Los Angeles Construction Company

As a trusted Los Angeles construction company, Elcano Construction brings years of experience crafting exceptional custom homes and renovations. Known for thoughtful design, transparent communication, and meticulous attention to detail, our portfolio spans refined additions to distinctive new builds delivered with an elevated client experience that reflects our local roots.

About Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles is California’s largest city and the nation’s second most populous, with 3.9M residents in the city proper (2020 Census). Its civic center sits at 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, a central zip you’ll recognize on many downtown landmarks. 


Los Angeles offers everyday advantages for homeowners and builders: it’s anchored by leading medical campuses, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, Cedars-Sinai in Beverly Grove, and Keck Medicine of USC on the Health Sciences Campus, providing top-tier care and healthcare jobs across the city. On the education side, LA is home to major educational facilities with research universities like UCLA and USC (along with public campuses such as Cal State LA), supplying a deep talent pool and lifelong-learning opportunities citywide. Global connectivity is straightforward via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), now linked to the Metro system through the new LAX/Metro Transit Center Station to ease trips between neighborhoods and the airport.

Hollywood Hills Lifestyle & Highlights

Hollywood Hills features some well-known landmarks, such as:


  • Hollywood Bowl — An iconic outdoor amphitheater nestled in the Hills, open since 1922 and home to world-class concerts and events. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2023
  • Yamashiro Historic District — A Japanese-inspired villa built in 1914, featuring ornate gardens and panoramic views, now operating as a beloved restaurant and cultural landmark
  • The Wisdom Tree — A lone pine that survived the 2007 Barham fire near the Hollywood Sign. It has become a symbol of resilience and a popular hiking destination
  • Hollywood Cross — A 32-foot steel cross atop Cahuenga Peak, visible from the 101 freeway that has been designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument


The area has also long been home to celebrities, musicians, and artists, including:


  • Christina Aguilera — Singer and actress
  • Chris Evans — Actor
  • Emily Blunt — Actress
  • Kevin Costner — Actor and director
  • Tim Allen — Actor and comedian
  • Anna Kendrick — Actress


Los Angeles Lifestyle & Highlights

World-class culture and open space define day-to-day life in LA. A few icons within City of Los Angeles limits:


  • Griffith Park & Griffith Observatory - One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., with hiking trails and city views; the hilltop Observatory is a free science museum and LA skyline lookout
  • The Getty Center (Brentwood) - Hilltop art museum and gardens designed by Richard Meier, known for European art, travertine architecture, and panoramic city/ocean views (tram access)
  • Walt Disney Concert Hall (Downtown LA) - Frank Gehry–designed stainless-steel concert venue and home of the LA Philharmonic; acclaimed for world-class acoustics and striking architecture
  • LACMA David Geffen Galleries (Miracle Mile) - the museum’s new Peter Zumthor–designed main building on Wilshire Boulevard, anchoring the largest art museum in the western U.S.; also home to the beloved outdoor “Urban Light” lamppost installation
  • The Broad (Downtown LA) - Contemporary art museum with a free general-admission collection (Koons, Kusama, Warhol) in a distinctive “honeycomb” building
  • Dodger Stadium (Elysian Park) - Historic baseball stadium above downtown; home of the Los Angeles Dodgers with classic views of the city and San Gabriels

Architecture & Character

Los Angeles is a living catalog of American residential design:


Mid-Century Modern - Open plans, glass walls, and indoor–outdoor living exemplified by Case Study icons like the Stahl House (Hollywood Hills) and the Eames House (Pacific Palisades)

Spanish Colonial & Mediterranean Revival - Stucco, clay tile, arches; widely represented across LA neighborhoods (documented by the LA Conservancy)

Craftsman & California Bungalow - Warm woods, broad porches, handcrafted detail; prevalent in historic LA districts

Contemporary / Minimalist - Clean lines, high-performance envelopes, and smart-home integration: well suited to LA’s climate and hillside or coastal sites

Modern Farmhouse and eclectic blends - Context-sensitive reinterpretations that pair modern function with tactile, timeless materials

Our Services in Los Angeles

Elcano Construction offers a full array of construction services, adapted to LA’s diverse sites from coastal lots to canyon hillsides.

  • Custom Home Building

    Bespoke residences shaped by your vision and site

  • New Home Construction

    From sleek modern retreats to architecturally driven estates

  • Home Additions

    Thoughtful expansions that respect structure, style, and context

  • Home Renovations

    Transformative updates that elevate function and design (kitchens, baths, interior/exterior finishes, windows/doors, plumbing/electrical upgrades, walk-in pantries, and custom solutions)

  • ADU Construction (Accessory Dwelling Units)

    Accessory Dwelling Units permitted under state and local rules; LADBS (Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety) offers dedicated ADU pathways and standard plan options.

