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ADUs in Los Angeles: what you can build and how it works

California law lets most single‑family lots add an accessory dwelling unit. Here is the plain‑English version of what that means for your property.

What counts as an ADU

An accessory dwelling unit is a second, smaller home on the same lot as your main house. It has its own kitchen, bathroom and entrance. It can be detached in the backyard, attached to the house, or converted from an existing garage or part of the house.

The three common types

  • Detached ADU — a new building in the yard. The most flexible layout and the most private, and usually the highest cost.
  • Garage conversion — the existing garage becomes living space. Lowest cost because the structure already exists.
  • Attached or interior ADU — an addition tied to the house, or a converted basement, attic or wing.

Size and placement, in general terms

State rules allow a detached ADU of up to 1,200 square feet on most lots, with reduced setbacks compared to a normal addition. Every city applies the rules a little differently — hillside lots, historic zones and very small lots have extra conditions. The only way to know what your lot allows is a property check against your city’s current ordinance, which we do before any design.

Permits and inspections

Every ADU needs a building permit and a series of inspections — foundation, framing, rough plumbing and electrical, insulation, drywall, final. City permit and inspection fees are paid by the homeowner directly to the city. How long plan check takes depends entirely on the city and the time of year.

Utilities

Sewer connection, electrical panel capacity and water line size decide more of the budget than people expect. We check all three on the first visit.

Renting it out

In most of Los Angeles County an ADU can be rented long‑term. Short‑term rental rules vary by city and change often — confirm with your city before planning on it.

What it costs

ADUs and new construction start around $250 per square foot in our area, depending on size, finishes and site conditions. Garage conversions are usually the lowest‑cost option because the structure already exists. Treat any number you read online — including ours — as an estimate; your price is set in a written contract after a site visit.

Have a project like this?Free on‑site consultation. You deal with the owner.

General information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules vary by city and change; confirm with your city before relying on them. Prices are estimates only.

Reviews

What clients say.

Rated 5.0 across Google, Yelp, Facebook, Houzz, Thumbtack, BuildZoom and more…

★★★★★
Google

“We hired Pacific Proworks Inc. to build our custom home from the ground up on a steep, hilly lot and I can confidently say they were the best decision we made. From day one, their team was organized, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable about hillside construction, permitting in Santa Clarita, and the structural challenges that came with our property. Where other contractors gave us excuses, Pacific Proworks gave us solutions.”

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Victoria ZepedaCustom home · Santa Clarita
★★★★★
Google

“Wow!!! What can I say other than we are so grateful to Pacific Proworks Inc., your whole team was incredible! The construction of our 1,000 square foot ADU turned out better than expected, and the whole process for the ADU was seamless, from blueprints to completion. Denette helped me design the ADU to maximize the space and include features I wanted.”

E
Edwin Ter Galstanyan1,000 SF ADU
★★★★★
BuildZoom

“We hired Pacific Proworks Inc. to convert our detached garage into a full ADU, and I can honestly say it was one of the best contractor experiences we’ve ever had. They walked us through the permitting process, helped with design decisions, and managed everything — from plumbing to electrical — with zero shortcuts. The ADU turned out better than we imagined, and it’s already generating rental income.”

M
MoriaGarage → ADU
★★★★★
BuildZoom

“Pacific ProWorks completed a home addition and ADU conversion for us. They extended our family room to create a sunroom and larger dining area, added an office, and converted our garage into an ADU for my mother. Communication was always clear, and the crew was extremely respectful of our home. They cleaned and organized the job site every single day.”

D
Desire A.Addition & garage conversion
★★★★★
Thumbtack

“The craftsmanship Pacific Proworks provided for our kitchen remodel was exceptional to say the least. The attention to detail in the cabinetry, tile work, and countertop installation was outstanding. The project was fast and easy, with minimal disruption to our daily routine — which we appreciated with three kids. The design recommendations from Denette created a stunning kitchen.”

