Detached ADU

Studio 400

400 sq ft of thoughtfully planned living space. The Studio 400 is engineered for rental income — a private, self-contained unit that commands strong LA rents starting from $1,800/month.

Model Specifications
400 sq ft
Total Area
Studio
Sleeping
1 Bath
Bathroom
1 Floor
Structure
9 ft
Ceiling Height
$150,000
Starting From

All-inclusive of architectural design, engineering, permit fees, and full construction. Final price depends on site conditions and selected finish tier.

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Licensed & Insured
CA General Contractor
200+ ADUs Built
Across LA County
15+ Years
In Business
Designed For

Who Is the Studio 400 Designed For?

The Studio 400 is the most popular entry point for Los Angeles homeowners focused on maximizing rental yield per dollar invested. Its compact footprint fits on lots where a larger unit wouldn't clear setbacks — making it buildable on a wider range of properties across LA County.

  • Homeowners prioritizing rental income return on investment
  • Lots with limited rear yard depth or tight side setbacks
  • Properties that need a fast, lower-cost ADU path
  • Short-term or mid-term furnished rental use cases
  • Single occupant — student, young professional, or remote worker
400 sq ft
Livable Area
Thoughtfully planned
Studio
Sleeping Space
Open plan
1 Bath
Bathroom
Full bath included
$150,000
Starting Price
All-inclusive
What's Included

Complete Inclusions — Design Through Delivery

Every Studio 400 includes design, engineering, permitting, and full construction. Here's exactly what's in scope.

Floor Plan

  • Open-concept living and sleeping area
  • Full-size kitchen with island or peninsula counter
  • Full bathroom with shower and vanity
  • Dedicated entry — private and separate from main house
  • 9-foot ceilings to maximize the sense of space
  • Covered entry porch or small covered patio (optional)

Construction Inclusions

  • Engineered slab foundation or raised floor system
  • Exterior framing, sheathing, and weather barrier
  • Stucco or fiber cement exterior (to match primary residence)
  • Composition shingle or flat TPO roof system
  • Dual-pane vinyl windows throughout
  • Exterior door with deadbolt — separate from main house

Interior Finishes

  • LVP flooring throughout (waterproof, durable)
  • Shaker-style kitchen cabinetry with soft-close hardware
  • Quartz or solid-surface kitchen countertops
  • Tile shower surround and tile bathroom floor
  • LED recessed lighting throughout
  • Interior paint — two colors standard (walls + trim)

Systems

  • Mini-split HVAC (heating and cooling)
  • 200A sub-panel with dedicated electrical service
  • Tankless water heater
  • In-unit washer/dryer hookups (stackable)
  • Separate gas or electric utility metering available
  • CAT6 and coax rough-in for internet and cable
Pricing

Studio 400 Starting From $150,000

All-inclusive of architectural design, engineering, permit fees, and full construction. Final price depends on site conditions and selected finish tier.

  • Architectural design and engineering
  • All permit fees and city approval management
  • Full construction — foundation through finish
  • Final inspection and certificate of occupancy
Get a Custom Price Estimate
What Affects Your Final Price
  • Site Conditions
    Soil type, slope, and access affect foundation and site work costs.
  • Finish Tier
    Standard, Premium, and Luxury finish tiers are available at each model level.
  • Optional Upgrades
    Covered patio, solar rough-in, EV charger, upgraded appliances, and more.
  • City Permit Fees
    Permit fees vary by jurisdiction — LADBS, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and others differ.
Free Estimate

Get a Free Estimate for the Studio 400

Tell us about your property. We'll confirm whether the Studio 400 works on your lot, provide a site-specific price estimate, and walk you through next steps — at no charge, no commitment.

  • Confirm Studio 400 buildability on your lot
  • Site-specific all-inclusive price estimate
  • Permit timeline based on your city and jurisdiction
  • Finish tier options and upgrade pricing

Request Your Free Estimate

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Common Questions

Studio 400 — Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Studio 400 be built on my lot?
Most single-family lots in Los Angeles and the surrounding cities can accommodate the Studio 400. Its 400 sq ft footprint clears standard 4 ft rear and side setbacks on the majority of LA-area lots. We confirm buildability as part of the free property assessment.
How much can I rent the Studio 400 for in Los Angeles?
In most LA neighborhoods, a well-finished Studio 400 ADU achieves $1,800–$2,600/month on a long-term lease. In premium areas like Santa Monica, Culver City, or Silverlake, rents of $2,400–$3,000+ are common. Annual rental income of $22,000–$36,000 is a realistic target.
How long does it take to build a Studio 400?
Permitting typically takes 8–16 weeks depending on jurisdiction. Construction takes approximately 14–18 weeks after permit issuance. Total timeline from design start to move-in is typically 9–12 months.
Can I customize the Studio 400 layout or finishes?
Yes. Every ADU Build LA project is custom — the Studio 400 is a starting point, not a prefab kit. We can adjust the layout, finish selections, exterior materials, and optional features to suit your property and preferences.

Have more questions about the model?

Contact an ADU Specialist
Why ADU Build LA

Built by an ADU-Exclusive Team

Every project we take is an ADU — which means our team has refined every process, navigated every city permit office, and resolved every site challenge around this one type of work.

Licensed & Insured General Contractor

ADU Build LA holds an active California General Contractor (B) license with CSLB and carries full general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Every subcontractor on your project is licensed, insured, and verified before they set foot on your property.

200+ ADUs Built Across LA County

We've completed over 200 ADU projects — garage conversions, detached new construction, Junior ADUs, and attached units — across every major LA-area city. That depth of experience means we've seen every site condition, every permit challenge, and every construction scenario.

15+ Years of ADU Experience

Since before the 2020 ADU law reforms, we've been building accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles. We've navigated every iteration of state ADU law, local zoning changes, and city permit process updates — institutional knowledge that directly accelerates your project.

Transparent, Fixed-Price Contracts

We don't use time-and-materials billing or open-ended design fees. Every project starts with a detailed all-inclusive fixed price covering design, engineering, permitting, and construction. What we quote is what you pay — no surprise change orders, no scope creep billing.

In-House Permit Management

Our team has submitted hundreds of permit applications across LADBS, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Culver City, and other LA-area jurisdictions. We know each city's plan check process, common correction triggers, and expedite options — reducing wait time and managing every step for you.

Single-Contract Design-Build

Under one contract, our in-house team handles every phase — design, engineering, permitting, and construction. You won't need to coordinate between a separate architect and a separate builder. One point of contact, one schedule, full accountability from first sketch to final inspection.

Want to customize beyond this model?

Our interactive configurator lets you adjust size, finishes, exterior style, and more — then shows you matching floor plans and a live budget estimate.

Design Your ADU
Ready to Build?

Start Your Studio 400 Project

Join over 200 Los Angeles homeowners who have added rental income and lasting property value with an ADU from ADU Build LA.