Best ADU Builders in Los Angeles, CA
Compare vetted, CSLB license-verified ADU builders and ADU contractors in Los Angeles. The average cost to build an ADU in Los Angeles is $280–$420 per square foot. Top-rated builders include Eco Grizzly, 1 Degree Construction, Unique Home Builders.
Every builder below is CSLB license-verified, bonded, and insured — vetted before they ever reach a homeowner. Browse ratings and real reviews, compare starting prices, or let us match you with the best fit for your lot and budget. It's free; we're paid by the builders, not you.
Narrow your shortlist with our guides to compare ADU contractors in Los Angeles, hire an ADU architect in Los Angeles, or vet a garage conversion contractor in Los Angeles.
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What kind of ADU are you planning?
ADU activity in Los Angeles
Recent LADBS records show permit volume, project size, and valuation patterns for ADU work in Los Angeles.
- Permits since 2020
- 34,698
- LADBS ADU permit activity
- Typical size
- 818 sq ft
- Average permitted ADU size
- Average valuation
- $85,399
- Average permit valuation
Trend: recent LADBS activity is tracking close to earlier years, averaging 4,922 permits per year in 2025-2026 versus 4,971 per year in 2020-2024.
Source: LA Dept. of Building & Safety.
Showing 12 of 44 builders in Los Angeles, CA
Top matches ranked by reviews, rating, and listing quality.
Last updated July 16, 2026
License VerifiedEco Grizzly
Serving Los Angeles, CA · Canoga Park, CA
“We had a great experience with the chimney repair team. They were professional, and explained everything clearly before starting the work. The repair was done e…”— Cecilia Adler
Pricing on request
Licensed Southern California design-build contractor for detached ADUs, garage conversions, and JADUs.
License Verified1 Degree Construction
Serving Los Angeles, CA · Studio City, CA
“This review is long overdue, but I’m so happy with my new kitchen! After a total gut job due to water damage, I finally went with them. 3 years ago, I skipped t…”— Rocio Munoz
Pricing on request
CSLB-verified B contractor in Studio City, CA.
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License VerifiedUnique Home Builders
Serving Los Angeles, CA · Santa Ana, CA
“I called Unique Home Builders to get my backyard remodeled for summer. I got a chance to work with Sammy and his Team. All communication either early in the mor…”— emil shmuel
Pricing on request
CSLB-verified B contractor in Santa Ana, CA.
License VerifiedGreen Works Construction
Serving Los Angeles, CA · Woodland Hills, CA
“Omri at Green Works was great to deal with on our renovation service. He always returned calls and kept me informed in every step of the process. The crew was e…”— Julianne Riddle
Pricing on request
One Team. From Design to Build.
License VerifiedAP Remodeling
Serving Los Angeles, CA · Culver City, CA
“Working with Aviv on our complete home remodel was an exceptional experience from start to finish. His professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to q…”— Asia Adducci
Pricing on request
LA design-build remodeler offering ADUs, garage conversions, and full-home renovation.
License VerifiedGoldenline Construction
Serving Los Angeles, CA · Woodland Hills, CA
“We recently used Goldenline for some home sale prep. The task wasn’t a small one. From the get go, there were many ways to approach our issues. What I appreciat…”— Josh Pence
Pricing on request
A Woodland Hills general contractor with a CSLB B license active since 2013.
License VerifiedNEO Builders ADU
Serving Los Angeles, CA · Studio City, CA
“The best, builders and people. As a disabled only parent to a special needs child, we are especially vulnerable to unscrupulous actors. I am beyond grateful to…”— S Cohen
Pricing on request
Locally owned LA ADU design-build team — detached units and garage conversions, fast.
License VerifiedOlympia Construction by Design
Serving Los Angeles, CA · Encino, CA
“We recently completed a full home remodel in Sherman Oaks with Olympia Construction, and the experience was excellent from start to finish. We received five dif…”— Sapir Adani
Pricing on request
Licensed Los Angeles general contractor building custom ADUs across the San Fernando Valley
License VerifiedQuality First Builders
Serving Los Angeles, CA · Sherman Oaks, CA
“Before we started I honestly thought a garage ADU would feel like exactly that... a garage that someone tried to dress up. That was my biggest concern because t…”— Vicente Enriquez
Pricing on request
Design-build ADUs, additions and remodels across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.
License VerifiedGround Up Builders
Serving Los Angeles, CA · Van Nuys, CA
“We cannot recommend Ground Up Builders enough! They converted our two-car garage into an ADU and did a truly amazing job. They finished ahead of schedule, commu…”— Lauren Worsham
Pricing on request
Family-owned LA design-build contractor for ADUs, garage conversions, and whole-home remodels
License VerifiedTOGETHER IS BETTER DESIGN & BUILD
Serving Los Angeles, CA · Studio City, CA
“We gave ourselves the best home upgrade this year by taking on a complete remodeling project, and having Shai and his team handle it was the gift we didn’t know…”— josh
Pricing on request
CSLB-verified B contractor in Studio City, CA.
