West LA homes are a bit different. Walk down almost any street in Venice or Santa Monica, and you’ll see it all. A sleek modern box sandwiched between a weathered 1940s bungalow and a Spanish-style duplex from the 1920s. Add in the oddball ’80s stucco remodel or a former beach shack turned million-dollar listing, and it becomes clear — West LA homes don’t follow any template.
That’s part of the charm of the Westside. But it also means that buying a home here comes with a unique set of inspection challenges.
We have been in a 4-unit building built in the 1930s, and just been down the same block to inspect a luxury mansion built in 2020.
West LA homes: Remodels on Top of Remodels
Many homes in Santa Monica and Venice have been updated multiple times over the decades — often by different owners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts. You might tour a home with quartz countertops, recessed lighting, and spa-like bathrooms, only to discover during inspection that it still has knob-and-tube wiring in the walls or cast iron drain lines under the home.
It’s not uncommon for us to inspect homes that have been flipped two or three times in a ten-year span. Each layer of upgrades covering up — but not addressing — underlying issues. Cosmetic improvements are great for photos, but they can mask aging systems, unpermitted additions, or questionable structural modifications.
Frankenstein Systems Are Real
West LA’s architectural variety doesn’t stop at the surface — the mechanical systems often reflect a “Frankenstein” approach, with new parts grafted onto old ones. We regularly see homes with:
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Multiple types of plumbing: Old Galvanized steel connected to copper connected to pex.
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HVAC setups that combine old ducts with new units — or mini-splits mixed with central air.
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Roofs that have been expanded, patched, and re-pitched over time
Each of these hybrids can function… for now. But they usually come with shortened lifespans, inefficiencies, or future repair headaches.
I recall inspecting a home just south of Culver City. The original structure was built in the 1920. And it had 4 addions! If I had to guess, one addition add been added in 1940s, on in the 1950s, one in the 60s, one the 1980s. Inspecting it required a lot of concentration and attention to detail.
Coastal Conditions & Design Choices Matter
Then there’s the beach. Salt air is relentless, especially in Santa Monica, Venice, and Playa del Rey. ACs, if they’re even present, tend to rust quickly. Any exposed metal fasteners, and even electrical panel components can develop corrosion far faster here than inland. Even the luxury home along Marina Del Rey are no exception to having issues with salt air.
Even homes that appear freshly built or remodeled can have older components hidden under fresh countertops.
Why West LA homes Need Local Eyes
Buying a home anywhere is a major investment, but in areas like West LA, it’s not just about the price tag — it’s about what’s hiding behind that clean aesthetic. A generic, checklist-style inspection just won’t cut it here.
Our inspectors have experience navigating the quirks of Westside properties. We now have team members based right in Venice and the Valley to make sure we’re showing up on time and ready for anything. We know what these homes looked like before they got their makeovers, and more importantly, we know where to look when something seems too polished.
Bottom Line
If you’re buying in Santa Monica, Venice, or the surrounding neighborhoods, make sure your inspection is as custom as the home you’re buying. At IM Home Inspections, we don’t just walk through houses — we dig deeper, because homes out here rarely follow the rules.
Book your inspection now by calling 818-298-3405 or book online here.