New Construction in Lomita
New construction in Lomita most often begins with a lot that already has an existing house on it. Because the city built out through the early and mid twentieth century, the typical home here is a modest single-story structure on a small lot, and many of those houses now sit on aging foundations that cannot support a second story without rebuilding most of the structure anyway. When remodeling reaches that point, a tear-down rebuild is frequently the cleaner choice. Horizon Construction and Remodeling manages the full process, from initial lot review and design through engineering, permits with the City of Lomita, demolition, and the final inspection, all under one contract.
Services We Offer
Engineering & Title 24
Permits & Plan Check
New Build ADUs
Our New Construction Process in Lomita
How We Approach New Construction in Lomita
New construction in Lomita starts well before any foundation is poured. Because most lots here are modest in size and carry homes built decades before current code existed, a zoning review and boundary survey tell us exactly what the site can support. A soils report follows, shaping the foundation design. From there we develop the site plan, floor plans and elevations alongside structural engineering and Title 24 energy documents, so the package that goes to the City of Lomita for plan check is complete from the first submission.
While the city reviews the drawings, we respond to any comments, coordinate utility connections and handle the asbestos survey and air district notification required before demolition can begin. Once permits issue, the sequence runs foundation, framing, rough plumbing, electrical, mechanical and fire sprinkler rough-in, insulation, and then exterior and interior finishes. One project manager oversees the job from groundbreaking through every city inspection to the final sign-off.
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Building permits for new construction in Lomita are issued by the City of Lomita for all work within city limits. Because no unusual local overlay applies here, the governing factors are the applicable building code and the condition and age of whatever structure currently sits on the lot. That simplicity does not make the process short. A new house typically moves through several review desks before a permit is issued: planning checks setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, and floor area against zoning requirements; building plan check reviews structural drawings and energy compliance documents; the fire department examines sprinkler systems and site access; and public works handles grading, drainage, any street trenching, and a new driveway approach.
If an older structure is coming down first, demolition requires its own separate permit. Most building departments ask that gas and electric service be disconnected and the sewer lateral capped before that permit is released. The South Coast AQMD also requires an asbestos survey and advance notification before demolition begins on most buildings. Given that much of Lomita’s housing stock dates to the early and mid twentieth century, older materials are a realistic consideration on many lots, and that survey step should be budgeted into the schedule from the start.
Once the site is clear, utilities get sized for the new house rather than the one that stood there before. Required fire sprinklers can mean a larger water meter and service line. A bigger home carrying solar panels and modern electrical loads may require a new utility service entirely, which adds its own lead time to the schedule. A geotechnical report precedes foundation design and identifies conditions like expansive clay, old fill, groundwater depth, and slope stability. In state-mapped liquefaction or landslide zones a site-specific investigation is required. The structural engineer uses that report to size footings, design post-tensioned slabs or grade beams, and lay out shear walls, hold-downs, and beams to meet California’s seismic standards.
Energy compliance follows Title 24 standards, and new single-family homes must include solar PV. Some measures require field verification by a third-party HERS rater. On lots within a CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone, wildland-urban interface standards apply, covering roof class, ember-resistant vents, ignition-resistant exterior materials, and multipane tempered windows. Inspections occur at each construction stage, from foundation forms and reinforcing steel through framing, rough mechanical and electrical work, insulation, and the final sign-off.
Other Remodeling Services We Offer
A kitchen remodel touches more trades than any other room in the house: layout, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, ventilation and finishes. Horizon designs and builds kitchen remodels under one contract, from the measured layout to the final inspection.
Whether you envision a classic Southern California pool or a fully customized backyard oasis, Horizon Construction & Remodeling delivers the highest level of quality and service. Our comprehensive pool design and remodeling services cover everything from layout and decking to built-in BBQs and final touches like landscaping. Let Horizon be your trusted partner in transforming your backyard into the perfect outdoor retreat.
If you are planning a complete bathroom remodel or simply want to change your tub, shower, update your plumbing fixtures, or make the space more efficient, our team at Horizon will help you through the process with expert advice, professional craftsmanship, and affordable options with beautiful results. Learn more about our bathroom remodeling services.
Transform your space with our expert interior work services. We offer a comprehensive range of solutions — from space planning and custom design to the selection of high-quality finishes and materials. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with you to create a space that’s both functional and stylish, tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget. Whether you’re updating a single room or overhauling your entire interior, we bring precision, creativity, and craftsmanship to every project.
At Horizon, we believe your home is more than just four walls — it’s where life happens. It’s the place you relax, gather with family and friends, and create lasting memories. That’s why we offer a full range of exterior work services designed to elevate your outdoor living space. From patios and hardscaping to custom decks and exterior renovations, we help turn your vision into a dream yard that complements your lifestyle and enhances curb appeal.
