ADU Build LA
ADU Service · Los Angeles

Junior ADU (JADU)

Junior ADUs (JADUs) are units up to 500 sq ft created within your existing home. Lower cost, simpler permitting, and powerful for rental income.

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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

Junior ADUs: Maximum Value, Minimum Footprint

A Junior ADU (JADU) is carved out of your existing living space — converting a bedroom, bonus room, or attached garage into a self-contained unit up to 500 square feet. JADUs have simpler permitting requirements than full ADUs and can often be completed in a matter of months.

They're ideal for homeowners who want rental income or a space for family members without a major construction footprint.

Our JADU Approach

Small Footprint. Real Rental Income. Simpler Permitting.

JADUs are appealing precisely because they're lower-cost and faster to permit than a full ADU. But they have real compliance requirements that catch unprepared contractors. We've built JADUs within bedrooms, bonus rooms, and attached garages — and know exactly how to hit the 500 sq ft ceiling efficiently.

  • Interior space analysis to confirm JADU eligibility before any design work
  • Efficient layouts that maximize livability within the 500 sq ft cap
  • Simplified permit pathway — typically faster than full ADU plan check
  • Owner-occupancy requirement clearly explained upfront
  • Kitchen and bathroom design within tight spatial constraints
  • All-inclusive pricing — design, permits, and construction in one contract
200+
ADUs Completed
Including JADUs & conversions
$60K
Starting Price
All-inclusive JADU build
4.9★
Google Rating
From verified homeowners
500
Sq Ft Maximum
CA JADU code limit
Free Estimate

Get a Free Estimate for Junior ADU (JADU)

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

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Common Questions

Junior ADU (JADU) — 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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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

Serving 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

Studio 400

A compact, high-efficiency studio designed to maximize rental yield on any LA lot.

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ADU Model

1 Bed 500

A complete one-bedroom ADU in 500 sq ft — private, efficient, and built for strong LA rental demand.

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ADU Model

1 Bed 650

A spacious one-bedroom ADU with room to breathe — designed to attract quality long-term tenants.

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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

Explore Your JADU Options

Find out if your home qualifies for a Junior ADU.

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