ADU Construction in Los Angeles

State law allows a detached ADU of up to 1,200 sq ft, and a city cannot cap ADUs below 850 sq ft for a studio or one-bedroom or 1,000 sq ft for two or more bedrooms. Attached ADUs are generally limited to 50% of the main house’s floor area, but at least 800 sq ft must be allowed. A JADU is limited to 500 sq ft. Local codes can allow more, so we check your city’s current standard.

For a new ADU, state law limits side and rear setbacks to no more than 4 feet. Converting an existing legal structure — such as a garage — or rebuilding in the same footprint needs no additional setback. Front setbacks, hillside rules and fire-zone standards still vary by city and parcel.

Not for an ADU — California permanently removed owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs. A JADU is different: the owner must live in either the JADU or the main house. Rules are amended regularly, so we confirm current law before you commit.

No. State law does not allow a city to require replacement parking when a garage, carport or covered parking is converted to an ADU, and no ADU parking is required within half a mile walking distance of public transit. See our garage conversion page.

The City of Los Angeles Standard Plan Program lists pre-reviewed ADU designs. When one fits your lot, plan check can be shorter, but the site-specific parts — foundation, utilities, grading, hillside or fire-zone items — still need review. Other cities run their own pre-approved plan programs, or none.

Published 2026 planning ranges are $60,000–$130,000 for a JADU, $90,000–$180,000 for a garage conversion, $180,000–$320,000 for an attached ADU, and $250,000–$500,000+ for a detached ADU. Unit type, site conditions, utility runs and finish level move the price. Every home is different — your written estimate is itemized after a free in-home visit.

Yes. We are based in Sherman Oaks and build ADUs throughout the San Fernando Valley, including Encino, Studio City, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Calabasas, Burbank and Glendale. We handle feasibility, design, permits, construction and final sign-off.

We pull the ADU permit under CSLB #1155602 with LADBS or the city building department that has jurisdiction over your address. We prepare the submittal, respond to plan-check corrections and coordinate required inspections through the certificate of occupancy.

Most single-family lots can have both an ADU and a JADU under current California law. Lot conditions and local implementation still matter, so we confirm eligibility with LADBS or the building department that has jurisdiction before design begins.

Feasibility and design take a few weeks; plan check with LADBS or your city follows and varies with the design and season. Construction of a detached ADU typically runs several months; a garage conversion is shorter. We give you a phased schedule up front.

Yes. Drawings, plan check, corrections, utility approvals, every inspection and the final certificate of occupancy are handled under our license with LADBS or your local building department.

A garage conversion reuses the existing structure — usually faster, but limited to the garage footprint, and the slab, framing and roof must be brought to current code. A detached ADU is a new purpose-built structure with more layout freedom. Feasibility tells you which one your lot supports.

Permitted ADUs in the City of Los Angeles can generally be rented as long-term rentals once they receive final inspection. Short-term rental rules are separate and stricter and vary by city; confirm with your local planning department before finalizing plans.

An ADU is a complete independent dwelling with its own kitchen and bathroom, detached, attached or converted from a garage. A junior ADU (JADU) is a smaller unit created within the existing home’s footprint, with an efficiency kitchen and, in many cases, a bathroom shared with the main house. Most single-family lots may have one of each.

Yes, where they fit the lot. LADBS and some other cities maintain pre-approved ADU standard plans that can shorten plan check. We also design custom units when the lot, the main house or your program calls for it.

Often, yes, with more engineering. Hillside parcels typically require a soils report, engineered foundations and compliance with hillside and fire-zone standards. We assess this at the feasibility visit and tell you what it means for design, cost and schedule before you commit.

Yes. American Reliable Construction & Remodeling, Inc. holds California Contractors State License Board license #1155602 (B – General Building), is bonded, carries general liability insurance and is a BBB Accredited Business. The license can be verified on the CSLB website.

We are based in Sherman Oaks and serve the San Fernando Valley — Encino, Studio City, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Van Nuys, North Hollywood — plus Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Calabasas and select Westside neighborhoods including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Culver City.

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation in-home estimates. Call toll-free (877) 702-6180 or use the estimate form to schedule a visit. You receive a written, itemized estimate — not a number over the phone.