Niche
Serving the homes of Laurel Canyon, Hollywoodland, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park, and greater East LA
We sit comfortably between a general contractor and handyman service. We are your collaborator for projects that require both a plan and a hammer!
Our process starts with your concept—a sketch, a Pinterest board, a to-do list for around the house. We then work it into a buildable, considered design, source materials (with a bias for reclaimed where it makes sense), and execute the work with craft.
Typical Projects:
Custom built-ins, shelves, and cabinetry
Tailored storage solutions that maximize space and style
Architectural fabrications
Doors, gates, handrails, stairs designed to complement your home
Landscape structures
Decks, planters, pergolas that extend your living space outdoors
Room conversions
Garage to office, nook to workspace, transforming underutilized areas
Integrating found objects
Vintage materials and unique items incorporated into functional design
Design-forward upgrades
Tile, millwork, lighting that elevates your home's aesthetic
We work clean, communicate clearly, and are built for projects where the details matter.
Ethos
Built By Hand, Built With Intention.
"Is it even possible to gaze at an eye-catching avante-garde object for a long time? Or do your eyes need to rest after a while? There are things like that to consider. It should be something you can rest your eyes on for a long time. Something that doesn't stand out and that you will never grow tired of. What is at the heart of an object you will always be fond of and never lose its appeal?"
We believe good work should feel human. It should be resourceful, not wasteful. It should suit the home and the people in it. We believe in fixing what's broken, improving what's outdated, and solving real problems (without overbuilding or overselling).
We work this way because the alternative (generic, disposable, overbuilt) is boring for us, expensive for the customer, and harmful to our environment.
This means:
No Mystery
We diagnose the issue and explain the fix or design.
Creative Re-use
Where it makes sense, we salvage, reclaim, and repurpose.
Respect for the Home
We work on LA's old houses like they're our own, with care for their history and integrity.
Clear Finish Lines
We define the project, do the work, and leave it complete. Checked off your list for good.
Portfolio
The Rescues:
Mural Removal & Wall Repair
Careful removal and restoration of damaged surfaces
Window Restoration & Weatherproofing
Preserving original windows with modern performance
Plaster Repair
Traditional techniques to restore historic walls
The Remodels:
Custom Sliding Barn Door
Space-saving solution with custom hardware
Custom Handrail
Architectural focus on safety and design
Garage-to-Office Conversion
Rescuing wasted space for productive use
Hillside Staircase & Deck
Landscape architecture for challenging terrain
Bathroom Tile Job
Rescued failing walls, remodeled with designed tile layout
The Woodworks and Custom Fabrications
Acoustic Panels & Diffusors
Functional art for sound-sensitive spaces
Built-in L-Couch & Shelving
Space-transforming furniture for modern living
Custom Chandeliers
Rescued bland lighting, remodeled with unique fabrication
Structural Dog Steps
Custom build for a specific household need
Who We Are
CheckedOff is me, Andy Chess, and a small, trusted crew of makers.
Designing and building has been a constant foundation of my professional life. My education in design began while interning at the architecture firm of Glave & Holmes in Richmond, Virginia, specializing in historic remodels and higher education. Then while getting a Master's Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise from the University of Vermont, I worked freelance designing furniture, custom light fixtures, and cabinets.
Upon moving to Los Angeles, I began working as a finish carpenter installing trim, doors, cabinets, and paneling in hillside homes with Eye 4 Design and Renovation. I moved on to other projects, and notably was responsible for the design and full build out of Capsaicin Studios, a three room recording studio in Boyle Heights. I've also worked as a solo handyman, which taught me the real, daily needs of homeowners in Los Angeles.
It was here that the idea for CheckedOff took shape. I kept encountering projects that the homeowner felt were too small for an expensive renovation or design firm, but the solution required more than a quick fix—they needed thoughtful design before the first cut was made.
That's our story. We're local, resourceful, and built for the curious homes of Los Angeles. Whether it's a minor repair, a desired upgrade, or a long list of little projects, we bring the right blend of design insight and multi-disciplinary skill to the jobsite.
FAQ
We specialize in projects that are too complex for a standard handyman but don't require the massive overhead and scale of a full-bore general contractor. Think custom built-ins, room conversions, architectural fabrications, and design-forward upgrades where skilled craft and thoughtful planning are required.
It starts with your idea—a sketch, photos, or a conversation. We then assess the space, discuss functionality and aesthetics, and develop a practical design. This often includes sketches, material samples, and a clear plan before any construction begins. For more complex projects, we can provide detailed drawings.
Absolutely. Integrating found objects, vintage materials, or client-supplied items is a specialty. We'll evaluate them for suitability and build them into the project with care. This collaborative approach is at the heart of what we do.
We provide a detailed estimate for labor and materials. As we build, you are billed for actual material costs + labor, plus a fixed margin that covers our overhead, insurance, and expertise. You'll see all receipts and time allocations—no surprises. We also provide weekly financial updates.
Yes, we are fully covered for the unique scope of our "HomeRescue" work. We carry a comprehensive general liability insurance policy through biBerk, a Berkshire Hathaway Company. This is a key distinction from many handyman services and is essential for the medium-sized, often custom projects we handle. It protects your home and provides you with peace of mind that the job is backed by a professional, accountable business.
We manage the entire permit process for any project that legally requires one, and when required, coordinate with a general contractor as needed. Our experience with LA's building codes, especially for older homes in your service area, ensures the work is done correctly and to code.
Timelines vary by scope, but most of our projects fall between a 1-2 days to about 2 weeks. After our initial consultation, we provide a projected schedule. We update you weekly on progress and any adjustments.
We treat your home as our own. We use floor and furniture protection, contain dust with zip walls for major work, maintain a clean worksite daily, and clearly define the work area. We also coordinate schedules to respect your daily routine.
Use our contact form to tell us about your home and your idea. We'll schedule an on-site consultation to discuss feasibility, scope, and ballpark budget. From there, we can provide a formal proposal and timeline.
Contact
Let's start with a conversation.
If you have a project in mind—or a problem that needs a creative solution—reach out. Tell us about your home, your idea, and what you're hoping to achieve. We'll set up a time to see the space, discuss feasibility, and give you a straight answer on if and how we can help.
We work on a project basis, with clear scope and cost-plus pricing.
Based in Los Angeles. Serving the curious homes of the East LA and beyond.