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ADU Builders Los Angeles

We only build ADUs. One contract covers design, permits, and full construction in Los Angeles, starting from $150,000.

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200+ADUs Built
15+ YearsADU-Exclusive
4.9/5Google Rating
Licensed & Insured
CA General Contractor (B)
4.9 / 5 Rating
94+ Verified Reviews
200+ ADUs Completed
Across Los Angeles County
15+ Years
ADU-exclusive since 2009

About Us

ADU Build LA is one of the premier ADU builders Los Angeles families trust, focused only on ADUs.

Since 2009, we have worked as a dedicated ADU contractor Los Angeles families rely on, completing over 200 projects across the county.

Many companies treat ADUs as a side service. Our team handles ADU design, permitting, and construction every day. That focus helps you build ADU space with fewer delays, tighter planning, and one clear point of accountability.

Learn about our team
Completed ADU after construction by ADU Build LA
Before ADU conversion, original garage structure

What We Do

ADU Services from a Los Angeles Design-Build Team

From feasibility through final inspection, one ADU builder handles your full scope so timelines and costs stay clear.

ADU Plans & Design

Plan your project with dedicated ADU builders Los Angeles homeowners trust for faster approvals, buildability, and rental value.

01.

ADU Plans & Design

ADU Permits & Approvals

Our team acts as the expert ADU contractor Los Angeles cities work with daily, handling all submissions and correction responses.

02.

ADU Permits & Approvals

Detached ADU Construction

Build ADU space with one accountable team managing construction quality, schedule, and trade coordination from start to final inspection.

03.

Detached ADU Construction

Garage Conversion

Turn your garage into a legal rental unit with clear scope, practical ADU prices, and a faster path than most ground-up builds.

04.

Garage Conversion

Junior ADU (JADU)

Create a compliant Junior ADU inside your current footprint for a lower-cost entry point and flexible family or rental use.

05.

Junior ADU (JADU)

Browse ADU floor plans

Recent Work

ADU Projects Built Across Los Angeles

See how our team of expert ADU builders Los Angeles homeowners trust handles real lots, real permit timelines, and real budgets throughout the county.

View all ADU projects
The Echo Park Before
The Echo Park After
Hover to Reveal
Garage Conversion ADU
$165K

The Echo Park

650 SQFT / Los Angeles

Detached garage converted into a 1-bedroom ADU with permit approval through LADBS in 11 weeks.

Silver Lake Studio Before
Silver Lake Studio After
Hover to Reveal
Detached ADU
$210K

Silver Lake Studio

400 SQFT / Silver Lake

Detached studio ADU with an open plan and full kitchen, now producing $2,100 per month in rent.

Start your project

Want to know what you can build on your lot?

Get a free property assessment. We confirm your ADU options and share realistic ADU prices within 1 business day, with no obligation.

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Why ADU Build LA

The ADU Specialists Los Angeles Homeowners Trust

As an experienced ADU contractor Los Angeles families trust, we work with city reviewers, site constraints, and code details every day so your project avoids common delays.

Process

How We Build Your ADU in Los Angeles

Four phases with one team and one contract, from first site visit to final inspection.

01

Assessment

We review your lot, confirm what you can build ADU-wise, and share a practical scope and price range based on your city requirements.

02

Architecture

Our in-house team develops your plan set and permit drawings. You review everything before submission so design decisions stay clear.

03

Permitting

We prepare and submit the full package to LADBS or your city department, then handle corrections and follow-up until approval.

04

Construction

Your ADU builder team starts construction and follows approved plans. A dedicated project manager keeps communication clear through final inspection.

Before You Build

What Los Angeles Homeowners Should Know About ADUs

California law changed dramatically in 2020, and most Los Angeles homeowners are now eligible to build. Here's what matters most before you hire anyone.

Most LA homeowners can build an ADU

State rules changed in 2020 and opened the door for many properties. If you own a single-family or duplex lot in Los Angeles County, there is a good chance you can build ADU space legally.

ADU prices can create strong monthly cash flow

Many Los Angeles ADU projects in the $150,000 to $200,000 range rent for about $2,000 to $4,200 per month. Along with rent, a well-designed ADU can increase property value and long-term flexibility.

Permits are often faster than homeowners expect

Straightforward projects often clear permits in about 8 to 16 weeks. Historic areas, coastal zones, and complex lots can take longer. A specialist ADU contractor keeps the package clean and keeps plan check moving quickly.

Local city rules shape your project timeline

California law sets the baseline, but each city still has its own review style. LADBS, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, and Culver City all run plan check differently, and those details affect schedule and cost.

One design-build team usually means fewer delays

When design, permitting, and construction sit under one contract, projects move with fewer handoff mistakes. Homeowners get one accountable team, clearer scheduling, and fewer budget surprises.

An ADU builder is different from a general contractor

Many firms treat ADUs as one of many services. Work with dedicated ADU builders Los Angeles families trust, operating on this project type every day for faster approvals and smoother builds.

Read our ADU guides Los Angeles ADU permit & zoning guide Try the ADU configurator

Design Your ADU in 5 Minutes, Free

Pick your ADU type, size, finishes, and style. Get matching floor plans and a real budget estimate instantly. No obligation, no sales call required.

Plan your ADU

Transparent Pricing

ADU Construction Prices in Los Angeles

Every scope is custom-priced by lot conditions, size, and finish level. These ranges reflect common ADU prices for design, permits, and construction in Los Angeles County.

