ADU Contractor in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles homeowners adding rental income, multigenerational living space, or long-term value through ADU construction need a licensed, experienced design-build partner who handles every phase — from LADBS permits through finished construction.
Los Angeles ADU Construction — Design, Permits, and Build All in One
Los Angeles homeowners are building ADUs at a pace that would have been unimaginable a decade ago — and for good reason. The combination of AB 68, SB 9, and years of LADBS streamlining has made it significantly easier to add a permitted, rentable dwelling unit to a property that previously could not accommodate one. Garage conversions in Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Highland Park — neighborhoods with attached or detached garages on lots that don't permit traditional additions — have become one of the most common projects in Los Angeles. Detached ADUs in Valley neighborhoods like Van Nuys, North Hollywood, and Tarzana are adding $1,500–$2,500 per month in rental income while simultaneously adding meaningful appraised value. As a full-service ADU contractor in Los Angeles (CSLB #1091631) with a 4.9★ rating and 400+ completed projects, Caspi Construction handles the complete design-build process — feasibility assessment, architectural plans, LADBS permit application, structural, MEP, and all finish work — under a single contract.
Our Los Angeles ADU Construction Services
Garage Conversion ADUs
A garage conversion is the most cost-effective ADU path for Los Angeles homeowners with an attached or detached garage — typically running $80K–$130K depending on size and finish level. We assess structural suitability, design the interior layout to maximize livability within the existing footprint, handle all LADBS permit applications under the city's streamlined ADU pathway, and manage construction from framing modifications through final inspection. Garage conversions typically qualify for exemption from certain setback and lot coverage requirements that apply to new detached ADUs.
Detached ADU Construction
A newly constructed detached ADU — built in the backyard of an existing Los Angeles home — typically runs $150K–$300K+ depending on square footage, design complexity, and finish specification. Caspi Construction manages the full design-build process: feasibility evaluation, architectural design, structural engineering, LADBS permit submission, and all construction phases including foundation, framing, MEP rough-in, insulation, drywall, and finish work. Detached ADUs in Los Angeles are eligible for the SB 9 and AB 68 streamlined review pathways.
Junior ADU (JADU) Conversions
A Junior ADU — a conversion of up to 500 square feet within the existing primary dwelling — is the most affordable ADU option in Los Angeles, often running $40K–$80K for a room-plus-kitchenette configuration. JADUs must share a wall with the primary residence, include a separate exterior entrance, and meet LADBS requirements for minimum habitability. We design JADU configurations that maximize livability within the space and manage the permit process under LADBS's streamlined JADU pathway.
Full MEP, Structural & Finish Work
Every ADU Caspi Construction builds in Los Angeles includes complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems — not just framing and drywall. We install dedicated electrical panels, HVAC systems, plumbing for full kitchens and bathrooms, and all finish work including flooring, cabinetry, countertops, tile, and fixtures. The ADU design build in Los Angeles ends with a finished, livable, permitted unit — not a shell that requires additional contractors to complete.
→ Learn how we structure every ADU project from feasibility through LADBS final inspection at our detailed project process page: /process/
Why Los Angeles Homeowners Choose Caspi for ADU Construction
Showroom in Tarzana: Visit our Tarzana showroom to see finish options for your ADU cabinetry, countertops, tile, and fixtures — before construction begins. Open Mon–Fri 9:30–6, Sat 10–5.
Premium Brands: Kohler, MSI, LIOHER, Caesarstone — the same quality materials we use in our kitchen and bathroom projects applied to ADU interiors.
LADBS ADU Permit Experts: Los Angeles ADU permits go through LADBS under AB 68 and SB 9 streamlined pathways. We manage every step — plan preparation, application, inspections, and final sign-off.
Flexible Financing: ADU construction is a significant investment. Wells Fargo and Service Finance Company financing options are available, and many homeowners also explore HELOC financing against their existing home equity.
