Got questions? Here’s some answers to the questions we hear most frequently. And feel free to reach out if you’re curious about anything else. We’re here to help!
Q: What is design-build and how is it different from hiring an architect and contractor separately?
Design-build means one team handles both design and construction, rather than you hiring an architect and then bidding drawings to multiple contractors.
With Letter Four, everything happens under one roof — concept, design, permitting, and building. This streamlines communication, reduces delays, and ensures your vision is carried through seamlessly. Learn more in our Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build guide.
We focus on high-end custom homes and select commercial projects.
Most of our work involves new builds, fire rebuilds, or major renovations and additions. Our portfolio spans from modern hillside homes to boutique retail and wellness spaces.
Yes — our process is collaborative and tailored to your vision.
We’ve worked across many design styles, but what drives the outcome is your aesthetic, not ours. Our role is to guide you, refine your ideas, and bring your dream to life.
Q: Can Letter Four provide only architecture or only construction services?
Yes. While we recommend full design-build for the best results, we also offer architectural-only and construction-only services.
If you already have a trusted architect or contractor, we can collaborate to ensure your project goals are met with the same transparency and professionalism we apply to full-service projects.
The right team should be transparent, collaborative, and aligned with your goals.
We recommend choosing a firm that offers full design-build services, asking plenty of questions in your consultation, checking references, and watching for red flags like vague processes or poor communication. Our Project Planning Pack includes the key questions every homeowner should ask before hiring.
Our CLEAR 4-Step Process provides a predictable roadmap from initial planning to construction.
You can prepare by clarifying your goals with our Project Planning Pack or starting with an Action Plan.
Q: What if I don’t have a clear vision for my home yet?
That’s completely normal. Our Action Plan is designed to help clarify your goals.
We guide you through surveys, sketches, and cost studies to define your project’s scope. If you’re not ready for that step, our Project Planning Pack offers exercises to help you identify your priorities.
Q: What is the Action Plan and what’s included?
The Action Plan is the first step in every project. It establishes your vision, budget, and path forward.
It includes zoning/code analysis, conceptual floor plans, 3D views, a preliminary all-in budget, a project timeline, and coordination of any surveys or consultants.
Q: Will surveys and consultant fees be included in the Action Plan?
No. We coordinate them and you pay separately for their services, if needed.
This ensures you only invest in the studies your site truly requires.
Q: Does Letter Four use outside consultants during the Action Plan?
Yes — if your site requires it.
Specialists like surveyors, arborists, or soils engineers may be brought in to address unique challenges.
Q: How is Letter Four different from an expeditor or entitlement consultant?
We handle standard due diligence.
If your project needs discretionary approvals or zoning variances, we’ll recommend an entitlement consultant or expeditor who can navigate those specialized processes.
Q: How much does it cost to design and build a custom home in Los Angeles?
Most of our projects range from $650+ per square foot, depending on site and design.
Soft costs (design, engineering, permits) typically add 10–30% of construction costs. For example, a 3,500 square foot custom home in Pacific Palisades:
We provide three pricing checkpoints during our CLEAR 4-Step Process to keep your budget on track.
Q: What factors can increase the cost of building a custom home in Los Angeles?
Site conditions, location, and permitting requirements are the biggest drivers of higher costs.
For example:
This is why it’s best to review your property with an experienced design-build team. At Letter Four, we help you anticipate these costs early through our Action Plan so there are no surprises down the line.
Q: Why doesn’t Letter Four provide a flat per-square-foot estimate like some firms?
Because no two projects are alike.
Flat numbers often ignore site conditions, finishes, or structural requirements. Our approach is custom-tailored for accuracy.
Q: Is the Action Plan fee credited if I move forward?
Not exactly. It is not credited, but when you continue on with us, the Action Plan fee is calculated in the total cost of your project.
Q: How are Letter Four’s fees structured?
We use a mix of fixed and hourly fees:
All costs are transparent and itemized in your Preliminary Pricing Estimate.
Q: Do you charge for expenses like mileage or printing?
Rarely.
We work digitally to minimize costs, but if job-related travel or printing is required, it’s billed at cost.
Can you provide a sample budget breakdown?
Yes — we’re happy to review one from a similar past project with you.
Q: What happens after the Action Plan?
We move into full design-build services, starting with schematic design and progressing through construction drawings and permitting.
This includes architectural design, consultant coordination, interior design, and preparing all documentation for construction.
Q: What’s included in Letter Four’s interior design services?
We help with all permanent finishes (tile, lighting, cabinetry, etc.) and can also assist with furnishings.
Interior design is included in our scope and billed hourly, so you can scale our support to your needs.
Q: When does the interior design team get involved?
Typically in the Design Development phase, continuing through construction for seamless coordination.
Q: How long does it take to get permits for a custom home in Los Angeles?
Simple projects may receive permits in 3–4 months; complex ones can take a year or more.
Factors include HOA approvals, design review boards, Coastal Commission, stormwater requirements, and LADWP or grading permits. Our Project Planning Pack outlines what to expect.
Q: What factors can affect how long it takes to design and build my custom home?
Timelines vary, but the biggest factors are site conditions, scope changes, required approvals, and how quickly decisions are made.
Quick decision-making keeps momentum steady, while mid-project changes can add weeks or even months. Complex sites with slopes or challenging soils often take longer to engineer and permit. Special approvals — such as HOAs, the Coastal Commission, or Historic Review boards — can extend timelines by 2–6 months. Even seasonality matters: starting in spring or summer usually allows for faster progress than beginning in the winter.
At Letter Four, we build these considerations into your project roadmap from the start, so you know what to expect and can plan with confidence.
Q: Is Letter Four’s construction contract fixed-price?
Yes — we finalize a fixed price once permits are approved, based on detailed designs.
Q: How is the contractor’s fee shown?
As a separate line item — no hidden markups or buried profits.
Q: How involved will I be during construction?
Very.
You’ll receive weekly updates, bi-weekly site meetings, and 24/7 access to your project portal.
Q: Who ensures design quality during construction?
We do.
Our in-house architecture and construction teams collaborate to protect your design intent.
Q: How soon can construction start on my project?
On average, it takes 6–10 months from project start to be “permit ready.”
After approvals, construction typically begins within 7–15 days.
Q: Do you offer warranties after construction?
Yes.
We provide a one-year warranty on workmanship, manufacturer warranties, and a detailed home manual.
Q: Does Letter Four offer self-certification for fire rebuilds?
Yes — we’re Los Angeles County–approved for Self-Certification, which can potentially save you months in permitting.
See LA County’s approved list here.
Q: When is soil testing required for a rebuild?
It depends on your site.
Lots with slope, expansive soils, or fire damage often require a geotechnical report. We’ll guide you through whether or not it’s needed for your rebuild.
If you have more questions — big or small — just ask. We’re happy to talk through any part of the process and make sure you feel confident and informed from day one.
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