Room Additions in Burbank: Older Homes and Planning
Planning a room addition in Burbank
71.5% of Burbank housing units were built before 1980 (Census 2020–2024), so older-home checks should come early in your plan.
Burbank at a glance
- Share of housing units built before 1980 (City of Burbank)
- 71.5%
- Median year structure built, all housing units (City of Burbank)
- 1959
- Share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied (City of Burbank)
- 43.3%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates · data as of
- Numbers from US Census public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
What do permits say a room addition costs?
From City of LA building permits, last 12 months. Not a contract price. How we calculate this
Declared values on City of Los Angeles building permits, last 12 months. The dataset covers the City of Los Angeles only, so treat it as a regional reference for Burbank. A declared value is what the permit states, not your contract price. How we calculate this.
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), permits on one- and two-family homes issued to ; fire rebuilds excluded. ZIP medians need 20+ permits.
Burbank housing at a glance
Planning your project
What Burbank's homes mean for your room addition
Most housing in Burbank is older. The Census reports that 71.5% of housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1959 (Census 2020–2024). That age changes how a new room connects to the rest of the house.
Check the foundation first. Ask the builder whether the existing foundation is bolted and braced, and how new framing will tie into it. Ask whether the electrical panel has room for new circuits. In homes built before 1978, ask about lead-based paint testing before walls are opened. Old walls can also contain asbestos, so ask how it will be handled. Plan to match an older roof and exterior, which can take more time to source.
Owners who rent out a property have more to plan. The Census reports that 43.3% of occupied housing units in Burbank are owner-occupied (Census 2020–2024), so many homes are rented. If your home is a rental, plan how you will keep tenants informed and when the noisiest work will happen.
The median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,089,100 (Census 2020–2024). Use that figure to think about budget in general terms: how much you put into the home compared with what it is worth. Ask the builder to explain the cost of each part of the project.
The typical path for a room addition in Burbank
The typical path for a room addition in Burbank
Check what your lot allows
Confirm setbacks, height limits and lot coverage with the City of Burbank before you finalize the design. Ask whether any older-home or historic considerations apply to your address.
Design and engineering
Your builder can prepare plans and engineering. Ask how the new framing will connect to the existing foundation and whether bolting and bracing need to be upgraded in an older house.
Plan check and permit
Submit plans for city review and apply for the permit. Reviews can ask for changes, so plan for revisions. Confirm current requirements with the city.
Foundation and framing
Build the foundation and framing, with inspections at the stages the city requires. Check how the new walls meet the old structure and whether the existing foundation needs work.
Roofing and mechanical
Install the new roof and mechanical equipment, with inspections. In an older home, plan how to match the existing roof and exterior materials.
Electrical and plumbing rough-in
Run new electrical and plumbing lines, with rough-in inspections. Ask the builder to confirm the electrical panel can handle the new load. Ask about lead and asbestos checks before any old walls are opened.
Finishes
Install drywall, paint, flooring, trim and fixtures. If you rent out the home, plan this work around tenants and keep them informed about the schedule.
Final inspection
Schedule the final inspection with the city. Keep your permit records and inspection sign-offs with your home papers.
Questions about room additions in Burbank
What does the age of Burbank homes mean for my room addition?
Most of Burbank's housing is older. The Census estimates that 71.5% of housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1959 (Census 2020–2024). Older homes often need checks on the foundation, bracing, electrical panel capacity and old materials before new framing is tied in. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.
Does the rental share in Burbank change how I plan my project?
Many Burbank homes are rented. The Census estimates that 43.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied (Census 2020–2024). If you rent out your home or plan to, think about how the work will affect your tenants, how you will keep them informed, and how to schedule noisy work around their routines. Ask the builder to explain the schedule in writing.
How should I weigh my budget against home value in Burbank?
The median value of owner-occupied homes in Burbank is $1,089,100 (Census 2020–2024). Use that figure only as a general guide. Think about how much you plan to spend relative to what your home is worth, and ask the builder to walk through the costs of each part of the project before you commit.
What should I ask before I agree to a room addition?
Ask the builder for a written scope, a schedule and a list of the inspections that apply to your project. Check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) before you sign. A written estimate helps you compare the plan with what you expected.
Where should I start with a room addition in Burbank?
Start by checking your lot with the city, including setbacks, height and lot coverage. A local builder can then help with design, engineering and the permit application. Rules vary by property, so confirm each requirement with the city for your address.
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Whole-home remodel, exterior 
Kitchen, whole-home remodel 
Addition / ADU interior 
Addition / ADU interior 
Whole-home remodel 
Whole-home remodel
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