5 Common Permit Pitfalls Homeowners Face in Altadena and How Mareci & Steele Construction Solves Them
5 Common Permit Pitfalls Homeowners Face in Altadena, Learn how Mareci & Steele Construction navigates LA County’s complex building codes to save you time, money, and stress on your next remodel.
The Hidden Hurdle in Home Remodeling
Every homeowner dreams of a smooth remodel, the kind where the plans are approved quickly, the build runs on schedule, and the final inspection is a breeze. But in Altadena and throughout Los Angeles County, one word can turn that dream into a bureaucratic nightmare: permits.
Navigating local codes, zoning laws, and inspections can overwhelm even the most organized homeowner. That’s where Mareci & Steele Construction steps in. Based in Altadena and serving the greater LA area, this firm has built a reputation for handling not just the construction, but also the red tape that comes with it. Their approach combines craftsmanship with compliance ensuring every project is beautiful, functional, and fully legal.
Let’s break down the five most common permit pitfalls homeowners face and how Mareci & Steele helps you avoid them.
1. Not Knowing Which Projects Actually Require a Permit
One of the biggest sources of confusion for homeowners is understanding when a project requires a permit. In LA County, even seemingly simple upgrades, like replacing a window, adding a deck, or moving a wall, can trigger permitting requirements.
Failing to pull a permit can lead to costly stop-work orders or difficulties selling the property later.
How Mareci & Steele Helps:
Before the first hammer hits a nail, Mareci & Steele reviews your entire project scope, identifies all required permits (building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical), and handles the submission process. Their team knows the local Altadena building codes inside and out, so you never have to guess.
2. Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Plans
Many homeowners start a project with good intentions, they hire a designer, sketch out ideas, and head to the city for approval. But one missing detail in the drawings can delay approval by weeks or even months.
In LA County, plan checkers expect every detail: structural loads, Title 24 energy calculations, and code-compliant layouts.
How Mareci & Steele Helps:
The company collaborates with licensed architects and engineers who understand what local departments need. They double-check plans before submission, catching issues early so your plans clear review faster. In other words, they don’t just build, they prepare you to build.
3. Overlooking Zoning Restrictions
Zoning laws in Altadena can be surprisingly specific. From setback requirements and maximum structure height to parking ratios and ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) placement, zoning missteps can derail an entire project.
Many homeowners learn too late that their “dream addition” crosses into a setback or violates neighborhood codes.
How Mareci & Steele Helps:
With years of local experience, they start every project by running a zoning analysis to identify what’s allowed and what’s not on your specific property. If your plans need adjustment, their team can modify designs to comply without compromising your vision.
4. Failing to Schedule Inspections Properly
Permits don’t end when construction starts. Every phase of a remodel, framing, plumbing, electrical, requires sign-offs from city inspectors. Missing an inspection or calling too early can mean re-work, wasted labor, and costly delays.
How Mareci & Steele Helps:
They manage the inspection timeline for you. Their project managers coordinate directly with LA County inspectors, ensuring all stages are approved before moving forward. Because they’ve built strong relationships with local officials, inspections tend to go smoothly and efficiently.
5. Ignoring Post-Construction Documentation
Even after the last coat of paint dries, the job isn’t done until the permit is officially closed. Many homeowners forget this step, leaving permits open on record. Later, when they try to sell, these “open permits” can delay escrow or require expensive retroactive approvals.
How Mareci & Steele Helps:
The company finalizes all paperwork, closes out permits, and ensures you receive proof of compliance. You’re left with a beautiful home and peace of mind that everything is code-certified and resale-ready.
More Than Builders, Compliance Experts
What sets Mareci & Steele apart isn’t just their craftsmanship. It’s their ability to blend creative design with deep technical expertise. They understand that no two Altadena homes or city codes are exactly alike.
Whether you’re converting a garage into an ADU, adding a guest suite, or remodeling a historic property, they tailor the permit strategy to your unique situation. Their clients often say the biggest relief isn’t finishing the remodel, it’s never having to argue with the city themselves.
Pro Tip for Homeowners
If you’re planning a remodel in Altadena, Pasadena, or anywhere in LA County, do this before you start:
Gather your property’s parcel number and zoning info.
Review past permits (available through the LA County Building & Safety website).
Consult a licensed, local contractor like Mareci & Steele early in the design phase.
A good contractor doesn’t just build, they navigate the system so you don’t have to.
Conclusion: Build Smart, Build Compliant
In Southern California’s complex construction environment, getting a project approved is often as challenging as building it. But with the right partner, it doesn’t have to be.
Mareci & Steele Construction takes the mystery out of permits, the stress out of inspections, and the guesswork out of local codes. Their motto could easily be “Build beautifully, but build right.”
From first sketches to final signatures, they keep every project on track, on budget, and up to code, so you can focus on what really matters: loving your home.
External Reference:
LA County Department of Building & Safety – Permit Guidelines
Contact us: www.mareciandsteeleconstruction.com