At Horizon Construction & Remodeling, our expert team includes a dedicated design and planning division that works hand-in-hand with licensed architects and structural engineers. We take care of everything — from detailed plans and blueprints to securing city permits — so you don’t have to deal with delays or red tape. Our goal is to streamline the process and provide a fully approved set of documents that aligns with both your vision and city regulations, saving you time and stress.
Why Choose Horizon Remodeling For New Construction in Lomita
Horizon Construction and Remodeling has been building in Southern California since 2009, and we are licensed and bonded as a Class B general building contractor. You can verify our license status directly through the CSLB before you commit to anything, which is exactly what we recommend.
New construction is the most complex job a residential contractor takes on, and in Lomita that complexity starts at the permit counter. The City of Lomita issues its own building permits, and the age of the existing housing stock, much of it built through the early and mid twentieth century, means the building code and site conditions are what govern your project rather than any special local overlay. We coordinate design, engineering, and permit submittals under a single contract, so the same team that produces the drawings is the one responding to plan check comments and managing the build. Energy requirements, fire sprinkler provisions, and CALGreen compliance go into the plans from the start rather than arriving as surprises mid-project.
Lomita’s typical lots are modest in size, and most of the existing homes are single-story structures designed for an earlier era. Understanding what a given lot can realistically support is where a general contractor conversation begins. Call us at (714) 449-9035 to discuss your Lomita lot and what building on it would actually involve.
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New Construction FAQ
Should I rebuild or remodel my house in Lomita?
The right choice depends on the condition of the house and what the lot allows. Many homes in Lomita were built in the early to mid twentieth century, and a full rebuild starts to make sense when the foundation has serious problems, when nearly every system needs replacing and most walls are coming down anyway, or when zoning allows a larger or better-positioned house than the existing structure can support. If the bones are sound and the goal is a new layout and updated finishes, a whole home remodel is typically simpler to permit through the City of Lomita. We walk the property with you and give a straight comparison before you commit.
What permits does a new home need?
Tearing down an existing house and building a new one in Lomita typically requires several permits: a demolition permit for the structure coming down, a building permit for the new construction, and usually grading, utility, and driveway permits through public works. The City of Lomita reviews plans and issues building permits for work inside city limits, with planning, fire, and public works departments each signing off. Properties in a fire hazard severity zone receive additional fire-code review. We prepare the submittals and manage comments and resubmittals throughout the process.
How long does it take to build a new home?
Plan check through the City of Lomita typically runs several months, and construction of a new custom home often takes around a year, sometimes longer depending on lot conditions, site work, or home size. Design and permitting alone can match that construction period in duration. On the small lots common near Eshelman Avenue or the blocks around the Narbonne Avenue corridor, utility scheduling and inspection availability also shape the timeline. We give you a realistic schedule for your specific lot after the feasibility review.
What drives the cost of building a new home?
New construction costs in Lomita depend on several overlapping factors, and breaking them down by category is the clearest way to see where your choices actually land. Because most of the city’s housing stock dates to the early and mid twentieth century, many lots carry older foundations, aging utilities, and site conditions that have to be assessed individually before a realistic budget can take shape. Complexity drives cost first: a second story, long structural spans, or an irregular footprint all add to the number. Foundation work, grading, and any retaining walls vary lot to lot depending on soil and slope. The City of Lomita issues building permits for work inside city limits, and city impact fees along with school fees on new square footage factor into the overall number as well. Finish level throughout the home is another significant variable. Once we work through feasibility, we organize the budget into these categories so you can make informed decisions about where to spend and where to scale back.
Do new homes in California need solar and fire sprinklers?
Yes, new single-family homes in Lomita must meet several state-mandated requirements, and we design to all of them from the start. The California Residential Code requires automatic fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes, which affects both water service sizing and ceiling layout. Solar PV has been required on new single-family homes since the 2019 energy standards, and the 2025 Title 24 standards build on that for permits filed from January 1, 2026. CALGreen adds rules covering water use, construction waste recycling, indoor air quality, and EV charging readiness.
Can you build an ADU along with the new house?
Yes, an ADU is straightforward to include with new construction in Lomita. Sizing the water, sewer, and electrical service for both units at the same time is more efficient than adding a separate unit later, and the site plan can position each unit with its own entry and outdoor area from the start. State law permits ADUs on most single-family lots, though setback, height, and parking requirements still apply. We can pull the ADU permit alongside the main house permit or handle it as a separate project, and we build guest houses as well.
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Horizon is a licensed Class B general building contractor serving Lomita and the surrounding Los Angeles County communities.