--- title: "Exterior Remodeling Los Angeles | Siding, Paint, Patios" description: "Exterior remodeling in Los Angeles: siding, paint, patio covers, decks, block walls, hardscape and landscaping. CSLB-licensed; LA, Orange and Riverside." url: "https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/exterior-remodeling/" --- # Exterior Remodeling in Los Angeles Alpha Dream Construction does exterior remodeling in Los Angeles: siding, exterior paint, patio covers, decks, block walls, outdoor kitchens, hardscape and landscaping, planned as one renovation of the outside of the house, for homes across LA County, Orange County and Riverside County. California CSLB license #1145233 (class B). Phone us or send the form to book an appointment. Building Legacies with Precision, Passion, and Purpose. - [Home](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/) - Exterior Remodeling ## Elevate Your Outdoors with Expert Remodeling Services Alpha Dream Construction enhances outdoor living with designs that blend beauty, durability, and function. From stylish outdoor kitchens and durable block walls to weather-resistant siding, patio covers, and flawless exterior paint, we specialize in elevating curb appeal while adding comfort and value. Our expert craftsmanship ensures every project stands the test of time, giving you an exterior that’s as inviting as your home’s interior. [](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/outdoor-kitchen/) ### [Outdoor Kitchen](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/outdoor-kitchen/) Custom outdoor kitchens designed for style, durability, and unforgettable entertaining experiences. [](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/outdoor-paint/) ### [Outdoor Paint](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/outdoor-paint/) High-quality exterior painting services that protect and enhance your home’s curb appeal. [](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/hardscape/) ### [Block Wall](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/hardscape/) Add privacy, security, and style with expertly built and durable block walls. [](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/patio-covers/) ### [Patio Covers](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/patio-covers/) Enjoy your outdoor space year-round with stylish, functional patio covers that provide shade and protection. [](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/siding/) ### [Siding](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/siding/) Enhance your home’s curb appeal and insulation with premium siding installation and upgrades. ## In What Order Should an Exterior Renovation Be Done? Work on the outside of a house goes from the ground and the walls outward, so nothing finished is damaged by the trade that follows it. 1. Drainage and structureGrading that sends water away from the foundation (2025 California Residential Code section R401.3) and any [foundation repair](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/foundation/) come first, because they change what the walls and paving sit on. 2. Windows, doors and wall flashingNew windows and doors are flashed into the wall (section R703.4.1) while the wall covering is open or before it is replaced. 3. Siding and its barrierNew siding goes over a continuous water-resistive barrier (section R703.2), with the wall's ledgers and openings flashed. 4. PaintExterior paint follows the siding and repairs, so the whole wall gets one finish. 5. Patio covers and decksCovers and decks attach to the finished, flashed wall rather than being worked around later. 6. Hardscape, then landscapePaving, walls and walkways go in before planting, turf and irrigation, so the last trade does not drive over the new garden. ## What Does a Curb Appeal Renovation Change at the Front of a House? ### Walkway and driveway New pavers or concrete from the street to the door. Paving on your lot drains away from the house: hard surfaces within 10 feet slope at least 2 percent away (section R401.3); see [hardscape](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/hardscape/). ### Paint scheme Body, trim and front door colors, chosen together and cleared with the homeowner association first if there is one; see [exterior painting](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/outdoor-paint/). ### A covered entry A porch roof or entry cover over new steps. Where a porch or stairs attach to a wood-frame wall, the code calls for flashing at that joint (section R703.4); an attached cover also needs a permit (see the permit cards below). ### Planting and light Front beds, turf and path lights. Replacing a front lawn for a water agency rebate needs approval before any turf is removed, and synthetic turf does not qualify; see [landscaping](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/landscape/). ## Materials and Options for Each Part of the Outside The main choice for each part of the outside, with the page that covers it in detail. ### Walls Vinyl siding labeled to ASTM D3679, fiber cement to ASTM C1186, or wood; see [siding installation](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/siding/). ### Stucco and paint A stucco wall ends at a weep screed set at least 4 inches above the soil or 2 inches above paving, so trapped water can drain out (section R703.7.2.1); new paint, beds and paving should leave it clear. See [exterior painting](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/outdoor-paint/). ### Decks Composite boards labeled to