For many Los Angeles homeowners, building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) starts with finding an ADU contractor they can rely on. It also starts with understanding what an ADU really is and how it fits into the property. Often called granny flats, in-law units, backyard homes, tiny houses, secondary units, or even backyard cottages, ADUs have become one of the most practical ways to add living space, create rental income, or accommodate a growing family.
At Oasis Builders, we’ve built dozens of ADUs across Los Angeles. Our work includes both garage ADU conversions and ground-up ADU constructions. Whether you’d like to build an attached ADU, a detached secondary unit, or convert a garage into a living space, we handle the entire process, from permitting and blueprints to construction and finished materials, all in full compliance with local codes and aligned with your timeline, budget, and vision.
At Oasis Builders, we believe your ADU project shouldn’t be put on hold while you wait for the “right” financial moment. We’ve partnered with HFS to help you explore flexible ADU financing options, so you can move forward without upfront barriers.
$0 Down Payment: Start building today without upfront costs.
No Home Equity Required: Personal loans that don’t put your house at risk.
Fixed Rates & 20-Year Terms: Predictable payments you can budget around.
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A detached ADU offers more flexibility and privacy, along with increased property value. It can serve as a guest house or rental unit but usually involves higher construction costs and more complex permitting—another reason to work with a qualified ADU contractor.
An attached ADU offers cost-effectiveness by sharing walls and utilities with the main house. This makes it easier to integrate into the existing structure and often simplifies permitting. However, it may have limitations in space and privacy.
Transforming an existing garage into a functional ADU is a popular and cost-effective choice. It maximizes usable square footage without changing your home’s footprint. Whether you envision a home office, guest suite, or rental unit, ADU builders can make it a reality. Garage conversions may require updated insulation, utility hookups, and zoning approvals. Working with an experienced ADU contractor specializing in garage conversions ensures a smooth process from planning through completion.
Pricing shown below reflects projects utilizing an existing structure and may vary depending on site conditions,
design selections, and permitting requirements. Ground-up ADUs are evaluated and priced separately.
Building an ADU can feel overwhelming at first. There are a lot of steps, a lot of decisions, and many moving parts. Our job is to make the process feel organized and predictable, so you always know what’s happening and what comes next.
Every ADU starts with getting to know your property. We review zoning rules in your area, setbacks, access, utilities, and site conditions to understand what your lot has to offer. This early step helps ADU contractors set realistic project milestones and helps homeowners avoid redesigns, delays, or budget surprises later.
This is where homeowners make the decisions that shape how the ADU will live and feel. We talk through overall ADU layout and size, how you plan to use the space, whether as a rental, guest house, or family extension, and what matters most inside it. Kitchen function, bathroom comfort, and storage all come into focus here. As your ADU contractor, we help you decide whether a custom design or one of our pre-approved ADU floor plans makes the most sense for your property.
Once the design decisions are clear, we turn them into full ADU blueprints that the city and construction team can rely on. These plans include architectural drawings, structural engineering, foundation details, and Title 24 energy compliance. This step bridges vision and execution and makes sure what you approved on paper builds the right way on site.
Once all ADU plans are complete, we submit them to the city for review and approval. ADU contractors in Los Angeles understand the local review process, so we know how to move your project forward without delays.
Once permits are approved, construction begins. Our ADU builders start with site preparation and foundation work, including grading, drainage, and structural accuracy. This phase sets the foundation for everything that follows.
This is where comfort gets built in. We install advanced insulation, high-efficiency Low-E windows, and durable entry doors that keep your ADU quiet and comfortable. Roofing options like cool shingles or tile help manage heat and exterior finishes take shape, whether that means stucco for a warmer Mediterranean feel or siding for a cleaner modern look. We also complete core systems like electrical service and PEX plumbing, so the ADU feels solid and dependable from the inside out.
We install solid wood cabinetry with soft-close hardware, luxurious quartz or porcelain countertops, and durable flooring that holds up to daily use. Bathrooms and kitchens receive porcelain or ceramic tile, while solid-core interior doors, high-quality plumbing fixtures, and architectural lighting help optimize energy bills and make your ADU feel elevated.
As ADU construction concludes, we schedule final inspections, address any remaining details, and walk through the completed ADU with you. At this point, the space feels finished, functional, and ready to use as a true extension of your home.
From what we, as an ADU contractor, see on real projects, Los Angeles has made the process easier in a few important ways. Plan reviews and ADU permitting move faster than they used to, and reduced parking requirements opened the door for many homeowners who could not build an ADU before. The LADBS system has become much easier to use. Inspections, permits, and approvals now move through a clear online process. One major improvement is the Certificate of Occupancy. On a recent ADU we built, interdepartmental clearances processed automatically, and once final inspection and utility sign-off were complete, the CofO issued without delays. This alone can save weeks at the end of a project.
Costs can vary, but typically, ADU contractors charge between $100,000 and $300,000. For instance, a simple garage conversion might cost around $100,000, while a high-end detached ADU with custom finishes and landscaping could exceed $300,000.
Typically, your ADU contractor will need 6 to 12 months to finish an ADU project in Los Angeles. This process involves design and planning (2-3 months), obtaining permits (2-3 months), and actual construction (4-6 months).
Yes, ADU contractors can build a 2-story ADU in Los Angeles, subject to zoning and building regulations. For example, height restrictions typically limit ADUs to 16 feet, but a 2-story ADU might be allowed if it fits within these limits and meets additional requirements like neighbor privacy considerations.
ADUs in Los Angeles can be up to 1,200 sq ft, but this may vary depending on the lot size and other factors. An experienced ADU contractor can assess your property and determine what size is permitted. For example, a detached ADU on a large lot may be built to the maximum size, while one on a smaller lot might need to follow tighter setback and coverage rules.
Your ADU contractor can help navigate permit costs, which typically range from $1,000 to $8,000, depending on the project. For example, fees may include planning department fees, building permit fees, and impact fees, though some fees have been reduced or waived under recent state laws to encourage ADU construction.
Garage conversions are typically the least expensive type of ADU in Los Angeles. An experienced ADU contractor can help determine if your garage is a good candidate for conversion and provide an accurate estimate. For example, converting an existing garage might cost around $100,000, as it involves less site preparation and foundation work compared to building a new detached unit.
Your ADU contractor can design an ADU in Los Angeles with up to two bedrooms. For example, you could plan a 1,000 sq ft ADU with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living area, and a bathroom, providing ample living space for a small family or rental unit.
Building an ADU in Los Angeles is not a hands-off transaction. It’s a shared process that works best when homeowners stay engaged, ask questions, and communicate openly. Old homes often hide surprises, so flexibility and trust matter. Choose an ADU contractor you feel comfortable talking to, treat the crew with respect, and expect a few bumps along the way. If you start with a qualified ADU contractor and a collaborative mindset, they’ll guide you through challenges and get you to the finish line!
LA County ADU Requirements
Understanding LA County ADU requirements is one part of the process. Designing and building within those requirements is where experience matters.
We help homeowners plan and build ADUs that meet local regulations while making sense for the property, budget, and long-term use.
Schedule a consultation and see what’s possible on your lot!
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