Oasis Builders: ADU Contractor Serving the Greater Los Angeles Area
For Los Angeles homeowners considering an Accessory Dwelling Unit, finding a reliable ADU contractor is often the first and most important step. Oasis Builders has remodeled hundreds of homes across the Greater Los Angeles area and has built dozens of ADUs over the years. Their work spans both ground-up ADU construction and projects based on pre-approved floor plans.
Whether the goal is an attached ADU, a detached ADU, or a garage conversion, Oasis Builders handles the full scope of work — permitting, blueprints, turnkey construction, and finished materials — all in compliance with local building codes and aligned with the homeowner's vision, timeline, and budget.
What Homeowners Should Know Before Starting an ADU Project
One of the more common misconceptions Oasis Builders encounters as an ADU contractor is around the scale of these projects. An ADU is much closer to building a small home than completing a standard remodel, and that distinction has real implications for cost, coordination, and expectations.
ADU construction requires many of the same trades as a primary residence, including:
- Foundation work and framing
- Plumbing and electrical
- HVAC and insulation
- Waterproofing and finishes
While a homeowner may technically act as their own general contractor, managing permits, inspections, subcontractors, and code compliance throughout the project requires significant time and technical knowledge that most homeowners don't have readily available.
Site conditions also play a meaningful role in cost. Sloped lots introduce additional planning requirements such as surveys, soil reports, more complex engineering, and sometimes deep foundation solutions like caissons. Limited site access can mean work must be completed manually rather than with machinery, which increases labor time and overall project cost.
Types of ADUs Oasis Builders Constructs
Oasis Builders works across several ADU types, each with its own set of considerations:
- Detached ADU: A standalone structure that offers more flexibility and privacy, and can serve as a guest house, rental unit, or casita. Detached ADUs generally involve higher construction costs and more complex permitting compared to other ADU types.
- Attached ADU: Shares walls and utilities with the main house, which can reduce costs and simplify permitting. Trade-offs may include limitations in space and privacy.
- Garage Conversion: A popular and cost-effective option that transforms an existing garage into a functional living space without changing the home's footprint. Garage conversions may require updated insulation, utility hookups, and zoning approvals.
In addition to custom designs, Oasis Builders offers a curated lineup of pre-designed ADU floor plans, including studio, one-bedroom, and three-bedroom options. Pricing for plans using an existing structure varies depending on site conditions, design selections, and permitting requirements. Ground-up ADUs are evaluated and priced separately.
The ADU construction process Oasis Builders follows is structured to keep homeowners informed at every stage. It begins with a property review covering zoning rules, setbacks, site access, and utility conditions. From there, design decisions are made around layout, intended use — whether rental, guest house, or family extension — and interior priorities like kitchen function, bathroom comfort, and storage.
Once design decisions are finalized, full ADU blueprints are produced, including architectural drawings, structural engineering, foundation details, and Title 24 energy compliance documentation. Plans are then submitted to the city for review and approval. As experienced ADU contractors in Los Angeles, Oasis Builders is familiar with the local review process and works to keep projects moving without unnecessary delays.
Construction begins with site preparation and foundation work, followed by installation of insulation, windows, roofing, and exterior finishes. Core systems including electrical and PEX plumbing are completed before interior finishes are applied. Interior work includes solid wood cabinetry, quartz or porcelain countertops, durable flooring, and porcelain or ceramic tile in bathrooms and kitchens. The process concludes with final inspections and a walkthrough of the completed space.
As a general reference, ADU construction costs in Los Angeles typically range between $100,000 and $300,000, depending on the type, size, and finish level. A straightforward garage conversion may come in around $100,000, while a high-end detached ADU with custom finishes could exceed $300,000. Project timelines generally run 6 to 12 months, accounting for design and planning, permitting, and construction phases.
ADUs in Los Angeles can be up to 1,200 square feet, though actual allowable size depends on lot size, setbacks, and other zoning factors. Two-story ADUs are also possible, subject to height restrictions — typically capped at 16 feet — and additional requirements around neighbor privacy.
