Frequently asked questions

Questions LA homeowners actually ask

• Is AskBaily free?

  Yes. The chat, the scope, and the intro to a licensed LA builder are free. You only pay when you sign a construction contract with NP Line Design — and that's priced like any other LA GC, transparent and CSLB-licensed.

• Who actually builds my project?

  NP Line Design — the LA design-build general contractor that built Baily. CSLB #1105249, BBB A+, founded 2013. You'll speak with Netanel Presman (the RMO) directly once your scope is locked.

• Where does AskBaily work?

  Los Angeles county. 167 LA neighborhoods from Pacific Palisades to Altadena, Encino to Silver Lake, West Hills to Pomona. If your project is outside LA county, Baily will tell you so in the chat instead of pretending otherwise.

• Does Baily know LA permits?

  Yes. LADBS express vs. plan-check. Title 24 energy compliance. HPOZ preservation rules in the 37 LA historic zones. AB 1033 and SB 9 for ADUs and lot splits. The hillside ordinance. The coastal commission permit path for Malibu, Venice, and Palisades. The seismic retrofit ordinance. Fire-rebuild permit flows for Palisades and Altadena.

• Can I upload photos?

  Yes. Drop a photo of your kitchen, your water damage, your backyard, or your burned foundation into the chat. Baily reads it with Gemini multimodal — not generic OCR — and factors it into the scope.

• Is my information sold?

  No. AskBaily is not a lead marketplace. Your info goes to one licensed LA builder (NP Line Design) and is used to build the project, not auction you to twelve contractors. See our Privacy page.

• Can I text Baily on my phone?

  Yes. Text (818) 605-1388 and you'll reach the same Baily. Start on the website, give your phone number, and then text later — Baily remembers and continues the conversation. iMessage, Android SMS, either works.

• What if Baily gives me wrong information about permits or code?

  Baily cites specific rules (Title 24, HPOZ ordinance sections, LADBS bulletins) where it can. For anything load-bearing to your actual permit submission, Netanel's team double-checks before plan-check. The AI is a scoping tool; the GC is the licensed professional. If Baily ever gives you something that turns out to be wrong, tell us — we correct it and update the knowledge base.

• Do you do wildfire rebuilds?

  Yes — Palisades fire (January 2025), Eaton fire (Altadena), SB 1103 expedited permits, insurance-approved contractor lists, fire-resistant rebuild specs. This is one of the areas NPLD handles most often.

• Do you do ADUs?

  Yes — ADU and JADU construction across Los Angeles county, including garage conversions (AB 1033), SB 9 lot splits, and standalone backyard builds. Typical scope is $180K–$450K depending on size and lot.

• What about smaller projects — just a bathroom?

  Yes. Spa baths, walk-in showers, curbless conversions, master suite remodels — typical LA range is $25K–$85K. Baily scopes it the same way.

• How long before NP Line Design calls me?

  Same business day if you reach Baily during LA business hours. Next business morning if overnight. Baily texts you to confirm the handoff so you're never waiting in silence.