ADU QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Explore the questions homeowners ask before planning an ADU in Los Angeles County. Choose a topic below, or ask Maven—the automated ADU guide in the corner.
An ADU is an additional home on a property with a primary residence. It includes independent living, sleeping, cooking and bathroom facilities.
Start with your property address and your goal: family space, rental potential or a flexible home for the future. A free introductory call helps identify the information needed for a property-specific review.
That needs a property-specific review. Share your address, any existing plans and what you hope to build. We can discuss the site questions and the next steps toward understanding feasibility.
We serve Los Angeles County, including Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena and San Fernando Valley communities. Share your address so our team can discuss your location, project scope and availability.
A detached ADU is a separate home. A garage conversion reuses an existing garage structure. The better fit depends on your property, the existing building, your goals and the work needed.
The answer depends on the proposed ADU type, site and applicable requirements. We review the property before recommending a layout or promising a particular size.
Yes—share your plans and permit status with our team. We can discuss the design stage, the information available and a construction scope for review.
There is no useful single price for every ADU. Size, design, access, utility work, existing conditions and finish selections shape the cost. We start with your property and scope before discussing a meaningful estimate.
Consider design and engineering, permit and agency fees, utility work, construction, selected fixtures and finishes, site restoration and a contingency. Ask which items are included, allowances or exclusions in your proposal.
Not always. Reusing a suitable structure can help, but foundation repairs, drainage, utility work or major structural upgrades can change the comparison. Compare the complete scope for each option.
Design, agency review and construction are separate stages. Scope, revisions, site conditions, material lead times and agency response times affect the schedule. We discuss a project-specific timeline as the scope becomes clear.
We can discuss the construction scope and budget. A qualified lender should explain eligibility, rates, fees, repayment terms and funding schedules. Financing approval and investment returns are not guaranteed.
Possibly. We need to assess the existing foundation, framing, ceiling heights, moisture conditions, access and utilities to understand the scope. Photos and any existing plans are helpful starting points.
That depends on its condition and the proposed design. A review may identify foundation work, a new slab, moisture protection or other upgrades. We do not assume an existing structure is suitable without assessment.
We can discuss layout options around your goals and property. Privacy, daylight, storage, accessibility priorities and furniture layouts are useful to consider early. Final plans must fit the project’s requirements.
Possibly. Existing capacity, the design and utility provider requirements determine the work. Utility routing, trenching, service capacity and metering should be reviewed as part of the scope.
Yes. An ADU project needs the applicable approvals and permits. Confirm the requirements with the agency responsible for your property before construction.
No. The responsible city or county agency must be identified for the property. Submittal procedures, clearances and site issues can differ. Your street address is the starting point.
State law provides ADU parking exemptions and restricts replacement-parking requirements. The applicable exemption should be checked for your project.
Do not assume that is permitted. ADU rental restrictions can require terms longer than 30 days. Check the approved conditions and local requirements.
Generally, local agencies cannot require owner occupancy for standard ADUs. JADUs have different rules, particularly when bathrooms are shared. Confirm the applicable conditions.
That depends on the work and safe access. Many homeowners plan to remain onsite, but utility interruptions, demolition or work affecting the main home may require other arrangements. Discuss this before construction.
Tell us early. Material delivery, equipment access, grading, drainage and retaining work can affect the design, budget and construction approach. A site review helps define those constraints.
Start with goals and property information, then review feasibility, develop the agreed plans and budget, coordinate approvals, and move into construction. Inspections and the required final approvals complete the path to use.
Plan occupancy only after the required inspections and final approvals for the project. Finishing construction work is not the same as being cleared for occupancy.
Discuss changes before work proceeds. Scope, pricing and schedule effects should be documented and agreed through the project’s change-order process.
Ask our team for the contracting entity and current license and insurance information for your proposal. You can independently check a California contractor’s license through the CSLB license lookup.
Yes, the introductory call is free. Have your property address, goals, approximate budget and timing in mind. Photos, surveys or existing plans help if available. The team will confirm any next services and fees before proceeding.
General guidance is a starting point. We review your property and project goals before discussing the scope. For statewide information, see the California HCD ADU Handbook. Local approvals and site conditions must be confirmed for your project.
Request a free introductory call. Our team will confirm a time with you.