Home Remodeling · Van Nuys
Remodeling a Home in Van Nuys
Van Nuys, in the center of the Valley, has some of its oldest residential streets, and many houses are due for their first comprehensive renovation.
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Design by Astrid Lind. Construction by Jacob Construction Inc., a licensed California general contractor, CSLB #1073757.
Van Nuys at a glance
Before You Plan a Remodel in Van Nuys
Typical homes
- Some of the Valley’s oldest streets
- Houses due a first full renovation
Worth checking first
- Ageing plumbing and sewer lines
- Electrical service
- Aircraft noise near the airport
Older Housing
A Central Valley Mix
Van Nuys was one of the first towns laid out in the San Fernando Valley, and its residential areas include pre-war houses alongside large numbers of post-war ranch homes. Lot sizes on many single-family streets leave room for rear additions or an ADU.
Homes of this age commonly need attention to plumbing, electrical capacity, roofing and insulation, so renovation planning should start with a clear picture of the existing conditions.
Aging plumbing
Galvanized supply lines and older sewer laterals are common; a sewer camera inspection is worth doing before an ADU.
Electrical service
Older 60- or 100-amp services may not support a remodeled kitchen plus an ADU.
Foundations
Check for bolting and cripple-wall bracing on raised foundations.
Adding a Unit
ADUs and Garage Conversions
ADUs are one of the most common projects in central Valley neighborhoods. Detached garages at the rear of the lot are often good candidates for conversion, and rear yards can accommodate a new detached unit.
Before committing, confirm sewer and electrical capacity, construction access along the side yard, and how the unit will be separated from the main house for privacy.
Garage conversion
Reuses an existing structure but must meet habitable standards.
New detached ADU
Requires foundation, utilities and more site work.
Junior ADU
A unit within the existing house can be simpler where space allows.
Before You Start
Documenting What You Have
Older Van Nuys homes have often been changed over the decades: enclosed porches, added bedrooms, converted garages. Some of that work was permitted, some was not. Checking the permit record early helps avoid surprises when new plans are submitted.
Photos of the electrical panel, water heater, attic and crawlspace give the contractor a head start on understanding existing conditions before an in-home visit.
What People Build
What Homeowners in Van Nuys Typically Plan
Van Nuys projects frequently include ADUs and garage conversions, kitchen and bathroom remodels, whole-home system upgrades, and rear additions.
Starting points: Van Nuys kitchen remodel and ADU options.
Close to the Counter
Permits Next Door
Van Nuys is home to the LADBS office that serves much of the Valley, inside the Marvin Braude center. Homes near the Van Nuys Airport flight paths may benefit from upgraded windows and insulation when walls are opened, and many 1940s and 1950s houses here will need electrical service upgrades for a modern kitchen, coordinated with LADWP.
Also Nearby
Sherman Oaks · Encino · North Hollywood · Valley Village · Reseda
Design concept
A Design Concept for a Van Nuys Home
Design illustration — not a completed project
A whole-home concept for an older Van Nuys house, where documenting the existing plumbing, wiring and foundation comes before any choice of finishes.
Talk through what your house allowsVan Nuys: Common Questions
Do I need to upgrade my electrical service for an ADU?
Often. A qualified contractor can calculate the load and coordinate with LADWP if an upgrade is needed.
What is a Junior ADU?
A smaller unit created within the existing house, generally up to 500 square feet under state law, which can be simpler to build than a detached unit.
Should I inspect my sewer line first?
For an ADU or major bathroom work in an older house, a camera inspection of the sewer lateral helps avoid surprises.
Are there aircraft noise considerations near VNY?
Homes close to Van Nuys Airport may benefit from better windows, insulation and solid-core doors, which are easiest to add while walls are already open during a remodel.