ADU pricing at a glance
The cost to build an ADU in Los Angeles depends mostly on what kind of unit you build and what your lot asks of it. These ranges come from ADU projects we have recently priced in Los Angeles. Every project is priced on its own site and scope. For the full breakdown, see our guide to ADU cost in Los Angeles.
| ADU type | Typical LA range |
|---|---|
| Garage conversion | From $200,000 |
| Attached ADU | From $300,000 |
| Detached ADU | $280,000 to $1,150,000 |
| Two-story ADU | From $400,000 |
Where your project lands in its range comes down to size, site conditions, utility connections, finishes and permit requirements.
Why Los Angeles homeowners are building ADUs
Accessory dwelling units have become one of the smartest investments a Los Angeles homeowner can make. California's state ADU laws have removed many of the old barriers to approval, and a well-designed unit adds livable space, rental income potential, and lasting property value. Whether it is a home for aging parents, a private office, a guest house, or an income unit, an ADU puts underused land to work.
For the current size, height, and setback limits, see our Field Guide on ADU rules in Los Angeles. Building a new detached unit? Most need rooftop solar under the state Energy Code; we explain when a new ADU needs solar.
ADUs are one of our core focuses at Gross Design + Build. We have designed and built them across the Los Angeles area, including Glendale, Los Feliz, Malibu, and Sherman Oaks, on flat lots, tight lots, and hillsides.
Granny flats, guest houses, and in-law units
Granny flat, in-law unit, backyard cottage, and guest house are everyday names for what California law calls an accessory dwelling unit. If the unit has its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance, it is permitted and built as an ADU, with the same state protections on size, setbacks, parking, and approval deadlines. Many of our clients build one for aging parents, adult children, or visiting family, and some later turn it into a rental.
A guest house without a kitchen is a different thing. It is not an ADU under state law and is permitted under different rules, so we confirm at the start which path fits how you plan to use the space.
One team from design through construction
Most ADU projects stall between the designer, the city, and the contractor. Ours do not, because we are all three. As a design-build firm, we create your ADU design and 3D renderings, prepare the permit-ready construction documents, submit and manage the permit package with your local building department, and then build the unit under our own California general contractor license, CSLB Lic. #1079184.
That single point of responsibility is why our clients describe the process as seamless. The people who drew your ADU are the same people standing on site building it, so the vision and the finished unit are one and the same.
Built to the standard of a custom home
We build a limited number of projects at a time, and an ADU receives the same craftsmanship, disciplined site management, and honest communication as our custom homes. Every project begins with a consultation at your property, where we talk candidly about what your lot allows, what your budget can do, and whether we are the right fit for one another.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
Yes. Every ADU requires permits, but California's ADU laws have streamlined the approval process significantly. We prepare, submit, and manage the entire permit package on your behalf, so your project starts on solid ground and keeps moving.
Can you handle the whole ADU project, or just part of it?
We handle all of it. Design, 3D renderings, permit-ready construction documents, permit management, and construction are all done in-house by one team. If you only need design and plans, we offer that as well. See ADU plans in Los Angeles.
What can an ADU be used for?
Common uses include housing for family members, long-term rental income, a guest house, a home office or studio, and a pool house. The design is shaped around how you intend to live with it.