ASTM D7032 or wood decking on a treated frame; see [decks](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/decks-composite-wood/). ## Exterior Work in Los Angeles: The Local Rules ### Who issues the permit Our Sherman Oaks office is in the City of Los Angeles, where the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) issues building permits. A home in a separate city gets its permit from that city's own building department. ### The street in front A new driveway approach, curb or public sidewalk in the City of Los Angeles is Bureau of Engineering work, permitted separately from the work on your lot. ### Paint rules Large parts of Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties are in the South Coast AQMD district, whose Rule 1113 limits the VOC content of architectural coatings used there. ### Lawn rebates The SoCal Water$mart Turf Replacement Program, offered through participating water agencies, pays only for living, water-wise gardens with a stormwater feature and permeable paving. ## Which Exterior Projects Need a Permit? From the 2025 California Residential Code; Los Angeles and the other cities and counties adopt it with their own amendments, so your address has the last word. ### Usually exempt Painting, fences up to 7 feet, retaining walls up to 4 feet from the bottom of the footing (unless they hold back a surcharge), sidewalks and driveways, and small low detached decks (section R105.2), unless your city amends the list. ### Permit needed Attached decks and patio covers and taller or loaded walls are not on the exempt list (section R105.2), and new gas, electrical or plumbing lines need a permit (section R105.1). ### Fire hazard zones In fire hazard severity zones and wildland-urban interface areas, wall coverings, deck surfaces and attached covers must use the materials the Wildland-Urban Interface Code lists (sections 504.5.2, 504.7 and 504.7.3), and patio covers that need a permit follow section 504.11. ### Work in the street In the City of Los Angeles, limited work on curbs, sidewalks, driveway approaches or gutters that can match existing grades without engineered plans takes an "A" permit from the Bureau of Engineering (LAMC 62.106.a); larger public works take a "B" permit with plans (LAMC 62.106.b). ## Planning the Budget: One Project or Phases? ### One project or phases Siding, paint and covers done together can share one set of scaffolding, and the barrier and flashing are detailed once at every joint. Phases spread the cost; keep the order above, so a later phase never tears into a finished one. ### What moves the total Wall area and height, how much rot or cracking the old surfaces hide, the materials chosen, permits and plans for covers, decks and walls, and work in the street. Plan for at least 10 to 15 percent extra for surprises such as structural issues or material changes. ### The license Look up the contractor on the [CSLB website](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx); ours is [#1145233, class B](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/LicenseDetail.aspx?LicNum=1145233). ## Let’s Bring Your Dream Home to Life *Contact Alpha Dream Construction for a personalized consultation and see how our expert team can transform your home with exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design.* [Book An Appointment](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/contact-us/) ## Exterior Remodeling Questions ### Do you build block walls? Yes. Under the 2025 California Residential Code, a block wall used as a fence up to 7 feet tall is exempt from a building permit, and cities may amend that; walls that hold back soil follow the retaining wall rules on our [hardscape](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/hardscape/) page. ### Front yard or backyard first? Either works if the order of trades is kept. A sensible start is wherever the house needs protection first: failing siding, paint or drainage. ### Can a backyard remodel include a kitchen and a cover? Yes: an [outdoor kitchen](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/outdoor-kitchen/) under a [patio cover](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/patio-covers/), on new pavers, with a [deck](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/decks-composite-wood/) where the yard steps down. ### Should one contractor build the whole backyard, or should I hire separate trades? For a backyard of several trades, one licensed class B general building contractor can build all of it under a single contract: California lets a class B contractor take a prime contract requiring at least two unrelated building trades besides framing and carpentry (Business and Professions Code section 7057). One contract puts one company in charge of the order: lines inspected before anything covers them, the patio cover before the [paving](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/hardscape/) around it, [planting](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/landscape/) last. Hire separate trades and you set that order and settle who answers where one crew's work meets the next. Ours is [CSLB #1145233, class B](https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/LicenseDetail.aspx?LicNum=1145233). To plan the outside of your home, [tell us what you want to change](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/contact-us/) and book an appointment. For kitchens, bathrooms and layout changes, see [interior remodeling](https://alphadreamconstructionca.com/interior-remodeling/).