About Gather ADU
Gather ADU is a Los Angeles-based company that focuses exclusively on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) projects throughout LA County. With over 127 completed ADUs and more than ten years of experience, they offer a structured, end-to-end service covering everything from initial feasibility analysis through to final construction and occupancy. Their team includes licensed designers, engineers, and contractors familiar with the specific regulatory landscape that governs ADU development in Los Angeles.
Their work spans a range of ADU types, including detached ADU builds, garage conversion contractor services, attached additions, and Junior ADUs (JADUs). Whether a homeowner is looking to generate rental income, house a family member, or create additional workspace, Gather ADU positions itself as a single point of contact for the entire process.
Services Offered
Feasibility Analysis
Before any design work begins, Gather ADU conducts a property-level feasibility study. This involves reviewing zoning designations, lot dimensions, setback requirements, and utility access. The resulting report outlines which ADU types are permitted on the specific lot, maximum allowable sizes, preliminary cost estimates, ROI projections, and any site-specific challenges. This step is intended to give homeowners a realistic picture of what is possible before committing to a project.
Plans and Permits
Gather ADU's licensed designers and architects develop custom floor plans, including 3D renderings, structural engineering documentation, and Title 24 energy compliance materials. They manage the full permit application process — from initial submission through plan check management and any required corrections — until the permit is approved. Under California law, cities are required to approve compliant ADU applications within 60 days, and Gather ADU's familiarity with LA's building department processes is intended to help avoid common delays.
Financing Assistance
The company connects clients with lenders experienced in ADU-specific financing. Options they facilitate include cash-out refinancing, HELOCs, construction loans, and newer ADU-specific loan products. They also provide ROI projections to help homeowners understand how rental income might offset monthly loan payments.
Construction
Gather ADU works with a vetted network of licensed general contractors to handle all phases of construction. This includes foundation, framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and interior finishes. A dedicated project manager serves as the client's main point of contact, with weekly progress updates provided throughout the build. Projects conclude with a final walkthrough and certificate of occupancy.
ADU Types They Build
Detached ADUs are standalone structures, typically built in the backyard, and are fully self-contained with their own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. Under California law, these can be up to 1,200 sq ft and are set back just 4 feet from side and rear property lines. Typical costs range from $200,000 to $400,000, with a timeline of roughly 10–14 months from design to move-in. These units tend to generate the highest rental income due to the privacy they offer.
Garage conversions repurpose an existing garage structure into a livable unit. Because the foundation, roof, and walls already exist, this is generally the most cost-effective and fastest ADU option — typically costing between $100,000 and $180,000 and taking 3–5 months to construct. California law prohibits cities from requiring replacement parking when a garage is converted, which makes this option particularly accessible for LA homeowners.
Attached ADUs are built as additions to the existing home, sharing at least one wall with the primary residence. They can be up to 1,200 sq ft or 50% of the primary home's floor area, whichever is greater. Costs typically fall between $150,000 and $300,000. This option works well on properties with limited backyard space and can leverage existing utility connections to reduce overall costs.
Gather ADU also handles Junior ADU (JADU) projects, which are smaller units created within the existing footprint of a home, often from a converted bedroom or interior space.
For Los Angeles homeowners considering an ADU, Gather ADU offers a structured process designed to reduce the complexity typically associated with navigating city permits, contractor coordination, and financing. Their focus is specifically on the LA market, which means their processes are built around the local regulatory environment rather than adapted from a more general construction model.