  • Design, architecture, and engineering included
  • Permit submission and city coordination included
  • Construction, site work, and utility coordination included
  • Final inspection support and closeout included
Get a Custom Price EstimateBrowse ADU floor plans
Detached ADU
Ground-up backyard build
Starting
$150K+
Garage Conversion
Transform existing footprint
Starting
$95K+
Attached ADU
Seamless house extension
Starting
$120K+
Junior ADU
Max 500 sq ft interior
Starting
$60K+

Pricing shown is a starting range for design, permits, and construction. Final cost depends on site conditions, selected scope, and finish level.

Free, No Obligation

Free Assessment from an ADU Contractor Los Angeles Trusts

Tell us about your lot and your goals. We will confirm what you can build, recommend the right ADU type, and share realistic ADU prices for design, permits, and construction.

  • Lot and setback review to confirm your ADU options
  • Recommended layout based on rental, family, or resale goals
  • Line-item estimate with clear ADU prices and scope assumptions
  • Permit timeline based on your city and review path
  • Response within 1 business day

4.9 / 5 from 94+ verified reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook.

No spam, ever. We respond within 1 business day.

Service Area

We Build ADUs Across Los Angeles County

From beach cities to the San Gabriel Valley, our ADU builder team works across local jurisdictions, permit offices, and neighborhood types.

View all locations
Los Angeles
LADBS • All neighborhoods
Santa Monica
Coastal Zone expertise
Pasadena
Historic overlay experience
Glendale
Fast permit turnaround
Culver City
Strong rental market
Long Beach
City & county jurisdictions
Burbank
Owner-occupant ADUs
West Hollywood
Small-lot solutions
Silver LakeMar Vista

Don't see your city? Contact us for project-specific guidance in your jurisdiction.

ADU Questions

ADU Questions Los Angeles Homeowners Ask

Common questions from Los Angeles homeowners considering an ADU project.

How long does the ADU process take from start to finish?
The full process, design through certificate of occupancy, typically takes 9–14 months in Los Angeles County, depending on the city and ADU type. Garage conversions and JADUs tend to move faster (6–9 months), while new detached ADUs typically run 10–14 months. The permit phase is usually the largest variable: LADBS currently runs 10–16 weeks for standard plan check; Santa Monica and Culver City run 12–16 weeks. We set accurate expectations upfront based on current conditions.
How much does an ADU cost in Los Angeles?
All-inclusive ADU costs in LA typically range from $80,000 for a Junior ADU (JADU) to $280,000 or more for a large detached ADU. As experienced ADU builders Los Angeles homeowners trust, our pricing covers design, engineering, permitting, and full construction with no hidden fees. Garage conversions start from $95,000; new detached units start from $150,000. Your final price depends on size, scope, site conditions, and finish tier. We provide a detailed fixed-price estimate after the free property assessment.
Do I need to live on the property to build or rent an ADU?
No. California state law removed owner-occupancy requirements for most ADU types. You can build and rent an ADU without living on the property. A small number of older local ordinances still exist, but most LA County cities now allow non-owner-occupied ADUs freely. We confirm the specific rules for your city as part of the free property assessment.
Will my property taxes increase when I add an ADU?
In California, adding an ADU triggers a partial reassessment, only the newly constructed structure is reassessed at current market value. Your primary residence keeps its existing Prop 13 assessed value. In most cases, an ADU addition adds $80,000–$150,000 to your assessed value, resulting in roughly $900–$1,700 per year in additional property tax, a modest increase relative to rental income that typically runs $2,000–$4,200/month in the LA market.
Can I convert my garage into an ADU?
Yes. Garage conversions are one of the most cost-effective ADU paths. As a dedicated ADU contractor Los Angeles families rely on, we handle the entire conversion. California law allows you to convert attached or detached garages without setbacks if the footprint does not expand. You give up the garage parking space, but most LA cities no longer require replacement parking. We assess your garage's structural condition, foundation type, and utility connections as part of the free property review.
Does ADU Build LA handle everything, or will I need to hire other contractors?
We handle the full process under one contract. As a single-source ADU contractor Los Angeles homeowners trust, we handle design, architecture, engineering, permitting, and construction. You will not need to manage separate designers or sub-contractors, as our in-house team oversees your build from kickoff to final inspection.
What happens if permits take longer than expected?
Permit timelines vary by city, and we set expectations upfront based on current plan check backlogs. Our team proactively follows up with plan check departments and responds to correction notices quickly, typically within a few business days. We've navigated permit processes across every major LA-area jurisdiction, so we're not caught off-guard by local requirements. Your construction start is sequenced around permit approval, and we keep you informed throughout.
How do I know my ADU will comply with my city's zoning rules?
Before any design work begins, we conduct a detailed feasibility assessment: your lot dimensions, setbacks, existing coverage, utility locations, and your city's specific ADU rules. We confirm what's buildable before you spend a dollar on design. This assessment is free and typically takes 2–3 business days. If there's a site constraint that limits your options, you'll know about it before committing to anything.

Need help planning your ADU project?

Talk with an ADU specialist
Ready to Start?

Ready to Build an ADU in Los Angeles?

Over 200 Los Angeles homeowners have trusted us to build ADU projects that fit real budgets and goals. Start with a free assessment and get clear next steps from an ADU contractor who works in this market every day.

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