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G&M Home Remodeling ADU construction project in Los Angeles showing modern accessory dwelling unit exterior

Complete Guide 2026

ADU Builders Los Angeles

A comprehensive guide to ADU builders in Los Angeles from the experts at G&M Home Remodeling. Based in Los Angeles, California, our team has years of experience delivering high-quality construction across the greater LA area.

CSLB License #1048107, family-owned, fully insured, and ready to help you plan your ADU from the ground up.

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About G&M Home Remodeling

A Family Business Built on Craftsmanship

G&M Home Remodeling is a family-owned construction company serving Sherman Oaks and the greater Los Angeles area. We treat every project as if it were our own home because, as a family business, our reputation in this community is everything.

Holding CSLB License #1048107, we operate with full licensing and insurance so you never have to wonder about accountability. From the first call to the final walkthrough, we keep you informed at every step.

ADUs are one of Los Angeles's fastest-growing construction categories, and for good reason. Whether you want to house extended family, generate rental income, or simply maximize your property's value, we have the hands-on experience to make it happen efficiently and correctly.

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What We Build

Complete ADU & Home Remodeling Services in Los Angeles

From ADU ground-up builds to garage conversions, kitchen renovations, and full home remodels, we handle every phase of construction under one roof - saving you time, coordination headaches, and unexpected costs.

01

ADU Construction - New Build

A ground-up ADU is the most flexible option: you choose the size, layout, and finish level. In Los Angeles, a detached ADU can range from a compact 150 sq ft studio to a 1,200 sq ft two-bedroom unit, depending on your lot size and local zoning.

Typical new-build ADU construction in LA runs 12 to 18 months from design to certificate of occupancy, factoring in plan approval, permit review, and construction. The City of LA has streamlined ADU permitting significantly since 2020 - the California Department of Housing and Community Development provides a helpful overview of current ADU law at hcd.ca.gov.

  • Site assessment and feasibility review
  • Architectural plans and structural engineering
  • Full permit procurement with LADBS
  • Foundation, framing, MEP rough-in, and finishes
  • Final inspections and certificate of occupancy
02

ADU Garage Conversion

Converting an existing attached or detached garage is often the fastest and most cost-effective path to an ADU in Los Angeles. Because the shell already exists, you skip months of foundation and framing work, which can reduce both budget and timeline meaningfully.

A standard two-car garage conversion to a one-bedroom ADU typically takes 4 to 8 months depending on the scope of upgrades required (electrical panel upgrade, insulation, HVAC, new windows). Learn more about our process on our dedicated ADU garage conversion Los Angeles page.

  • Existing garage structural assessment
  • Insulation, drywall, and HVAC installation
  • Plumbing rough-in for kitchen and bath
  • Window and door upgrades to Title 24 compliance
  • Full interior finishes and appliance installation
03

Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling

ADU interior spaces demand the same quality as your main home. A well-designed ADU kitchen and bathroom significantly increases rental appeal and property value. We handle everything from layout planning through cabinet installation, plumbing, and tile work.

For homeowners upgrading their primary residence alongside an ADU project, explore our detailed pricing resources: our Kitchen Remodel Cost in Los Angeles (2026) guide and our Bathroom Remodel Cost in Los Angeles (2026) breakdown cover real numbers without the guesswork.

04

Room Additions & Whole-Home Remodels

Sometimes an ADU is only one part of a larger property upgrade. Room additions and whole-home remodels let you grow into your existing footprint rather than move. We coordinate these projects alongside or independently of ADU work.

Our Whole House Remodel Cost in Los Angeles (2026) guide is a practical resource if you are weighing scope decisions. We also handle exterior work including stucco repair and window replacement.

  • Master suite and bedroom additions
  • Open-concept living space conversions
  • Full structural renovations with permits
  • Exterior painting, stucco, and siding

Understanding ADU Laws & Regulations in California

California has passed sweeping ADU reform legislation since 2019. Most single-family and multifamily lots in LA are now eligible for at least one ADU, and many qualify for a Junior ADU (JADU) as well, which can be created from existing interior space without adding square footage.

Key California ADU rules to know before you start planning:

  • No owner-occupancy requirement: AB 976 (2024) made the removal under AB 68 and SB 13 permanent, so you do not have to live on the property to build or rent an ADU. JADUs are the exception and still require the owner to live in the main house or the JADU.
  • Setback minimums: most ADUs require 4-foot rear and side setbacks; attached ADUs follow the main dwelling setbacks
  • Height limits: state law allows detached ADUs at least 16 feet (18 feet near major transit), and attached ADUs up to 25 feet or the zone height limit, whichever is lower; two-story ADUs may be permitted in certain zones
  • Utility connections: new construction ADUs may be required to have separate utility connections; converted structures may share existing connections
  • Rental income: ADUs can be rented on standard leases; short-term rental restrictions vary by city

For official LA-specific ADU zoning guidance, the Los Angeles Department of City Planning publishes current ordinances at planning.lacity.gov. For statewide rules and ministerial approval standards, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (hcd.ca.gov) is the authoritative source.

