Step Up Builders Inc — ADU Contractor Serving Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and the Inland Empire
Step Up Builders Inc is a Class A licensed general contractor with over 30 years of experience building accessory dwelling units across the greater Los Angeles area. Operating out of Encino, they serve homeowners throughout LA, the San Fernando Valley, and the Inland Empire. The company is family-owned and veteran-operated, with both the founder and current owner having served in the military.
As an ADU contractor, Step Up Builders Inc handles the full scope of accessory dwelling unit construction — from initial feasibility through to the certificate of occupancy. Their services include:
- Detached ADU builder — new construction up to 1,200 sq ft, using client-provided or stock plans
- Attached ADU — additions that share a wall with the primary residence
- Garage conversion contractor — full conversion of attached or detached garages into livable space
- JADU contractor — Junior ADUs up to 500 sq ft, typically interior conversions of existing space
- Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plan options
- Plans, engineering, and Title 24 energy compliance
- LADBS plan check, permit pulling, and all required inspections
- Site work including grading, drainage, trenching, utility tie-ins, and LADWP coordination
- Full MEP, finishes, kitchen, bath, flooring, paint, and certificate of occupancy
California state law — including SB 9, AB 68, and AB 1033 — has significantly loosened ADU regulations in recent years. However, navigating LADBS requirements, zoning overlays, hillside and fire zones, and the associated soft costs still requires an experienced ADU builder who knows the local landscape. Step Up Builders Inc positions itself as that resource, drawing on three decades of working within the LA permitting and inspection system.
ADU Construction Process and Timeline
Step Up Builders Inc follows a structured five-step process for every accessory dwelling unit project:
- Free in-home estimate — site measurement, goal discussion, and realistic scope and cost review
- Written contract, plans, and permits — fixed line-item estimate, finalized selections, and all LADBS permits pulled on the homeowner's behalf
- Demolition and rough-in — clean demo, debris removal, and rough plumbing, electrical, and framing to inspection-ready standard
- Build, finish, and install — finishes, fixtures, and materials installed in proper trade sequence
- Final walkthrough and warranty — city final inspection, punch list walkthrough, full clean-up, and written one-year workmanship warranty
Realistic project timelines in the Los Angeles market typically run 8 to 14 months from contract to certificate of occupancy. Garage conversions tend to be the fastest path at 4 to 7 months, while detached new builds generally run 9 to 15 months. Step Up Builders Inc provides a written schedule with hard dates and delivers weekly updates throughout construction.
Installed cost ranges for 2025–2026 in the Los Angeles market are as follows:
- Detached ADU: $350 – $550 per sq ft ($200,000 – $500,000+ total)
- Attached ADU: $300 – $450 per sq ft ($180,000 – $375,000 total)
- Garage conversion ADU: $250 – $400 per sq ft ($140,000 – $260,000 total)
- Junior ADU (JADU): $150 – $300 per sq ft ($80,000 – $180,000 total)
- Site work add-ons (sewer, LADWP, grading): $20,000 – $80,000+
Final costs depend on scope, finishes, site access, and permit complexity. Step Up Builders Inc provides a fixed written estimate following a free on-site visit.
Additional Services and Service Area
Beyond ADU construction, Step Up Builders Inc also handles kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, roofing, concrete services, and flooring — all under one Class A general contractor license. This allows homeowners to combine an ADU project with other home improvements under a single contract, schedule, and warranty.
The company is experienced working with older Los Angeles homes, which often present hidden challenges such as galvanized supply lines, undersized electrical panels, termite damage, lead paint, or asbestos. Step Up Builders Inc holds EPA RRP certification for lead-safe work and coordinates with licensed abatement partners when needed.
They serve homeowners across Greater Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and the Inland Empire, including areas such as Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Woodland Hills, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, and communities throughout the Inland Empire. Veterans with a valid Military ID may qualify for up to 30% off select services.