Building in Los Angeles: Permitting & Regulations

We navigate LA’s multi-agency process from feasibility through Ready-to-Issue permits.



  • Permits & Plan Check - LADBS handles building permits, electronic plan review (ePlanLA), and inspections
  • Single-Family Scale & Hillsides - BMO & BHO set citywide limits on height, floor area, and hillside grading/massing to keep projects context-appropriate.
  • Hillside Construction Regulation (HCR) Districts add grading and haul-route controls in sensitive areas.
  • Coastal Zone (e.g., Venice) - Many projects require a Coastal Development Permit under the Venice Local Coastal Program framework. 


Why Choose Elcano as Your Los Angeles Construction Company?

Tailored Process & Expert Project Management


We deliver a fully integrated build process—from design and planning to completion—with a dedicated project lead guiding you through every step. Our approach helps manage considerations like terrain, view protection, and fire-zone regulations, so your project proceeds smoothly.

Building Permit & Rebuild Navigation in Fire Zones


Because of the 2025 fire, rebuilding in the Palisades requires extra sensitivity to debris removal, hazard mitigation, and updated local permitting rules. Elcano is prepared to help you work with new executive orders, fire codes, and expedited workflows to move more efficiently through approvals.

Tailored Process & Expert Project Management


A dedicated team member lead guides your construction project from zoning research, through project challenges, to final walk-through, ensuring continuity, communication, and a stress-free build.

City expertise


From hillside foundations to coastal compliance and ADUs, our team understands LA’s codes, overlays, and review pathways.

Proven methodology


Explore our phase-by-phase approach on the Build Process page to see how we take projects from vision to reality.

Proven Reputation & Client Satisfaction


Reviews by our clients underscore our professionalism, clear communication, and craftsmanship, even in complex projects. See what some of our clients have to say about us.

“Stefano from Elcano construction assisted me with an extremely difficult renovation project at my apartment building. He and his team were extremely professional, and we passed all inspections on the first time around. His workmanship exceeded my expectations.”


— Mike W.

“Elcano Construction went above and beyond! Their professionalism and attention to detail were outstanding. They kept me informed throughout the project and delivered exceptional results on time and within budget. Highly recommend them!”


— Nathan M.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Stefano and his team and have been thoroughly impressed with their operation, start to finish, top to bottom. Excellent communication, fast response times, a wide range of skill sets and most importantly, top‑notch workmanship & a finished product. Just a real talent and a breath of fresh air, in an industry that is filled with mediocrity. Frankly a 5‑star rating does not do your operation proper justice! … Thank you, Stefano & Elcano for being truly exceptional! Keep up the great work!”


— Allen R Sotheby’s International Realty

“We have been working with Stefano and the Elcano team for over a year now and cannot say enough great things about our experience. They have been among the most professional and easy to work with construction companies, that we’ve ever worked with! This is even through the extremely stressful times that LA has recently encountered. I highly recommend Elcano Construction!”


— Michael S. 

FAQs About Elcano Custom Building

  • What types of projects does Elcano Construction handle?

    We specialize in custom home building, new construction, additions, renovations, and ADUs. Whether you need a ground-up home or a transformative remodel, we manage every stage with precision.

  • How does the Elcano build process work?

    Our in-house build process takes your project from concept to completion. We handle design, zoning research, permitting, construction, and inspections, with a dedicated project lead keeping everything on track.

  • Do you handle permitting and zoning approvals?

    Yes. We perform pre-design zoning research, entitlement coordination, and concurrent agency submittals to secure permits, moving your project toward “Ready to Issue” status.

  • What makes Elcano different from other Los Angeles builders?

    Elcano combines craftsmanship, transparency, and a boutique approach. Clients work directly with a project lead, ensuring personalized service, clear communication, and high-quality results from start to finish.

  • Can Elcano help with fire-zone rebuilding projects?

    Yes. We specialize in restoring and rebuilding homes damaged or destroyed by wildfires, using resilient materials and streamlined permitting support to get families back home.

Ready to Build in Los Angeles?

As your Los Angeles construction company, Elcano brings seasoned project management and local know-how to every build, from early feasibility and budgeting through LADBS plan check, RTI, and final walk-through. Whether you’re planning a ground-up custom home, a thoughtful addition, or a whole-home renovation, we coordinate the details, communicate clearly, and deliver craftsmanship you can feel every day. Ready to talk about your site and goals?



Contact us for a consultation today and let’s bring your Los Angeles vision to life.