Serving 90401 · 90402 · 90403 · 90404 · 90405 and Venice, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades
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.
Every neighborhood has its own architectural character, permit jurisdiction, and finish-level expectations. Here's how we approach adu construction in Santa Monica specifically.
Salt air degrades standard hardware and cabinet hinges within a few years. We spec marine-grade or coated hardware for Santa Monica projects — small upcharge, big longevity gain.
Santa Monica has its own building department, generally well-organized but slow during peak season. Coastal Commission review can apply for properties west of Lincoln Blvd in some cases.
If your property has tenants under rent stabilization, scope and timing have legal implications. We coordinate with your tenants and (when needed) your attorney to keep projects compliant.
Santa Monica R-1 parcels are generally smaller than the LA-average R-1 lot. The smaller footprint constrains where a detached ADU near state-law maximum size can fit while meeting required setbacks. On many Santa Monica parcels the practical maximum ADU is smaller than state law would otherwise allow, or a converted garage instead of new detached construction. We site-walk the parcel against the survey before committing to a specific ADU size.
Santa Monica parcels in the Coastal Zone are subject to additional design and siting standards under the city's Local Coastal Program, particularly around height, lot coverage, and view corridors. State ADU law preempts some but not all of this. We verify Coastal Development Permit applicability and design within the Local Coastal Program constraints before committing to a specific ADU footprint, rather than designing freely and then trimming back at permit submission.
Santa Monica's significant duplex, triplex, and small-multifamily stock supports a different ADU pathway than R-1: junior ADUs within the main structure, or attached ADUs that don't increase the building footprint. The specific rules and feasibility depend on the parcel's zoning and existing-unit count. We evaluate which pathway fits the specific parcel before quoting scope rather than assuming an R-1 detached-ADU answer applies.
Lot review, setbacks, height limits, utility access, soil assessment. We tell you up front whether your project pencils — square footage, code constraints, expected timeline.
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).
Plan check submission, energy compliance (Title 24), structural engineering, separate or shared utility service. We deal with LADBS or your municipal building department.
New foundations or attached construction, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) rough-in, exterior, and full interior finishes — kitchen, bath, flooring, HVAC, electrical.
Final inspections, Certificate of Occupancy, and walkthrough. We hand you a unit you can live in, rent, or use as a guest house.
Typical detached ADU build cost in Los Angeles, all-in (design, permits, construction, finishes, utility hookups). Attached ADUs typically run lower; JADUs converting existing space lower still.
City of Santa Monica Building & Safety. Coastal Commission review may apply for properties near the bluffs or west of Lincoln. Plan check typically 4–8 weeks.
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I was nervous at first, but the team at Design Onn Point was extremely communicative and made me feel comfortable. They arrived on time each day, kept me updated, and answered all my questions. The crew was professional,…
Design Onn Point turned my kitchen into a beautiful space. The professional was knowledgeable, polite and kept everything on schedule. I love the modern kitchen layout and the quality of the custom kitchen cabinets. High…
Design Onn Point was a delight from start to finish. The team was incredibly communicative, always answering my questions quickly and keeping me in the loop. They were punctual, showing up on time every day, and their pr…
Free consult, no obligation. Onn personally reviews every inquiry — usually replies within 1 business day.
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.
Plan to design and build a detached ADU in 9–14 months total: 2–3 months for design and permits, 6–10 months for construction. Attached ADUs and JADU conversions can run shorter.
Yes. North of Montana has some of the area's highest-end remodels and we've done full-home projects there.
Marine-grade or PVD-coated hardware on visible fixtures, stainless cabinet hinges, and corrosion-resistant fasteners on exterior work. Adds a few percent to material cost.
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.
When you need a permit for an LA kitchen remodel, how LADBS plan-check works, typical timelines, and how to avoid the common mistakes.
Onn personally reviews every inquiry. Tell us about your project — Onn will be in touch within one business day.