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Los Angeles ADU Builders

Fully certified Los Angeles ADU builders that have years of experience in constructing Accessory Dwelling Unit. It can be in the form of a Granny Flat, backyard cottage, in-law suite, home-office or a self-sufficient rental accommodation with separate utility lines, and amenities. Any kind of ‘pre-approved’ or bespoke ADU project, we have got you covered.

At ADU Builders, we are specializing in designing, and building attached, detached and above-the-garage ADUs with the highest service and workmanship for your project from start to finish.

We will help you build a new ADU or turn your garage into a dream living space or a valuable accessory dwelling unit by complying with the ADU construction rules & guidelines.

What Is An ADU?

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is an independent residential dwelling unit that is hugely popular with residences that are looking for additional space for comfortably accommodating new family members. It gives extra square footage within an existing property, without having to buy a new house. 

Accessory Dwelling Units often have one or two bedrooms as well as their kitchen and bathroom, which can be utilized in a variety of ways, including as a home office, a guest house for visiting family and friends, or even as a new residence for your mother-in-law!

Over the last five years, the United States, especially Southern California, has seen an increased demand for affordable housing, which in turn led to the rise of ADU construction in Los Angeles.

What Is An Accessory Dwelling Unit

ADU Construction - A Step-By Step Process

Right from the initial design plan and conceptualization, to city permits, approvals, inspections and remodeling,  ADU Builders execute a project, by complying with the ADU building codes of 2021-22.

Initial Site Visit

Here we visit your property, discussing setbacks, model options, location, and utility hookups. This is where we will confirm your eligibility for an ADU and review any special requirements your project may have. With this information, we will give you an estimate.

Permits

As a team of local Los Angeles ADU builders, we know the in & out of ADU construction guidelines of California state, and how to obtain permits from the Department of Building & Safety. We help our clients to submit a flawlessly created layout-design plan that takes less time to get approved. You also need to keep in mind the ADU setback rules, while designing an accessory dwelling unit. Any ADU below 750 sq. ft. does NOT have to pay an Impact Fee.

Building ADU Unit Or Garage Conversion

At ADU Builders, we offer unique solutions, ensuring that your ADU stands out in the crowd and meets all the space related requirements. It can be an attached & detached ADU or a garage converted ADU

Final Inspection

When the ADU gets ready for a final walk-through, We discuss the finishing touches and any last-minute concerns. With the certificate of occupancy from your local municipality, you’ll be ready to move in.

Permitting For Accessory Dwelling Units

California Governor Jerry Brown signed two bills to promote ADUs in the state. These came into force on January 1, 2018. Since then, there has been a huge increase in the number of accessory dwelling units in the state.

Zoning Codes

First, you must obtain approval that your ADU meets basic zoning requirements. The size, and placement of auxiliary dwelling units are all considered in this permit.

Site Plan

A site plan shows the layout and measurements of your existing property. You must also indicate the location and dimensions of the proposed ADU.

What you have to put in your site plan depends on where you live. Check with your municipality to find out what to include.

Applying For a Permit

The Department of Building & Safety issues permits for ADUs. First, you need to submit a foolproof design plan to the city for approval. If all the papers, drawings, blueprints and documents are perfectly OK and meet the technical criteria, you get the plan passed or approved within 60-90 days, or even less.

Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain other permits for electrical work, etc.

Document Requirements

To apply for a building permit, you will need to submit specific documentation to the zoning board.

The requirements may be different in your city, but here is a general list of what you might need to provide:

  • Building permit application form
  • Four copies of your site plan
  • Completed Net Stable Financing Rate (NSFR) intake package if your ADU will be separated from your residence
  • Residential System Development Charge Form
  • A set of site and building construction plans

Permit Review

Once you have submitted everything, your permit will be reviewed. The time it takes to complete your application may vary.


Once your municipality approves your design (sometimes subject to certain changes), that design becomes your final design. This layout is what your contractors will use during construction.

ADU Setback Rules

A minimum of 10 ft. away from the main building, 5 ft. from the nearest property lines and 4 ft. from the rear and side MUST be followed. These are the latest setback clauses & rules for a detached ADU construction in Los Angeles CA. It is more or less the same, throughout California.

Different Types of ADUs

ADUs can be of many sizes and shapes, and there is no one method of building an ADU that is best for everyone.  Let’s understand the different types of accessory dwelling units that are prevalent in the US.

Detached ADU

Detached ADUs are backyard dwellings that are not attached to any other structure on the property. These are excellent for ensuring the privacy of tenants or a separate way of life for families residing in the same house.

 

Because these units are separate from the main house in their own open space, new construction tends to be easier, regardless of the quality or condition of the main house or garage.

Detached ADU
Attached ADU

Attached ADU

Attached ADUs are units attached to the main house or other structure. For the most part, homeowners looking for attached ADUs do so to maximize the coverage of their lot by eliminating any inconvenience between the ADU and the main house.


Please note that attached ADUs may require fire-rated partitions between the ADU and the main single-family home, which adds cost and increases the possibility of needing to upgrade the adjoining wall to the main home and ADU.

Garage Conversion ADU

Converting old & unused lying garages or car parking spaces into self-sufficient ADUs that best serve the requirement of additional living space for a growing family. These methods are typically highly economical for adding ADU space to your property.

