Westside & Coast · Los Angeles County
Hiring a contractor in Malibu
Malibu is a city in Los Angeles County. We introduce two or three licensed, insured builders who already work in the area, set up the walkthroughs, and lay their bids out side by side. You make the final choice, and there is no cost to homeowners.
Updated
- County
- Los Angeles County
- District
- Westside & Coast (hub: Santa Monica / Culver City)
- Building permits
- the City of Malibu building department
- Cost level
- 55% above LA County average
What does a renovation cost in Malibu?
As of October 2026: Renovation prices in Malibu run about 55% above the LA County baseline. A typical kitchen remodel falls in the $55k–$186k range, a bathroom remodel $24k–$86k, and an ADU $233k–$620k. The main local factor is Coastal Commission review, hillside and PCH access, and Woolsey and Franklin fire rebuilds.
Malibu renovation costs (2026)
Typical totals for labor, materials, permits and contractor overhead, adjusted for Malibu (1.55× the LA County baseline). Furniture and owner-supplied items aren't included.
| Project | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodel | $55k | $101k | $186k |
| Bathroom Remodel | $24k | $47k | $86k |
| ADU Construction | $233k | $388k | $620k |
| Room Addition | $124k | $233k | $465k |
| Garage Conversion | $62k | $109k | $186k |
| Roof Replacement | $16k | $28k | $55k |
| Pool Construction | $86k | $132k | $233k |
| Pool Remodel | $19k | $39k | $78k |
| Deck & Patio | $13k | $28k | $62k |
| Solar Installation | $24k | $39k | $70k |
| HVAC Replacement | $13k | $22k | $39k |
| Window Replacement | $13k | $28k | $55k |
| Foundation Repair | $19k | $39k | $93k |
Planning estimates reviewed October 2026, not quotes. Scope, finishes, site conditions and permits set the real number. How we build these ranges.
Why do prices in Malibu differ?
In our October 2026 cost tables, Malibu sits 55% above the LA County average. The biggest local factor is Coastal Commission review, hillside and PCH access, and Woolsey and Franklin fire rebuilds. Beyond that, the usual suspects decide the number: how much plumbing and electrical moves, the finish level, how hard the site is to work on, and how long plan check takes at City Hall.
How to hire a contractor in Malibu
- 1.Tell us the scope, budget and timing. One call, about 15 minutes.
- 2.We line up two or three licensed, insured builders who work in Westside & Coast and book the walkthroughs.
- 3.Each builder prices the same scope. We put the bids side by side and flag what's missing.
- 4.You choose. We stay on through the build if you want us to.
Before paying any deposit: as of 2026, California caps a home improvement down payment at $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less, according to the Contractors State License Board.
Get real Malibu bids, not averages
Two or three licensed builders who work in Malibu, pricing the same scope.
Malibu questions
Who issues building permits in Malibu?
Malibu is an incorporated city, so permits go through the City of Malibu building department, or the agency it contracts plan review to. Kitchen, bath and ADU work that moves plumbing, gas, electrical or walls needs a permit.
How does Keystone Connect work for Malibu homeowners?
Tell us about the project. We introduce two or three licensed, insured builders who work in the Westside & Coast area, set up the walkthroughs, and lay their bids out side by side so you can compare the same scope. You choose who to hire. We don't charge homeowners anything.
How do you check the builders you send to Malibu?
Every builder has an active CSLB license in the right classification, which we re-check against the state's license records every day, and a current general liability certificate that we confirm with the insurance agent. We also call references before an introduction.
Get matched for your Malibu project
Pick a time and we'll call you. Or call us now at (818) 482-8365.