1,200Sq Ft Max ADU Size (Most LA Lots)
4 ftMinimum Rear & Side Setbacks
16 ftMinimum Height Allowed - Detached ADU (State Law)

Project Phases

How the ADU Build Process Works in Los Angeles

A successful ADU project in LA comes down to planning, permitting, and sequencing the work correctly. Here is what a typical project looks like from first call to final walkthrough.

  1. 1

    Site Assessment & Feasibility

    We visit your property, review your lot dimensions, existing structures, and utility layouts to confirm what ADU type and size is buildable on your specific parcel. This step catches zoning surprises before you invest in plans.

  2. 2

    Design & Architectural Plans

    Our team works with licensed architects and structural engineers to produce stamped plans that meet LA Building and Safety (LADBS) submittal requirements. Cutting corners on plans is the single biggest cause of permit delays we see in Los Angeles.

  3. 3

    Permit Submittal & Approval

    We submit to LADBS on your behalf, track plan check comments, and coordinate any required corrections. Permit timelines in LA range from 4 to 16 weeks depending on project complexity and whether Over-The-Counter (OTC) review is available.

  4. 4

    Construction & Inspections

    Once permits are in hand, ground breaks. We schedule and manage all required city inspections at foundation, framing, rough MEP, insulation, and final stages. You are kept updated at each milestone - no guessing where your project stands.

  5. 5

    Certificate of Occupancy

    Final inspection approval results in your Certificate of Occupancy - the document that legally allows your ADU to be occupied or rented. Without a CO, a unit cannot be legally rented, which is a risk no homeowner should take.

ADU Cost Ranges in Los Angeles

General ranges for budgeting purposes - exact costs depend on scope, materials, and site conditions.

  • Garage Conversion ADU$80K-$150K
  • Detached ADU (New Build)$200K-$400K+
  • Junior ADU (JADU)$30K-$80K
  • Attached Addition ADU$150K-$300K

Costs include design, permits, and construction. Material costs and LA labor rates affect final pricing. These are not bids - contact us for a free, project-specific estimate.

ROI & Rental Income Potential

ADUs in the greater Los Angeles area consistently command strong rental rates due to the region-wide housing shortage. A well-finished one-bedroom ADU in Sherman Oaks or similar mid-valley neighborhoods can generate meaningful monthly rental income.

Beyond income, the addition of a legal ADU increases your home's appraised value - a significant benefit whether you plan to rent, sell, or refinance. Investment-focused homeowners should model both the construction cost and the income potential before making a scope decision.

Common Questions

ADU Questions Answered

These are the questions we hear most often from Los Angeles homeowners early in the ADU planning process.

G&M Home Remodeling project manager reviewing ADU plans with Los Angeles homeowner at Sherman Oaks property

Do I need owner-occupancy to build an ADU in Los Angeles?

No. California law has permanently removed the owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs: AB 976, signed in 2024, made the earlier temporary removal under AB 68 and SB 13 permanent. The exception is a Junior ADU (JADU), where the owner must live in either the main house or the JADU. When you contact us, we can help you confirm the rules for your specific parcel.

How long does it take to build an ADU in Los Angeles?

Realistic timelines range from 8 months for a simple garage conversion to 18+ months for a complex new-build detached ADU. The biggest variable is the permit review period at LADBS, which has improved but still varies. Design and planning typically take 2 to 4 months before permits are even submitted. We build honest schedules from day one so you can plan accordingly.

Can I build an ADU if I have an HOA?

California law (AB 3182) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting ADU construction. In most cases, your HOA cannot block you from building a compliant ADU, but they may have reasonable design review processes. We recommend reviewing your CC&Rs and consulting with your HOA in writing before design work begins to avoid last-minute disputes.

What is a Junior ADU (JADU) and is it right for my property?

A Junior ADU is a unit of up to 500 sq ft created from existing space within the main dwelling - often a bedroom or bonus room. JADUs are the least expensive ADU option because no new construction is added, but they require an owner to occupy either the main house or the JADU. They are ideal for homeowners who want to generate income without the full scope of a new-build project.

How do I know if my contractor is licensed in California?

Every general contractor in California must hold an active license through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). G&M Home Remodeling holds CSLB License #1048107. You can verify any contractor's license status, bond, and insurance at cslb.ca.gov. Never hire an unlicensed contractor for permitted ADU work - it creates serious legal and insurance exposure for the homeowner.

Will an ADU require a separate utility meter?

For new-build ADUs, LADBS and utility providers may require separate electrical, gas, and water service connections. Garage conversions and attached ADUs may be able to share the existing main home connections, which reduces upfront costs. We assess utility capacity during the feasibility phase so there are no surprises mid-project when utility upgrade costs emerge.

Ready to Start?

Let's Plan Your ADU Together

Every ADU project starts with a conversation. We offer free estimates with no obligation, and our same-day callback policy means you will hear from a real team member fast, not in a week.

G&M Home Remodeling serves Sherman Oaks and the greater Los Angeles area. Whether you are exploring an ADU for the first time or have plans ready to build, we are your licensed, experienced partner. CSLB License #1048107.

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