bump-Out Additions
Applications:
Benefits:
Cost Range: $30,000-$100,000
4. ADU Additions (Attached)
What It Is:
Benefits:
Cost Range: $180,000-$400,000
Studio City & Toluca Lake Building Requirements
LA City Jurisdiction
Both neighborhoods fall under Los Angeles city building codes:
Zoning Considerations:
Single-Family Zones (R1, RE):
Hillside Requirements (Some Studio City Areas):
Permit Process:
Step 1: Pre-Planning
Step 2: Design Development
Step 3: Plan Check Submission
Step 4: Permit Issuance
Total Permit Timeline: 4-6 months typically
Permit Costs:
| Fee Type | Typical Cost |
|----------|--------------|
| Plan Check | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Building Permit | $2,000-$8,000 |
| Electrical Permit | $200-$800 |
| Plumbing Permit | $200-$800 |
| Mechanical Permit | $200-$600 |
| School Fees | $4.79/sq ft |
Total Permit Costs: $5,000-$20,000+
Home Addition Costs 2026
Detailed Cost Breakdown:
Architectural/Engineering: $15,000-$50,000
Foundation: $20,000-$60,000
Framing: $30,000-$80,000
MEP (Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing): $25,000-$70,000
Interior Finishes: $40,000-$120,000
Exterior: $15,000-$40,000
Cost Per Square Foot:
| Addition Type | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
|--------------|--------|-----------|----------|
| Ground Floor | $350-$450/sf | $450-$600/sf | $600-$800/sf |
| Second Story | $400-$500/sf | $500-$700/sf | $700-$1,000/sf |
| Bump-Out | $400-$500/sf | $500-$650/sf | $650-$850/sf |
Sample Project Costs:
| Project | Size | Cost Range |
|---------|------|------------|
| Master Suite Addition | 400 sq ft | $180,000-$320,000 |
| Family Room Expansion | 300 sq ft | $135,000-$240,000 |
| Second Story (2BR/1BA) | 600 sq ft | $300,000-$480,000 |
| Full Second Story | 1,200 sq ft | $550,000-$900,000 |
| Kitchen Bump-Out | 100 sq ft | $45,000-$85,000 |
Timeline for Home Additions
Typical Project Phases:
Design Phase: 2-3 months
Permitting Phase: 3-5 months
Construction Phase:
Total Project Timeline:
Living During Construction
Options for Homeowners:
Stay in Home:
Partial Vacancy:
Temporary Relocation:
Choosing an Addition Contractor
What to Look For:
1. Extensive Addition Experience: Not just remodeling
2. Local Knowledge: Familiar with Studio City/Toluca Lake
3. Design-Build Capability: Streamlines process
4. Strong Communication: Regular updates essential
5. Proper Licensing: California B license
6. References: Recent addition projects
ESV Prime Construction: Addition Specialists
ESV Prime Construction has completed numerous home additions throughout Studio City, Toluca Lake, and the San Fernando Valley.
Our Addition Services:
Why Studio City & Toluca Lake Homeowners Choose Us:
Ready to add space to your Studio City or Toluca Lake home? Contact ESV Prime Construction at (818) 883-8753 for a free consultation and feasibility assessment!