ADU Construction Services in Los Angeles
Urbane Design is a Los Angeles-based firm offering design, planning, and permitting services for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs are secondary housing units built on the same property as an existing single-family home, and they can serve a range of purposes — from housing extended family members to generating rental income or simply adding usable space to a property.
As an ADU contractor operating in the Los Angeles area, Urbane Design works with homeowners on both attached and detached ADU projects. Their services cover the full process, from initial concept through to permit acquisition.
There are two primary types of ADUs they work with:
- Attached/Conversion ADUs: These are integrated into the existing home or converted from existing spaces such as a basement or garage. A garage conversion contractor approach is used to blend the new unit seamlessly with the primary residence.
- Detached ADUs: Standalone structures that function as independent living spaces, similar to a backyard cottage or granny flat, situated on the same property but offering a degree of privacy.
What Urbane Design Offers
Urbane Design provides a range of services centered around ADU development in Los Angeles. Their team handles design, planning, permitting, and full engineering plans, including house plans, floor plans, and building plans. These plans can be used for a variety of purposes such as home offices, studios, or rental properties.
As an accessory dwelling unit builder, they tailor each project to the homeowner's specific requirements and local regulations. Their process includes:
- A free initial consultation to walk clients through the practical steps involved
- Customized ADU planning aligned with the client's vision and budget
- 3D floor plan renderings to help visualize interior layouts and design options
- Coordination with building and safety authorities to facilitate plan approvals and permit processing
Urbane Design emphasizes transparent pricing — the quoted price is what clients are charged, with no hidden fees. All costs are clearly outlined in the contract before work begins.
Their team has experience working directly with local building authorities, which they say helps streamline the plan approval and permitting process. During the initial consultation, they discuss common submission challenges and outline strategies to help avoid delays.
Why Homeowners Build ADUs
There are several practical reasons Los Angeles homeowners consider adding an ADU to their property. Urbane Design works with clients pursuing a range of goals, including:
- Rental income: A detached ADU builder can help create a rentable unit, whether for long-term tenants or short-term platforms like Airbnb.
- Extended family housing: An in-law suite builder approach allows families to create a comfortable, independent space for parents or other relatives — sometimes referred to as a granny flat or Casita.
- Home value: Adding an ADU can increase the overall market value of a property.
- Mortgage offset: Rental income from an ADU can help reduce monthly mortgage costs.
- Dedicated workspaces or fitness areas: Some clients use ADUs as home offices or personal workout spaces.
Urbane Design is a licensed and bonded firm based in Northridge, CA, serving the greater Los Angeles area. They offer free, no-obligation in-person consultations to help homeowners understand their options before committing to a project.