Garage Conversion
JADU

JADU

Smaller ADUs known as JADUs typically have a maximum square footage of 500 and are subject to fewer rules and regulations regarding restrooms and kitchens.

 

JADUs must make use of space that is now part of your home’s primary construction, therefore conversions of attached garages might be acceptable but detached garages are usually not!


The main difference between a conversion ADU and a JADU is that JADUs may share bathrooms with the original residence and may have more functional kitchens (hot plate/microwave as opposed to stove/range).

Our Experience Helps You

An ADU puts the extra space on your lot to better use. Some people prefer to do the construction themselves rather than hire a professional builder to do the job.

Admittedly, this can be done by homeowners on their own, but considering the many benefits you can get from hiring Los Angeles ADU builders, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t change your mind about DIY.

Licensed & Insured Contractor

ADU Builders is a fully licensed and insured ADU contractor in Los Angeles with 15 years of work experience. Our team comes with the skills and know-how about the ADU laws and requirements in Los Angeles to make the most of your ADU project.

Work Guarantee

At ADU builders, we include a guarantee on the work we do. So when something comes up in the future, you don’t need to take responsibility for the rework.

Working Speed

We have the right tools and technological know-how to finish the project much faster. We can guarantee that the project will be completed sooner and in the most accurate way possible. Why would you wait so long if the project can be done in the shortest amount of time?

Hassle Free Work

We’ll take care of all the hassle, and cumbersome paperwork, and leave your place spotlessly clean, once the job is done. From the initial design phase to the final execution, we always keep you informed, so there is no confusion or misunderstanding.

Transparency & Quality

At ADU Builders, we conduct ADU projects with a great degree of transparency. Plus, we use only “premium quality” construction materials that last for generations. Therefore, the quality of work is not compromised.

Customer Support

Through the construction process, we will provide great communication to keep you updated on the project to make your ADU project stress-free.

Client Testimonials ADU Builders In Los Angeles
ADU logo in Los Angeles

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877-797-3485

Client Testimonials

With a ‘customer first’ approach in all our projects, we earn such welcoming reviews. This is the result of our dedicated approach towards our clients.

Testimonials Houzz

Lawrence Hristopoulos

Star Rating

I wanted to build an ADU for my in-laws who were moving in with me. I wasn’t sure that it was a good idea. Thankfully, ADU Builders took charge and they did everything that was needed to build the perfect ADU

Testimonials Houzz

Christie Paulson

Star Rating

They helped me build an ADU, which I put up for rent. Thanks to what they have done, I am getting more than I ever expected.

Houzz Reviews ADU Builders in Los Angeles

Advantages of Adding an ADU to Your Property

There are numerous benefits of adding an ADU to your property. Following are a few of them:

Rental Unit for Passive Income

Is ADU a good investment? The answer is unequivocal, yes! the fact that ADUs bring in a sizable income is what drives most homeowners to invest. ADUs help in creating additional streams of income outside of what a traditional rental currently provides.

Increase in Property Value

Second, only to passive income, increasing the value of your home is another common reason for adding an extra living unit. Most prospective homeowners are willing to pay more for properties with ADUs, as they offer greater flexibility, privacy, and lower monthly expenses.

Low-Cost Housing

If you love hosting friends and family, but your home can’t accommodate them, an ADU is a perfect solution. Building an ADU for elderly parents can help keep your loved ones closer to home and allow you to participate in their daily life.

An ADU is an affordable way to help your children get their feet on the ground while living under one roof!

The rent you charge them will be minimal and fair, considering they are saving money by staying nearby.

The Best Home Office or Workout Space

An ADU might be the ideal location for a home office if you work from home and live in a city. Whether it’s for meditation or yoga courses or accommodating clients as part of your therapy session, an ADU is a great choice!

ADU ROI Explained

The average return on investment (ROI) for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Los Angeles can vary greatly depending on a number of factors.

Some of these factors include the location of the ADU, the condition of the property, and the type of ADU being built.

 

Generally, ADUs have a high ROI in Los Angeles due to the high demand for rental properties in the area. According to Zillow, the median rental price in Los Angeles is $2,850 per month, making it an attractive market for landlords.

 

The condition of the property can also impact the ROI of an ADU. Properties that are well-maintained and have recently been updated may have a higher ROI compared to those that are in need of repair.

Finally, the type of ADU being built can also impact the ROI. For example, a standalone ADU may have a higher ROI compared to a converted garage or basement ADU.

Overall, the average ROI for an ADU in Los Angeles is difficult to determine as it depends on many factors. However, due to the high demand for rental properties in the area, it is likely that ADUs in Los Angeles have a relatively high ROI.

Los Angeles ADU Builders

Get a Quote From Los Angeles ADU Builders

In conclusion, building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a property in Los Angeles can be a lucrative investment for a homeowner.  There is a high demand for rental properties in the area, and an ADU can provide a reliable source of income for the homeowner. Additionally, building an ADU can increase the value of the property, potentially making it more attractive to potential buyers in the future.

There are also other benefits to building an ADU in Los Angeles. For example, it can provide a place for family members or friends to live, or it can be used as a short-term rental for travelers. Building an ADU can also give homeowners the opportunity to downsize and live in the ADU while renting out the main home, providing a way to generate income while still living on the property.

Overall, building an ADU in Los Angeles can be a wise financial decision for a homeowner, as it can provide a steady source of income and increase the value of the property. Call Los Angeles ADU Builders for a free in-home consultation.

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