ADU Builders in Los Angeles, CA
Looking for an ADU builder in Los Angeles? ADUs, garage conversions, and backyard cottages can add living space, rental income, or room for family. This page lists local ADU contractors and summarizes basic cost and permit considerations for Los Angeles homeowners.
Los Angeles permits more ADUs than any other US city — tens of thousands since 2017. Garage conversions dominate thanks to LA's detached-garage housing stock, and a mature ecosystem of ADU builders, designers, and prefab companies serves the market.
Featured ADU contractors in Los Angeles
Serves San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County
Garage conversions, In-house construction crews
Serves Long Beach with additional service across Los Angeles County, including Pasadena and Altadena
Custom design, Garage conversions, Feasibility analysis
Serves Los Angeles, including Woodland Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, and Burbank
Permit-ready plans, Garage conversions, Architectural design
Serves Greater Los Angeles, including Burbank, Alhambra, Culver City, and Van Nuys
Design-build, Garage conversions, 3D design
Serves Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Pasadena
Design-build, Financing coordination, Prefab modular
Serves West LA, San Fernando Valley, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, and surrounding areas
Garage conversions, Junior ADUs, Title 24 compliance
Serves Los Angeles, including Pasadena, Glendale, and Long Beach
Design-build, Pre-approved plans, Garage conversions
Serves Greater Los Angeles area and parts of Ventura County, including Pasadena
Design-build, Garage conversions, Permit management
Serves Los Angeles County, including Pasadena, Silver Lake, Eagle Rock, Culver City, and the San Fernando Valley
Design-build, Custom ADUs, Garage conversions
Serves Los Angeles County, including Encino, Glendale, Pasadena, and Burbank
Garage conversions, Zoning review, Design-build
Serves South Pasadena, Pasadena, Altadena, and the greater Los Angeles region
Design-build, Garage conversions, 3D CAD renderings
Serves Los Angeles
Garage conversions, Basement conversions, Permitting
Serves Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley
Feasibility assessment, Garage conversions, Permit acquisition
Serves Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, and the San Gabriel Valley
Pre-approved plans, Design-build, Permitting
ADU costs in Los Angeles
General estimated ranges:
- Garage conversion: $100,000–$190,000
- Detached ADU: $180,000–$420,000
- Design/permitting: varies by project
Estimates only — actual costs vary by site, size, and finishes. See the full Los Angeles ADU cost guide.
Common ADU project types
- Detached ADU
- Garage conversion — see Los Angeles garage conversion contractors
- Junior ADU
- Basement conversion
- Prefab ADU
ADU permits in Los Angeles
LA approves compliant ADUs ministerially and runs a Standard Plan Program with dozens of pre-approved designs from local architects. Most single-family and many multifamily lots qualify; hillside and very small lots need case-by-case design attention.
Complete applications must be decided within 60 days under state law. LADBS plan check for standard-plan ADUs can be as fast as one day; custom designs typically take 2–5 months through design and permitting.
Questions to ask an ADU builder
- Have you completed ADUs in this city?
- Can you help with design and permits?
- Do you handle utility connections?
- Can you show recent examples?
- Are you licensed and insured?
FAQ
How much does an ADU cost in Los Angeles?
Most detached ADUs in Los Angeles land in the $180,000–$420,000 range all-in, depending on size, finishes, and site conditions. Garage conversions typically run $100,000–$190,000. These are editorial estimates — get multiple quotes for your specific property.
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
Yes. Every ADU and garage conversion in Los Angeles requires building permits. The good news: California law requires ministerial (no public hearing) approval for code-compliant ADUs. Complete applications must be decided within 60 days under state law. LADBS plan check for standard-plan ADUs can be as fast as one day; custom designs typically take 2–5 months through design and permitting.
How long does it take to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
Plan for 3–6 months of design and permitting, then 4–8 months of construction for a detached ADU. Garage conversions are usually faster — often 3–5 months of construction once permits are issued.
Can I rent out my ADU in Los Angeles?
Yes — long-term rentals (30+ days) of ADUs are allowed statewide in California. Short-term rental rules vary by city, so check Los Angeles's short-term rental ordinance before planning Airbnb-style use.
Does an ADU add value to my home in Los Angeles?
Generally yes. Appraisals vary, but a permitted ADU adds livable square footage and rental income potential, which supports resale value. Note that ADUs also increase your property tax assessment on the new construction value.
What's the difference between an ADU and a JADU?
A Junior ADU (JADU) is a unit of up to 500 sq ft created within the existing home, with an efficiency kitchen and shared or separate bath. A standard ADU is a full independent dwelling — attached, detached, or converted from a garage. Many Los Angeles lots qualify for one of each.
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