What is an ADU?
An accessory dwelling unit is a complete, independent home on the same lot as your primary residence, with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. California treats ADUs as a statewide priority, and state law has removed many of the barriers that once made them difficult to approve, which is why they have become the most popular residential project in Los Angeles.
Homeowners build them for family, for rental income, for a home office or studio, or simply to put underused land to work. Whatever the purpose, a fully permitted ADU adds livable square footage and long-term value to the property.
The four types of ADUs
A detached ADU is a standalone structure, the most flexible and the most private, and typically the largest investment. An attached ADU shares a wall with the main house and can be more economical to build. A garage conversion transforms an existing garage into living space and is often the most cost-effective route, because the structure already exists. A junior ADU, or JADU, is a smaller unit created within the footprint of the existing home, and it is the most affordable entry point, starting around $225,000 in our experience.
The right type is a function of your lot, your goals, and your budget. At a consultation we walk the property with you and tell you plainly what it can support.
How the process works
With a design-build firm, the entire ADU happens under one roof. First comes design: we shape the unit around your property and purpose, refine it with you through 3D renderings, and prepare permit-ready construction documents. Second comes permitting: we submit and manage the package with your city, handling plan checks and corrections so it keeps moving. Third comes construction, executed by the same team that drew the plans, under our own California general contractor license, CSL 1079184.
Most of our ADUs range from $300,000 to $1.5 million depending on type, size, site conditions, and finishes. For a deeper look at what drives the number, see our guide to ADU cost in Los Angeles.
Related: ADU design and construction, ADU cost in Los Angeles.
Common questions
How long does it take to build an ADU?
Design and permitting timelines vary by city and by how quickly decisions come together, and construction depends on the type and size of the unit. We set a realistic schedule at the start of every project and keep you informed at each milestone.
Can I rent out my ADU?
Long-term rental is one of the most common reasons Los Angeles homeowners build ADUs. Local rules govern rental specifics, and we design with your intended use in mind from day one.
Where do I start?
With a consultation at your property. We assess what your lot supports, talk honestly about budget and fit, and map the path from idea to finished unit.