Expert ADU Builders: Build an ADU in Los Angeles & California

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What are Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)?​

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)—often called a granny flat or backyard cottage—is a secondary housing unit on your single-family residential lot. In high-demand markets like Los Angeles and Orange County, ADUs are a vital solution for adding flexible living space without the stress of buying a new home. Under the latest 2026 California ADU laws, homeowners now have faster permitting timelines and reduced fees, making this the best year to start your expert home remodel project.

Why 2026 is the Best Year to Build an ADU

Recent California legislation, including SB 543 and SB 1211, has significantly lowered the barriers for homeowners in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Orange County. These new laws have streamlined the expert home design process by requiring cities to act on completed applications within 60 days. Furthermore, if you are building a unit under 500 square feet, you are now exempt from school impact fees, potentially saving you thousands in upfront costs.

Expert home remodel of a garage converted into a modern ADU in Encino with sustainable interior design.

Transform your underutilized space with our specialized remodel service.

Expert home remodel for a sustainable exterior featuring modern white siding and drought-tolerant landscaping.
Expert home remodel for a detached luxury ADU in Los Angeles featuring modern architectural design.

Your Choices – Specialized ADU Types

To help you find the best fit for your property in Encino or Beverly Hills, we offer specialized remodel services for every ADU type:

  • Detached ADUs

    Standalone backyard homes, perfect for high-end guest houses.

  • Attached ADUs

    Seamless home additions that blend with your primary residence.

  • Garage Conversions

    Transform existing structures into modern rental units or studios.

  • Junior ADUs (JADUs)

    Efficient units under 500 sq. ft. contained within your home's existing footprint.

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The Investment: Cost and Permitting

Cost to Build an ADU in California: 2026 Pricing Guide

While the cost to build an ADU in California varies by city, projects in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills typically range from $100,000 to $400,000 depending on finishes and structural needs.

  • Does building an ADU require a permit?

    Yes. Every city, from Encino to Irvine, requires building permits.

  • How long does it take?

    Most projects take 3–7 months from design to completion, though prefab options can install in as little as 2 months.

Architectural plans and expert home design for a custom ADU project in Los Angeles.

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2026 California ADU Frequently Asked Questions

In 2026, California law (SB 543) has significantly streamlined the process. Most municipalities, including Los Angeles and Orange County, are now required to act on a completed ADU application within 60 days. If the city fails to approve or deny the application in this timeframe, it may be "deemed approved." In cities like Beverly Hills, choosing a "Pre-Approved ADU Plan" from the city's catalog can reduce your plan-check time by up to 70%.

Yes! While the base height limit for a detached ADU is typically 16 to 18 feet, you can build up to 25 feet (two stories) in many residential zones if the ADU is attached to the primary home or if it is built above a detached garage. In Beverly Hills, specific "Hillside" or "Trousdale Estates" regulations may apply, so our expert home design team always conducts a site-specific feasibility study first.

Under California’s "by-right" laws, you are guaranteed the ability to build an ADU of at least 800 square feet with 4-foot side and rear setbacks, regardless of your lot size or floor area ratio (FAR). For larger projects:

  • Detached ADUs: Up to 1,200 square feet.

  • Attached ADUs: Up to 1,200 square feet or 50% of the primary house size, whichever is smaller.

  • Junior ADUs (JADUs): Capped at 500 square feet and must be contained within the existing home.

In most cases, no. In 2026, California law waives all parking requirements if your ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit (including bus stops). Furthermore, if you convert your garage into an ADU in Encino or Los Angeles, the city cannot require you to replace the parking spaces you lost for the main house.

Absolutely. A major 2026 update (AB 1154) officially removed the "owner-occupancy" requirement for JADUs. This means you can now live elsewhere and rent out both your primary residence and your ADU/JADU. This makes ADU construction one of the highest-ROI remodel services available to California investors and homeowners.

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