ADU Build LA
ADU Service · Los Angeles

Garage Conversion ADU

Convert your existing garage into a fully permitted, legal ADU. One of the most cost-effective ways to add rental income or housing in LA.

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4.9 / 5 Rating
Google Reviews
Licensed & Insured
CA General Contractor
200+ ADUs Built
Across LA County
15+ Years
In Business

Turn Your Garage Into a Legal ADU

A garage conversion is often the fastest and most affordable path to an ADU. By working with your existing structure, we can dramatically reduce construction time and cost — often completing a garage conversion ADU in 12–16 weeks after permitting.

We handle every aspect: structural assessment, architectural drawings, permit filing, and full interior build-out.

Our Conversion Approach

Faster and Lower-Cost Because We Start With What You Have

Garage conversions succeed or fail based on how well the contractor understands structural adaptation and utility relocation. We've converted hundreds of garages across LA — and we know exactly what to expect from each structure type before breaking a single wall.

  • Pre-conversion structural assessment included at no cost
  • Existing framing, slab, and roof evaluated for adaptation or replacement
  • Full utility relocation — plumbing, electrical, HVAC — self-performed
  • Detached and attached garage conversions both handled in-house
  • Typically faster permit timelines than new detached ADU construction
  • All-inclusive pricing — no surprises when existing conditions are revealed
200+
ADUs Completed
Including garage conversions
$95K
Starting Price
All-inclusive conversion
4.9★
Google Rating
From verified homeowners
6–10
Month Timeline
Typical post-permit build
Free Estimate

Get a Free Estimate for Garage Conversion ADU

Tell us about your property and your goals. We'll review your site and provide a detailed cost and timeline estimate — at no charge, with no obligation.

  • Property feasibility review at no cost
  • Realistic cost range based on your specific lot
  • Estimated timeline from design through occupancy
  • Response within 1 business day

No spam. No pressure. We serve homeowners across Los Angeles County.

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Common Questions

Garage Conversion ADU — Frequently Asked Questions

What Los Angeles homeowners ask most before starting an ADU project.

What's included in your all-inclusive pricing?
Every ADU Build LA project includes architectural design, structural engineering, all permit fees and city approval management, full construction from foundation through finish, and the final inspection and certificate of occupancy. There are no separate design contracts, no hidden permit fees, and no open-ended construction budgets. We provide a single fixed price that covers everything.
How does the design-build process work?
We start with a free property assessment to confirm what's buildable on your lot and provide an initial price estimate. Once you move forward, our in-house architectural team creates a full design — floor plan, elevations, and 3D views — which you review and approve before anything is submitted to the city. After permit approval, our construction team builds exactly what was designed. One contract, one team, one accountability chain.
How long does permitting take in Los Angeles?
Permit timelines vary by city and ADU type. In Los Angeles (LADBS), standard plan check currently runs 10–16 weeks. Santa Monica and Culver City run 12–16 weeks. Pasadena typically runs 10–14 weeks. Garage conversions and JADUs often move faster than new detached ADUs. We give you a realistic estimate for your specific city and project type upfront — based on current conditions, not best-case scenarios.
Do you work in my city?
We serve all of Los Angeles County, including the City of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Culver City, Burbank, Torrance, Long Beach, and surrounding areas. Each city has its own permit process and zoning rules — our team has active experience in all of them. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, contact us and we'll confirm immediately.
What's the minimum lot size required to build an ADU?
California state law sets a minimum lot size of 800 sq ft for most ADU types, but in practice, almost all residential lots in LA County comfortably exceed this. More relevant constraints are setback requirements (typically 4 feet from side and rear property lines for detached ADUs) and lot coverage limits. We assess your specific lot dimensions and city rules as part of the free property review — there's no point guessing until we've looked at your parcel.
Can I customize the design, or are your ADUs pre-designed templates?
Both options are available. We offer pre-designed model floor plans — studio through 2-bedroom — that are optimized for LA lot sizes and permit efficiently. These can be customized with different finishes, layout tweaks, and optional additions. We also do fully custom design for homeowners with specific site requirements or a clear vision. Pre-designed models reduce design time and cost; custom design offers maximum flexibility. We'll recommend the right approach after reviewing your property.
What warranty do you provide on completed ADUs?
Every project includes a 2-year workmanship warranty from the date of certificate of occupancy, covering defects in materials and construction quality. Structural components carry longer coverage per California contractor law (10 years for latent defects). We also coordinate manufacturer warranties on all major systems — HVAC, appliances, windows, and roofing. Our project manager remains your contact for post-occupancy support.
What financing options are available for ADU construction?
Most of our clients finance ADU construction through a cash-out refinance, HELOC, construction-to-permanent loan, or ADU-specific loan products from lenders like RenoFi. Some use personal savings or gift funds. We don't provide financing directly, but we've worked with many lenders and can provide the documentation they typically require — cost estimates, permit status, and project timelines. Ask us for a lender referral list during your consultation.

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Also Available

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Explore Further

Cities, Models & Projects

Discover where we build, which ADU models fit this service, and completed projects from our portfolio.

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ADU Builder in Santa Monica

Serving Santa Monica

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ADU Builder in Pasadena

Serving Pasadena

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Serving Culver City

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ADU Builder in Burbank

Serving Burbank

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ADU Builder in West Hollywood

Serving West Hollywood

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ADU Builder in Long Beach

Serving Long Beach

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ADU Builder in Torrance

Serving Torrance

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ADU Builder in El Segundo

Serving El Segundo

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ADU Builder in Woodland Hills

Serving Woodland Hills

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ADU Builder in Sherman Oaks

Serving Sherman Oaks

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ADU Builder in Studio City

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ADU Builder in Venice

Serving Venice

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ADU Builder in Los Angeles

City of Los Angeles — LADBS Permitted

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ADU Model

Garage Conversion 450

Convert your existing garage into a fully permitted, income-generating ADU — the fastest, most affordable path.

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Completed Project

Santa Monica Garage Conversion ADU

A 2-car detached garage transformed into a coastal-style one-bedroom ADU — permitted through Santa Monica's Coastal Zone process and earning $3,200/month in rental income.

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Completed Project

Glendale Junior ADU Remodel

An attached garage and unused bonus room converted into a 480 sq ft Junior ADU on a hillside Glendale lot — navigating structural constraints and earning a multigenerational family its own private living space.

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View all projects

Want to see what your ADU could look like?

Our interactive configurator lets you choose type, size, finishes, and exterior style — and shows you matching floor plans with a live budget estimate.

Design Your ADU

Is Your Garage a Candidate?

Get a free property assessment and conversion cost estimate.

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