ADU Contractors in California
Cal ADU Builders Inc.
1610 R Street, Westminster, CA 95811
Cal ADU Builders Inc. is a licensed, family-owned ADU contractor in Westminster, CA, with 20+ years of experience. They offer custom ADU design, full construction, and consultation for Southern California homeowners.
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Next Level ADU Builders
8520 Florence Avenue, Downey, CA 90240
Next Level ADU Builders, serving Los Angeles, Riverside & Pico Rivera since 1997, specializes in ADU construction—detached units, granny flats & casitas—plus HVAC, remodeling & roofing, with financing options available.
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USModular Inc.
579 West County Line Road, Calimesa, CA 92320
USModular Inc. is a Temecula, CA ADU builder specializing in modular, prefabricated construction. Units are up to 90% factory-built, completed in ~120 days, and comply with IRC and local codes. Services include feasibility studies, design, engineering, permitting, and installation.
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Merced County Builders
2222 M Street, Los Banos, CA 95340
Construction Masters
18075 Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 91316
Construction Masters™ is a trusted ADU contractor offering full-service design, engineering, and construction of accessory dwelling units. They build granny flats, in-law suites, and detached ADUs, boosting property value with a free consultation.
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The Sterling-Watson Collective
1441 Huntington Dr, 1900, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Sterling-Watson Collective is a full-service ADU contractor in Los Angeles offering design, permitting, structural engineering & construction management for accessory dwelling units, helping homeowners add rental units, guest suites & more.
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Central Coast Project Planning
1204 Kapareil Ln., Paso Robles, CA 93446
CCPP helps homeowners plan & permit ADUs in San Luis Obispo County. Options include custom, stock plan, or manufactured units. Permitting takes 4–12 months, with costs ranging from $40K–$70K depending on ADU type.
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Mission Home Remodeling
475 Gough Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Inspired ADUs
1940 Union Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Inspired ADUs is an architect-led ADU design firm serving the Bay Area and Southern California. With 20+ years of experience and 250+ ADUs permitted, they offer custom, panelized, and modular ADU solutions, plus interior design and SB9 lot split services.
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WM Construction
10535 Foothill Boulevard, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
WM Construction is a licensed ADU contractor in Los Angeles offering full-service builds, from site assessment and design to permitting and post-construction support, helping homeowners add granny flats, garage conversions, and in-law suites compliantly.
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Schaefer Custom Homes
4251 South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Schaefer Custom Homes builds ADUs in San Luis Obispo County, offering full ADUs, JADUs, garage conversions & detached units. They manage permits, design & construction for rental income, family living & more.
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Classic Home Contractors
9045 Judicial Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
Classic Home Contractors offers full-service ADU construction in Oceanside, CA, including custom design, garage conversions, detached units & permit handling. Serving neighborhoods like Rancho Del Oro, San Luis Rey & more.
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EHD Builders
18375 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana, CA 91356
EHD Builders offers ADU construction services in Los Angeles, CA, including garage conversions, detached units & additions. Costs range from $150K–$350K+. Services cover permits, framing, plumbing, electrical & more.
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Kuhlman Scott Architects
607 North Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024
Kuhlman Scott Architects specializes in custom ADU design across San Diego County. Led by Todd Kuhlman, with 30+ years of experience, the firm creates detached ADUs, garage conversions, and JADUs tailored for quality, livability, and long-term property value.
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Bela Development
1023 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
Bela Development is an LA-based design-build firm with 15+ years specializing in ADU construction, garage conversions, detached ADUs, and JADUs. They manage design, permitting, and build under one roof, delivering legal living spaces that boost property value by 20–30%.
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Other cities in California
What you need to know
ADU Contractors in California: Navigating the Golden State's Unique Landscape
California is at the forefront of the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) movement in the United States. With one of the most severe housing shortages in the nation, the state has enacted sweeping legislation to make ADU construction more accessible. Since 2020, California laws such as AB 68, AB 881, and SB 13 have significantly reduced barriers, eliminating minimum lot size requirements, reducing setback rules, and streamlining the permitting process. For homeowners looking to add value to their property or create additional rental income, working with experienced ADU contractors in California has never been more important.
What California ADU Contractors Must Know About State Regulations
Professional ADU contractors operating in California must stay current with a constantly evolving regulatory environment. Under California law, local agencies are required to approve or deny ADU permit applications within 60 days. Additionally, ADUs under 800 square feet cannot be denied solely based on floor area ratio limits. Contractors must also be familiar with owner-occupancy rules, utility connection requirements, and fire safety standards that vary by county and municipality. Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose each have their own local ordinances layered on top of state law, making local expertise a critical asset.
Types of ADUs Built by California Contractors
Experienced California ADU contractors are skilled in building a wide variety of ADU types to suit different property configurations and homeowner needs. The most common types include:
- Detached ADUs: Standalone structures built in the backyard or side yard of a primary residence.
- Attached ADUs: Units that share a wall with the main home, often built as additions.
- Garage Conversions: Transforming existing garages into livable spaces, a popular and cost-effective option.
- Junior ADUs (JADUs): Units up to 500 square feet created within the existing footprint of a home.
How to Choose the Right ADU Contractor in California
Selecting the right contractor is one of the most critical decisions in any ADU project. Homeowners should look for contractors who hold a valid California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license, ideally a Class B General Building Contractor license. It is also important to verify that the contractor carries proper liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Look for professionals with a proven track record of successfully permitted ADU projects in your specific city or county.
The Benefits of Building an ADU in California
Building an ADU in California offers significant financial and lifestyle benefits. Homeowners can generate rental income to offset mortgage costs, house family members, or increase overall property value. In high-cost markets like the San Francisco Bay Area or Los Angeles, a well-built ADU can add hundreds of thousands of dollars in property value. With the right California ADU contractor by your side, the process can be smooth, compliant, and highly rewarding.