Shira Drori
AUGUST 14, 2026
Onn was amazing he did our ADU remodel as well as multiple interior remodels for the kitchen, upstairs bedrooms and both bathrooms👏🏽Definitely a job well done would highly reccomend
Onn has built in LA for 20+ years·Licensed · CSLB #1133368·5.0 across 55 Google reviews·Family-owned
ADU Construction in Los Angeles
20+ years. 390+ LA remodels, 67 published here with their final prices. Typical detached ADU: 9–14 months from design kickoff through certificate of occupancy, including the LADBS permit — 2–3 months design and permits, 1 month between permit issuance and the crew starting, 6–10 months construction. Garage conversions and JADUs run shorter, commonly 5–9 months.
California's ADU laws have made backyard units one of the highest-leverage property improvements an LA homeowner can make. We design and build all three types — detached new builds, attached additions, and JADUs (Junior ADUs converted from existing space). End to end. Permits, plans, foundations, framing, finishes, and final inspections, all under one roof. You work directly with Onn from feasibility study through certificate of occupancy.
How this project runs, step by step
- Free feasibility consult (60–90 min). Onn walks the property, checks setbacks + utility runs + soil, and tells you honestly whether your lot pencils — square footage limits, likely permit path, expected timeline.
- Design phase (3–5 weeks). Floor plan, elevations, 3D renderings. We design to maximize functional space within California's ADU size limits (up to 1,200 sq ft detached, 850 sq ft for studios/1-bedroom).
- Permit + long-lead orders (2–4 months). LADBS submittal. An ADU that meets the state criteria can be approved in 60 days; discretionary paths add 60-120 days. We flag which path fits your lot up front.
- Build phase (4–6 months). Foundation → framing → rough MEP → drywall → finishes → fixtures. Weekly walkthroughs with photo updates. Utility hookups + inspections coordinated throughout.
- Certificate of occupancy + walkthrough. Final inspection, punch list, deep clean, hand-off with binder covering warranties, appliance manuals, and utility account setup. Workmanship warranty covers 12 months on labor.
What we handle
Feasibility & site planning
Lot review, setbacks, height limits, utility access, soil assessment. We tell you up front whether your project pencils — square footage, code constraints, expected timeline.
Architectural design
Floor plans, elevations, 3D renderings. We design to maximize functional space within California's ADU size limits (up to 1,200 sq ft detached, 850 sq ft for studios/1-bedroom).
Permits & utilities
Plan check submission, energy-code compliance, structural engineering, separate or shared utility service. We deal with LADBS or your municipal building department.
Foundation, framing, finish
New foundations or attached construction, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) rough-in, exterior, and full interior finishes — kitchen, bath, flooring, HVAC, electrical.
Final inspection & C of O
Final inspections, Certificate of Occupancy, and walkthrough. We hand you a unit you can live in, rent, or use as a guest house.
Typical price range
$250k – $450k
in Los Angeles
Market estimate. Typical Los Angeles market range. We have not yet published completed-project costs for this service, so this figure is a market estimate rather than a summary of our own finished work. The band covers a detached ADU build all-in — design, permits, construction, finishes and utility hookups. Attached ADUs typically run lower; JADUs converting existing space lower still.
Need help spreading payments? We work with Enhancify financing — prequalification doesn't affect your credit.
Frequently asked questions
How big can my ADU be in Los Angeles? +
California state law allows detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft (or larger if your local jurisdiction permits). Attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary home's square footage or 1,200 sq ft, whichever is less. Junior ADUs (JADUs) are capped at 500 sq ft and must be inside the existing primary structure.
How long does an ADU project take? +
Plan to design and build a detached ADU in 9–14 months total: 2–3 months for design and permits, then about a month between permit issuance and the crew starting — financing draws, crew availability and long-lead items ordered against the approved drawings, then 6–10 months for construction. Attached ADUs and JADU conversions can run shorter.
Do I need separate utilities? +
Not always. California allows ADUs to share utilities with the primary residence in many cases — especially helpful for cost. We assess your existing service and make a recommendation based on cost, code, and your plans for the unit (rental vs. family).
Can I rent out my ADU? +
Yes — California state law specifically protects ADU rentals. Most LA jurisdictions allow standard long-term rentals. Short-term rental (Airbnb-style) rules vary by city — verify with your municipality before banking on it.
What's the ROI on an ADU in LA? +
Highly variable. Rental income alone can cover the financed cost in 8–14 years in many LA neighborhoods. Property value typically increases by 20–30% of the build cost. The bigger benefit for many clients is flexibility — multi-generational housing, home office, or a future downsizing option.
Do you handle the by-right ADU path? +
Yes when the lot + design qualify. An ADU that meets the state criteria goes down a by-right path — no discretionary review, no neighbour-hearing risk, typically 60 days to permit. We design to the ministerial criteria (setbacks, height, parking waiver) up front where possible, so your project takes the fastest legal path.
What's the typical LADBS permit timeline for ADUs? +
By-right path: 60 days to permit. Standard discretionary review: 4–8 weeks after complete plan submittal, plus 3–6 weeks of plan-check revision cycles. Non-conforming lots (hillside, coastal, HPOZ) add 6–12 weeks. We manage the LADBS submittal + response cycle end to end.
What clients say
5.0 ★★★★★ · 55 Google reviews · 75 Houzz reviews · real names, real homes
★★★★★
Rotem Kalderon
AUGUST 14, 2026
I'm really enjoying working with Onn. He's doing an amazing project. Thanks!
יצחק טנדלר (טדי)
JULY 15, 2026
Fantastic service and a great overall experience. I would definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Talk to Onn about your project.
Free consult, no obligation. Onn reads every inquiry personally — and aims to reply within one business day.
From the blog
Practical guides on this topic.
9 min read
ADU vs Garage Conversion: Which Adds More Value in LA?
Side-by-side comparison of detached ADUs and garage conversions for LA homeowners — costs, timelines, ROI, rental income, and which one adds more value on resale.
Read » 7 min read
LA County Kitchen Permits Explained (2026 Edition)
When you need a permit for an LA kitchen remodel, how LADBS plan-check works, typical timelines, and how to avoid the common mistakes.
Read »ADU Construction in Los Angeles by neighborhood
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Learn more »Ready to start?
Onn personally reviews every inquiry. We'll set up an in-home consultation to walk through your vision, scope, and a realistic budget — no obligation.