Serving the homes of Laurel Canyon, Hollywoodland, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park, and greater East LA
You have an idea for your home (or maybe lots of ideas). It's more than simple repairs. But it doesn't feel big enough to go find a general contractor. It's something in between—a custom built-in, a room reimagined, a found object turned into a fixture.
Maybe it's a project YOU could do… if only you had the time!
A full-scale contractor feels like overkill, but you need more than a handyman.
This is what we do; those in-between projects around the house. CheckedOff is a small team, led by a designer-builder, that handles the unique, mid-sized projects for LA's older homes. We are your collaborator for projects that require both a plan and a hammer!
Ethos
Honest Work, Made to Last.
"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 in:
No Mystery
We diagnose the issue and explain the fix or design before any work begins. No surprises, no hidden agendas—just honest communication about your home.
Creative Re-use
Where it makes sense, we salvage, reclaim, and repurpose. Your project gets unique character while keeping good materials out of the landfill.
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 job in a timely manner, and leave only finished work. No lingering tasks, no loose ends—just one more thing checked off your list for good.
Portfolio
Typical Projects:
Landscape Structures
Decks, fences, planters, and pergolas that extend your living space outdoors
Architectural Fabrications
Doors, windows, gates and handrails designed to complement your home
Space
Conversions
Garage to office, nook to workspace, and room redesign, transforming underutilized areas
Custom
Built-Ins
Shelves, desks, and cabinetry to elevate even the smallest spaces
Restorations
Repairing structures, finishes, and details that preserve historic homes
Custom
Furnishings
By-request custom furniture, lighting, and decor for clients whose vision can't be bought in store or online
Who We Are
CheckedOff is me, Andy Chess, and a small, trusted crew of makers.
I got my start in carpentry and design as a kid, learning from my grandpa; a Virginia carpenter and craftsman. That early experience of building and repairing homes, treehouses, furniture, and instruments sparked a lifelong love of crafting with my hands and heart.
My passion for architecture led to an internship with the firm of Glave & Holmes in Richmond, Virginia, specializing in historic remodels and higher education buildings. After graduating with a Master's Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise from the University of Vermont, I then worked freelance designing eco-friendly custom furniture, light fixtures, and cabinets.
Over the years, I’ve worked on everything from high-end trim carpentry installs in multi-million dollar Beverly Hills homes, to serving as the designer/builder of the Boyle Heights recording studio, Capsaicin Studios.
My side gig as a solo handyman 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.
Our process starts with your concept—a sketch, a Pinterest board, a to-do list for around the house. 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 renderings.
We primarily use a fixed-cost model, when estimating jobs. However, for larger projects involving consistent collaboration with a client, we can provide a detailed estimate for labor and materials, as part of a "cost-plus" pricing plan.
With this pricing model, 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 will 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.
Contact
Let's start with a conversation.
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.