Recent ADU Projects in Los Angeles
Project 1 — Silver Lake Garage Conversion ADU
A Silver Lake homeowner had a detached two-car garage at the rear of their lot — a structure that had been used for storage for years and was functionally wasted space. The homeowner wanted to convert it to a one-bedroom rental ADU targeting $2,000/month in the Silver Lake market. We assessed the existing structure, found the concrete slab and framing to be sound, designed a 480-square-foot one-bedroom layout with a full kitchen, full bathroom, and private entrance from the alley, submitted and secured LADBS permits under the streamlined garage conversion pathway, and completed construction in sixteen weeks. The unit rented immediately upon certificate of occupancy.
Project 2 — Highland Park Detached ADU Build
A Highland Park homeowner had a large backyard with no existing structure — the lot was deep enough and the setbacks compliant for a detached ADU under AB 68 guidelines. The goal was a 640-square-foot studio designed for long-term rental. We managed the full design-build process: architectural drawings, structural engineering, LADBS permit submission, foundation pour, framing, MEP rough-in and trim-out, all interior finishes including MSI tile throughout the bathroom, Caesarstone countertops in the kitchen, and LIOHER cabinetry. The ADU contractor work in Los Angeles was completed in twenty-two weeks from permit approval through final inspection.
Project 3 — San Fernando Valley JADU Conversion
A homeowner in the eastern San Fernando Valley wanted to convert a large bonus room at the back of their single-family home into a Junior ADU for an aging parent. The room already had an exterior door — a significant advantage in JADU design — and was adjacent to a bathroom that could be dedicated to the unit with minor plumbing work. We designed a 420-square-foot JADU with a kitchenette featuring a two-burner cooktop, under-counter refrigerator, and MSI quartz countertop, updated the adjacent bathroom with new tile and Kohler fixtures, added a mini-split HVAC for independent climate control, and managed the full LADBS JADU permit process. The ADU design build in Los Angeles was completed in eight weeks.
Start Your Los Angeles ADU Construction Today
Caspi Construction responds within one business day — you can visit our Tarzana showroom or schedule an in-home consultation, whichever is more convenient. Financing through Wells Fargo and Service Finance Company is available, so you can begin your project on your timeline without waiting for everything to align perfectly.
Common Questions From Homeowners
Los Angeles homeowners can build four main types of ADUs: a detached ADU (a new standalone structure), an attached ADU (an addition to the existing home), a garage conversion ADU (converting an existing garage), and a Junior ADU or JADU (converting up to 500 square feet within the existing home with a separate entrance). Each type has different size limits, setback requirements, and permit pathways. Caspi Construction assesses your specific property and guides you to the option that best fits your goals.
Yes — all ADU construction in Los Angeles requires permits through LADBS. AB 68 and SB 9 have streamlined the ADU permit process significantly, but a full permit application including architectural plans, structural calculations, and MEP documentation is still required. Caspi Construction prepares and submits all permit documentation and manages inspections through final approval.
Garage conversion ADUs in Los Angeles typically run $80K–$130K depending on the size of the garage, the extent of structural work required, and the finish specification. This price includes all design, permit, structural, MEP, and finish work through a certificate of occupancy. Detached new- build ADUs typically start at $150K and can reach $300K+ for larger or more complex projects.
Yes — ADUs permitted through LADBS can be legally rented as independent dwelling units. Garage conversion and detached ADUs can be rented to any tenant. Junior ADUs (JADUs) require the property owner to occupy either the primary residence or the JADU — they cannot be rented if the owner lives off-site. Caspi Construction designs ADUs with rentability and livability as primary considerations.
The full ADU timeline in Los Angeles includes a design and permit phase (typically 8–16 weeks for LADBS review, depending on project type) and a construction phase (12–24 weeks, depending on ADU type and complexity). Garage conversions tend to move faster than new detached builds. Caspi Construction tracks the permit timeline from the day of submission and keeps you informed throughout.
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