License VerifiedIND Construction LLC
Serving Los Angeles, CA · Encino, CA
“We had such a great experience with IND Construction on our bathroom remodel. The entire process was smooth from start to finish, and the final result looks inc…”— Erin Siegel
Pricing on request
CSLB-verified B contractor in Encino, CA.
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Compare builder types in Los Angeles
ADU contractors in Los Angeles
Compare construction teams, bids, licenses, scope, and permit handling.
ADU architect in Los Angeles
See when a custom, hillside, historic, or above-garage project needs one.
Garage conversion contractor in Los Angeles
Check slab, utility, ceiling-height, and permit experience before hiring.
Detached ADU builders in Los Angeles
Plan a standalone backyard unit, including cost, setbacks, and utilities.
Attached ADU builders in Los Angeles
Compare addition-style ADUs, privacy tradeoffs, and structural scope.
Above-garage ADU builders in Los Angeles
Understand feasibility, foundations, fire separation, stairs, and costs.
Los Angeles ADU planning guides
LA ADU permit report (2026)
See how many ADUs LA permits by year and ZIP, from LADBS open data.
LA ADU permitting guide
Choose the right City, County, or movable-tiny-home permit path.
County standard ADU plans
Review the free Plan A, B, and C options for unincorporated LA County.
ADU contractor scams
Know the deposit cap, license checks, and red flags before hiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to build an ADU in Los Angeles, CA?
- In Los Angeles, ADUs typically run $280–$420 per square foot all-in. A detached 800 sq ft unit commonly lands between $230k and $340k depending on finishes, site conditions, and utility connections. Garage conversions are the most affordable path, often under $180k.
- How long does it take to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
- Plan to budget 6–12 months end to end. California law caps ADU plan check at 60 days for compliant designs, and construction usually takes 4–8 months after permits are issued.
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
- Yes. All ADUs require a building permit, but California mandates ministerial (non-discretionary) approval for compliant units, so there's no public hearing or design review. Your builder typically pulls the permit on your behalf.
- How do I choose a builder in Los Angeles?
- Confirm the contractor holds an active CSLB license, is bonded and insured, and has built ADUs in Los Angeles specifically. Every builder in this directory is license-verified. Use "Get a Quote" to be matched with the best fit for your lot and budget.
ADU costs in Los Angeles: city vs. metro vs. state
Building an ADU in Los Angeles runs roughly $280–$420 per square foot all-in. Here's how the city benchmarks against the broader metro and statewide averages.
| Area | Avg. cost / sq ft | Typical 800 sq ft ADU |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $280–$420 | $224,000–$336,000 |
| Los Angeles metro | ~$350 | ~$280,000 |
| California (CA) | ~$330 | ~$264,000 |
Cost by ADU type in Los Angeles
| ADU type | Typical size | Project cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 600–1,200 sq ft | $180,000–$420,000 | 8–12 months |
| Attached ADU | 400–800 sq ft | $140,000–$300,000 | 6–10 months |
| Garage Conversion | 400–600 sq ft | $90,000–$180,000 | 4–7 months |
| JADU (Junior ADU) | ≤ 500 sq ft | $60,000–$140,000 | 3–6 months |
ADU rules & permits in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles processes compliant ADU permits ministerially with a 60-day plan-check ceiling set by state law (AB 68). The city's Standard Plan Program offers pre-approved detached-ADU designs that skip most plan check.
| Jurisdiction | Permit timeline | Permit fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Los Angeles | 60-day plan check (by law) | $3k–$8k | Pre-approved Standard Plan program available |
| Unincorporated LA County | 60–90 days | $4k–$10k | Ministerial approval for compliant ADUs |
| Statewide (CA) | 60 days max by statute | Varies | Owner-occupancy requirement waived through 2030 |
Financing your ADU in Los Angeles
Most LA homeowners fund an ADU with a renovation or construction loan, a HELOC, or a cash-out refinance. RenoFi and ADU-specific construction loans underwrite against the home's after-build value, which often unlocks more than a standard HELOC.
Construction / renovation loan
Funds released in draws as the build hits milestones; underwritten against after-build value.
HELOC / home equity
Borrow against existing equity. Fast to set up if you have 20%+ equity.
Cash-out refinance
Replace your mortgage and pull equity as cash — best when rates are favorable.
ADU-specific lenders
RenoFi and similar lenders underwrite the projected value the ADU adds, often unlocking more.
Pre-ADU Checkup — $499 — Get finalized permits, a pre-ADU checklist, and an on-site feasibility visit. Homeowners save $1,000s by doing this before engaging a contractor.