What Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is an independent residential dwelling unit that has grown in popularity among homeowners looking to add living space without purchasing a new property. It provides extra square footage within an existing lot and typically includes one or two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
These units can serve a range of purposes — a home office, a guest house, or a separate living space for a family member. Over the past several years, Southern California has seen a notable rise in demand for affordable housing, which has contributed to increased ADU construction activity in Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
ADU Builders is a licensed and insured ADU contractor based in Los Angeles with 15 years of experience. They handle projects from initial design through final inspection, working in compliance with California's ADU building codes.
The ADU Construction Process
ADU Builders follows a structured, step-by-step process to manage each project:
- Initial Site Visit: They visit the property to assess setbacks, model options, utility hookups, and overall eligibility. An estimate is provided based on this review.
- Permits: As local Los Angeles ADU builders, they are familiar with California's ADU construction guidelines and the permit process through the Department of Building & Safety. They assist clients in submitting design plans that meet approval requirements. Note that ADUs under 750 sq. ft. are not subject to an Impact Fee.
- Building the ADU or Garage Conversion: ADU Builders offers both attached and detached ADU construction, as well as garage conversion services, tailored to the space requirements of each property.
- Final Inspection: Once construction is complete, a final walk-through is conducted to address finishing touches. A certificate of occupancy from the local municipality marks the completion of the project.
Throughout the process, ADU Builders handles the necessary paperwork and keeps clients informed at each stage to minimize confusion.
When applying for a building permit, documentation typically required includes:
- Building permit application form
- Four copies of the site plan
- Completed Net Stable Financing Rate (NSFR) intake package (if the ADU is separated from the main residence)
- Residential System Development Charge Form
- A set of site and building construction plans
Once submitted, permit review timelines can vary, but approval typically takes between 60 and 90 days, depending on the completeness of the application and local requirements.
Regarding ADU setback rules in Los Angeles, a detached ADU must be a minimum of 10 ft. from the main building, 5 ft. from the nearest property lines, and 4 ft. from the rear and side. These rules are largely consistent throughout California.
Types of ADUs Offered by ADU Builders
Detached ADU: A backyard cottage or detached unit that stands independently on the property. These are well-suited for privacy and tend to be more straightforward to construct since they are not dependent on the condition of the main structure.
Attached ADU: Units connected to the main house, often chosen to maximize lot coverage. Attached ADUs may require fire-rated partitions between the unit and the primary residence, which can add to overall project costs.
Garage Conversion ADU: Converting an existing, unused garage or parking space into a self-contained living unit. This is generally a cost-effective approach to adding living space to a property. ADU Builders provides garage conversion contractor services as part of their offering.
JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit): A smaller unit with a maximum of 500 sq. ft., subject to fewer regulations. JADUs must be created from existing space within the primary structure. Unlike standard ADUs, JADUs may share a bathroom with the main residence and can have a more basic kitchen setup. As a JADU contractor, ADU Builders can advise on whether this option suits a given property.
ADU Builders uses quality construction materials and provides a work guarantee on completed projects. They also bring the necessary tools and expertise to complete projects efficiently, handling all aspects from design to cleanup upon completion.
Adding an ADU to a property can offer several practical benefits, including generating rental income, increasing overall property value, and providing affordable housing options for family members such as elderly parents or adult children.
