ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

ADUs are one of the smartest ways to add value and flexibility to a property in Southern California. We design detached ADUs, garage conversions, and junior ADUs with layouts that feel comfortable, efficient, and private whether your goal is rental income, multigenerational living, guests, or a dedicated workspace.

We help navigate common ADU challenges like parking, access, setbacks, fire separation, and utility coordination. Our focus is to deliver a plan that permits cleanly and builds efficiently without wasting square footage.

What’s included: ADU feasibility review, optimized layout planning, code-compliant design, permit drawing set, and coordination with structural/Title 24/MEP as needed.

What you get: an ADU designed to maximize livability and value, with the documentation needed to move through approvals and construction smoothly.

Detached ADU

A separate, standalone unit in the backyard. Best for privacy, long-term rental income, or extended family living.

Attached ADU

Built as an addition connected to the main home (often sharing one wall). A strong option when yard space is limited.

Garage Conversion ADU

Built as an addition connected to the main home (often sharing one wall). A strong option when yard space is limited.

Junior ADU (JADU)

A smaller unit (usually within the existing home) with an efficiency kitchen and separate entry. Great for lower cost added income or multigenerational living

Why Homeowners Are Building ADUs?

  • Rental income — ADUs can create steady monthly income and help offset mortgage payments.

  • Housing for family — Perfect for aging parents, adult kids, or guests—close, but still private.

  • Property value boost — Adds livable square footage and increases long-term marketability.

  • Work-from-home flexibility — A dedicated office/studio that can later become a rental unit.

  • Smarter use of land — ADUs turn underused backyard/garage space into a high-performing asset.

  • Stronger local demand — Southern California’s housing shortage and high rents make ADUs a practical solution for both owners and tenants.

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How We Help You Decide If an ADU Makes Sense

  • Step 1 — Quick Feasibility Review
    We review your address, lot conditions, access, parking, and basic zoning constraints to confirm what type of ADU is realistically possible.

  • Step 2 — ADU Options + Best Fit
    We outline the best ADU approach for your property (detached, garage conversion, JADU, attached) and explain the pros/cons of each based on privacy, yard impact, and budget.

  • Step 3 — Concept Layout + Size Guidance
    We create a simple concept plan to show how the ADU could work on your site and what square footage gives you the best value and livability.

  • Step 4 — Budget + Timeline Reality Check
    We walk you through typical cost ranges, key cost drivers (utilities, grading, finishes), and a realistic permitting/construction timeline so you can plan confidently.

  • Step 5 — Clear Next Steps
    If you want to move forward, we define the exact deliverables needed: as-builts (if required), design phase, engineering coordination, and the permit ready plan set and construction

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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us today to discuss your ideas and explore what’s possible. Our team is here

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    • Detached ADU (separate backyard unit)

    • Attached ADU (addition connected to the main house)

    • Garage conversion ADU (convert existing garage)

    • JADU (Junior ADU) (smaller unit within the existing home, typically using an existing bedroom area)
      We help you choose based on space, budget, privacy, and permitting complexity.

  • Start with a quick feasibility check. We review your property basics (lot size, access, parking, utilities, slope, easements) and your goals (rental, family, resale). Then we recommend the best ADU type and a realistic budget + timeline.

  • Yes. ADUs require building permits and typically involve planning review plus structural, energy (Title 24), and sometimes fire requirements. The good news: ADUs are a standard approval path in most Southern California cities when designed correctly.

  • A typical range is:

    • Design + feasibility: ~2–6 weeks

    • Plans + engineering: ~4–10 weeks

    • City review + permits: ~1–4+ months (depends on jurisdiction and revisions)

    • Construction: ~4–9 months
      We build a timeline around your city and scope so you can plan realistically.

  • Costs vary by size, site conditions, and finish level. Major cost drivers are utilities, foundation work, structural upgrades, and finishes. We provide a budget range early and refine it as plans develop so you’re not guessing.

  • In many cases, yes, because you’re adding livable square footage and flexible use (rental income, guest suite, multigenerational living, home office). The exact value boost depends on location, quality, and market demand.

  • Yes, but it depends on setbacks, access, and how utilities run. Small lots usually do best with a garage conversion, a compact detached ADU, or an efficient attached addition. We design to maximize space without making the yard unusable.

  • It depends on the city and the utility companies.

    • Many ADUs can share utilities with the main house.

    • Some projects benefit from separate meters (especially for rentals).
      We guide you on the pros/cons and what’s required for your jurisdiction.

  • Yes, in most cases. ADUs are commonly used for long-term rentals. Short-term rental rules vary by city, so if that’s your goal, we’ll check local regulations and help you plan accordingly.