Los Angeles ADU Builders Serving Homeowners Across the City
Otto ADU is a full-service ADU builder and ADU contractor based in Los Angeles, specializing in custom accessory dwelling units, garage conversions, and pre-designed ADU plans. With over five years of experience designing, permitting, and building ADUs across LA County, their team has completed more than 100 units and brings a combined 25 years of experience managing complex architectural projects.
Their work spans neighborhoods from Pasadena to Santa Monica, Eagle Rock to Culver City, helping 70+ homeowners add functional, beautiful living space to their properties. Whether it's a detached ADU in the backyard, a garage conversion into a granny flat, or a JADU carved out of existing attached space, Otto ADU handles every phase of the project under one roof.
What Otto ADU Offers as an Accessory Dwelling Unit Builder
As a licensed accessory dwelling unit builder (California Contractor's License #1081287), Otto ADU manages the entire process — from initial site inspection and design through permitting and construction. Their services include:
- Garage conversion contracting — transforming idle garage space into rental units, guest suites, home offices, and more
- Detached ADU construction — ground-up backyard cottages and casitas built to maximize property value
- JADU conversions — converting a minimum of 300 square feet of existing attached space into a studio or one-bedroom junior ADU
- In-law suite and granny flat builds — thoughtfully designed spaces that bring family closer while maintaining privacy
- Custom design packages with high-quality, cost-effective finishes
- Full permitting coordination with local agencies across Los Angeles, Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, Culver City, Santa Monica, Hawthorne, South Pasadena, and unincorporated LA County
Their team is led by expert designers, experienced construction managers, and licensed engineers — all working toward one goal: making it easy for Los Angeles homeowners to create beautiful, high-performing ADUs.
Otto ADU's projects have generated significant financial returns for homeowners. Their completed units rent for more than 27% above market rate on average and add an average of $185,000 or more to home values. Based on data from the Los Angeles market, a garage-only conversion can add an average value premium of over $158,000 — an 18.68% increase compared to similar properties without ADUs.
A Transparent Process from Planning to Move-In
One of the defining features of working with this backyard cottage builder and garage conversion contractor is their structured, transparent process. Homeowners are never left guessing. The process is broken into three clear phases:
- Plan — Site inspection, layout selection, finishes, and a detailed proposal with clear scope, timeline, and pricing
- Design — Coordinated drawing sets and design refinement, ensuring informed decisions at every step
- Permit — Full permitting management, city coordination, and response to agency feedback
Once permits are approved, homeowners can opt into Otto's fully managed build service. Their construction management team oversees vetted contractors, manages timelines, and procures long-lead items like appliances, windows, and finishes early — minimizing delays and keeping projects on budget.
All project updates, documentation, permits, and communications are accessible through Otto's Homeowner Portal — a dedicated platform that keeps homeowners informed and in control throughout the entire build.
Otto ADU also offers a 1-year warranty on all completed ADUs, with manufacturer warranties for finish materials passed directly to the homeowner at project completion. For homeowners interested in financing, Otto's project planners are knowledgeable about ADU financing options and can connect clients with appropriate lending resources, though Otto itself does not provide financing directly.