N
Nancy J.Kitchen remodel
★★★★★
Thumbtack

“Honestly, I was nervous going into this project because I’ve heard so many horror stories about contractors — but these guys completely changed my view. They were super easy to talk to, always showed up when they said they would, and actually listened to what I wanted. The work came out beautiful, and there were no surprise costs or drama. I’d recommend them to family, no question.”

S
Sabrina M.Pool & backyard
★★★★★
BuildZoom

“As a first‑time homeowner, I was nervous about taking on a major remodel. Pacific Proworks took the time to explain each step, gave honest advice, and never pressured me into unnecessary upgrades. Their quote was detailed and fair, and what they promised is exactly what they delivered — from the tilework in my new bathroom to the open‑concept kitchen they helped design and build.”

P
Paula X.Kitchen & bath
★★★★★
BuildZoom

“I’ve worked with a lot of contractors over the years as a property investor, and Pacific Proworks Inc. is hands‑down one of the most reliable and professional companies I’ve hired. Full renovation on one of my rental units — kitchen, bathroom, flooring, exterior — on time, within budget, and with no drama. Passed inspection without issue and helped us rent the unit at top dollar.”

J
Joe Ramen M.Rental renovation
★★★★★
Google

“Bravo! Pacific Prowork pros!!! You guys came in with so much positivity, information and unsurpassed design idea assistance with a hard working & attentive crew! Thank you for my beautiful modern kitchen and your patience with my perfect ADU!! My family could not be happier!”

J
Jacque SaucerKitchen & ADU
★★★★★
Thumbtack

“Denette and her team have made this process as easy as I could’ve hoped for! Direct and clear communication, up front about costs and pricing, and sets realistic expectations. The experience has been so good that I have other work that I want them involved in as well. If you want a contractor who is easy to work with and up front about everything, this is the one.”

L
Luke T.Deck remodel
★★★★★
Google

“Denette was very clear in communicating the description, costs, and most importantly the value of my garage conversion. The crew’s excellent workmanship, communication and thoughtfulness to my desires was appreciated. I highly recommend Pacific Proworks!”

A
Alara MillsGarage conversion
★★★★★
Yelp

“We needed our garage remodeled into a spare bedroom and I am grateful that I contacted Pacific Proworks! The request for a quote and scheduling service was done so quickly! It felt like in no time, I had my dream spare room. High recommend!”

H
Helen M.Garage → bedroom
★★★★★
BuildZoom

“Pacific Proworks Inc has quickly become our go‑to team for projects that require precision, accountability, and serious skill. They’re not just reliable — they’re proactive. Every deadline was hit, every detail was handled, and every promise was kept.”

M
Monica Ramirez R.Garage conversion
★★★★★
Houzz

“We had an incredible experience with Pacific Proworks Inc. From start to finish, they were professional, transparent, and detail‑oriented. They helped us plan and build our ADU, and the entire process was smoother than we expected. The communication was excellent, and every part of the job stayed on schedule and within budget.”

M
Mali DahanADU
★★★★★
Thumbtack

“Denette was very helpful, professional and trustworthy. We hired her to do our kitchen remodel and an addition to our house. Everything she did is amazing. I can’t recommend anything better than her and her company — thank you so much.”

T
Tonya M.Kitchen & addition
★★★★★
Google

“I have had a fantastic experience with this company. The workers are dedicated and professional, consistently going above and beyond to meet our needs. Their pricing is competitive. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for quality service!”

T
The MathewsKitchen & bath · Encino
★★★★★
Google

“Amazing guys and great company, we highly recommend them. We converted our garage to an ADU and Pacific did an amazing job.”

L
Lars & Mary WilliamsGarage → ADU · Van Nuys
★★★★★
Google

“Thank you Denette — my kitchen and bathroom look amazing. I can’t wait for you guys to come back and do my living room and the rest of the house.”

C
Chris ParksKitchen & bathroom · Sherman Oaks
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