ADU construction
Los Angeles.
An ADU in Los Angeles starts with lot feasibility, setbacks, and the local building department — not Pinterest boards. We handle design, engineering, permits, construction, and final inspection under one contract. Same crew discipline we bring to pool builds, applied to backyard living structures.
ADU Construction
scope.
ADU construction is not a shed with plumbing. It is a permitted, inspected, code-compliant dwelling unit — kitchen, bathroom, electrical, HVAC, fire sprinklers, Title 24 energy compliance, and a certificate of occupancy from your local building department. Here is the work we pin down before the job opens.
Scope before site work
Design, feasibility, and the permit path get sorted before a shovel touches the yard.
- Lot feasibility and setback analysis
- Floor plan design and 3D walkthrough
- Structural engineering and Title 24 energy calcs
Field execution
Foundation, framing, MEP, finishes, and inspections are sequenced so the city does not bounce us.
- Permit coordination with LADBS or local building department
- Foundation, framing, roofing, and exterior envelope
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire sprinklers
Finish and handoff
Final inspections, utility connections, and owner walkthrough are part of closeout.
- Drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and fixtures
- Final building inspection and certificate of occupancy
- Owner walkthrough and documentation handoff
Types of ADUs we build.
Detached ADU
A standalone structure in your backyard — up to 1,200 sq ft under California law. Full kitchen, bathroom, living space. Most common in LA backyards with space behind the main house. Maximum flexibility on layout since it is a new build from the ground up. Learn more →
Garage Conversion
Your existing garage becomes a permitted living unit. Foundation, insulation, drywall, plumbing, electrical, HVAC — everything that makes a garage a legal dwelling. Often the most cost-effective option because the shell already exists. Learn more →
Attached ADU
An addition to your existing home — shares at least one wall with the main structure. Works well when the yard is tight or you want a connected but private living space for family.
Junior ADU (JADU)
A unit of 500 sq ft or less carved from existing space inside the main home. Lowest cost option. California law allows one JADU plus one standard ADU on most single-family lots.
ADU Construction
projects.
How this
work moves.
ADU construction in Los Angeles typically runs 16–24 weeks from contract to certificate of occupancy. Permit timelines vary by city — LADBS averages 8–12 weeks, smaller cities like Calabasas or Thousand Oaks can be faster or slower depending on plan check backlogs.
Feasibility and design
We walk the property, measure setbacks, check lot coverage, and confirm what your city allows. Floor plan, 3D model, and material selections happen before engineering so nothing gets redesigned mid-permit.
Engineering and permits
Structural plans, Title 24 energy calcs, soils report when needed, and city submittal. We pull the permit — you sign what we put in front of you. HOA packets get submitted in parallel where applicable.
Construction
Foundation, framing, roof, rough plumbing and electrical, insulation, drywall, finish work, exterior, and landscaping tie-in. Inspections are scheduled to keep the build moving — we do not wait until the end to find out something is wrong.
Final inspection and handoff
Building department final, utility connections, appliance install, owner walkthrough, and documentation. You get a certificate of occupancy and a finished unit ready for a tenant or family member.
What does adu construction
cost in Los Angeles?
Most ADUs we build in LA land between $150,000 and $400,000 depending on type, size, and site conditions. Garage conversions start lower at $90,000 to $200,000. Detached new-build ADUs in the 800–1,200 sq ft range run $200,000 to $400,000. Hillside lots, tight access, soils work, fire sprinklers, and premium finishes push costs higher. Typical timeline: 16-24 weeks.
16-24 weeks
Permits, soils, inspections, and finish picks still move the calendar.
California ADU laws that matter for your build.
California has made ADU construction easier every year since 2017. Here is what matters in 2026:
AB 976
SB 1211
AB 2533
AB 1332
SB 543
Under 750 sq ft
Building a pool and ADU together?
About half of the ADU projects we quote come from homeowners who are already planning a pool or backyard renovation. When you build both at the same time, you share excavation, grading, utility trenching, and permit coordination — which typically saves 10–15% compared to doing them separately. We run pool and ADU construction under one contract with one project manager. Same crew discipline, same weekly updates, one schedule instead of two.
See pool construction See backyard transformation ADU cost breakdown
ADU construction across
Southern California.
ADU Construction in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange counties.
View all cities we serve
ADU Construction
FAQ.
How much does an ADU cost to build in Los Angeles?
How long does it take to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
Do I need to live on the property to build an ADU?
What is the maximum size for an ADU in California?
Do I need a permit to build an ADU?
Can I build an ADU if I already have a pool?
What permits and fees are involved?
Can I rent out my ADU as an Airbnb or short-term rental?
Let's price your adu construction.
Share the address, ADU type, and rough budget. We reply within one business day with a time for a free phone consult — feasibility, setbacks, and a real project range, not a teaser price.
- Free phone consult — lot feasibility in 1 business day
- Floor plan direction & project range in 5 days
- No deposit until contract signed
- Honest "no" if the lot doesn't pencil