ADU Contractor in Santa Monica for Design and Construction

Santa Monica homeowners are generating $3,000 to $4,500 per month in rental income with custom ADUs. We handle every step - design, permits, and construction - in one of LA's most demanding permit environments.

4.9★Google Reviews
LicensedCA Contractor
200+ADUs Built
15+ YrsIn Business

About Our Team

Expert ADU Contractor in Santa Monica

We focus exclusively on accessory dwelling units. Since 2009, our team has completed over 200 custom builds and garage conversions as a leading ADU contractor in Santa Monica.

Building a detached ADU is a ground-up construction project requiring grading, foundation work, framing, and independent utility connections. Many general builders handle these projects as secondary work between custom homes. We specialize in them. We self-perform our core trades and coordinate the design, permitting, and construction in-house to deliver a premium guest house or rental property.

Learn About Our Team
ADU Build LA construction crew supervisor
ADU Build LA framing and carpentry team

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

Why Choose Us

Your Trusted ADU Contractor in Santa Monica

We are not a generalist builder that occasionally takes on backyard units. As a dedicated ADU contractor in Santa Monica, our crews construct secondary units full-time. This focus guarantees consistent craftsmanship, predictable timelines, and a single point of contact from first concept to final inspection.

  • Dedicated project manager assigned at contract signing
  • Weekly written progress updates throughout the build
  • Self-performed core trades, with no hand-offs to unknown crews
  • All work inspected by the city at every required phase
  • Certificate of occupancy obtained before project closeout
  • 1-year workmanship warranty on all completed construction
200+
ADUs Built
Across Santa Monica Area
15+
Years Building ADUs
Every type and size
4.9★
Google Rating
From verified homeowners
1yr
Warranty Included
On all completed work

Build Process

Our Process as Your ADU Contractor in Santa Monica

From site prep to the final details, we manage every stage of your detached ADU construction under a single contract.

01

Site Prep

We grade the site, dig utility trenches, run primary sewer and electrical lines, and pour the concrete foundation.

02

Framing & Envelope

We frame the walls and roof structure, install energy-efficient windows, and apply weatherproofing and roofing.

03

Rough-Ins

Our in-house trades install plumbing lines, electrical wiring, and the high-efficiency HVAC system.

04

Finishes

We insulate, install drywall, paint, fit cabinetry, lay flooring, mount fixtures, and complete the final municipal inspection.

Pricing in Santa Monica

ADUs Starting From $150,000

Santa Monica ADU construction reflects premium coastal LA pricing. Higher rental rates mean shorter investment payback periods. All-inclusive of design, permitting fees, and full construction.

  • Design, architecture and engineering included
  • Permitting and city approval management included
  • Full construction and site work included
  • Final inspection and certificate of occupancy included
Get a Custom Estimate
Junior ADU (JADU)
Within existing structure
$70,000 - $110,000
Garage Conversion ADU
Existing garage footprint
$90,000 - $165,000
Attached ADU
Addition to primary home
$140,000 - $240,000
Detached ADU
New standalone structure
$175,000 - $320,000

* All-inclusive pricing. Final cost depends on scope and site conditions.

Free Estimate

Get a Free Estimate for Your Santa Monica Property

We will assess your property, review your Santa Monica zoning, and provide a detailed cost and timeline estimate, at no charge, with no obligation.

  • Santa Monica-specific feasibility review for your lot
  • Realistic all-inclusive cost range for your ADU type
  • Timeline from design through certificate of occupancy
  • Response within 1 business day

Also serving nearby

VeniceMar VistaBrentwoodPacific PalisadesMarina del Rey

Request Your Free Estimate

We will be in touch within 1 business day.

We'll review your property details and follow up within 1 business day. No spam.

Common Questions

ADU Questions for Santa Monica Homeowners

Can I build an ADU in Santa Monica's Coastal Zone?
Yes, ADUs can be built in the Coastal Zone, but projects may require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to standard building permits. Our team handles CDP applications regularly. We assess whether your property requires one as part of the free property evaluation - at no cost to you.
How long does ADU permitting take in Santa Monica?
Standard ADU permitting in Santa Monica takes 10 to 18 weeks from plan submission. Coastal Zone projects involving a CDP review may require additional time depending on California Coastal Commission workload. We manage all submissions and correction responses on your behalf.
What rental income can I expect from a Santa Monica ADU?
Studio ADUs in Santa Monica typically achieve $2,800 to $3,500 per month. Well-designed one-bedroom ADUs often rent for $3,500 to $4,500 per month. Annual gross rental income of $34,000 to $54,000 is achievable with a quality ADU in most Santa Monica neighborhoods.
Do HOAs in Santa Monica restrict ADUs?
California law (AB 3182) limits HOA authority to prohibit ADUs where they're otherwise legally permitted. HOAs may have aesthetic guidelines but cannot outright prevent you from building. We can review your HOA documents during the property assessment to clarify any applicable rules.

Need help planning your ADU project?

Talk with an ADU specialist

Why ADU Build LA

ADU Expertise You Can Count On

We have built ADUs across Santa Monica and the surrounding area, navigating local zoning, permit processes, and site conditions that generalist contractors do not know.

Planning an ADU in Santa Monica?

Design your ADU in our interactive configurator, choose type, size, style, and finishes. Get a matching floor plan and budget estimate before you talk to anyone.

Plan your ADU
Ready to Start?

Build Your ADU in Santa Monica

Join over 200 Los Angeles homeowners who have added rental income and lasting property value with an ADU from ADU Build LA. Your free estimate is the first step.

Learn about our process as a full-service ADU design-build company serving all of Los Angeles County.