Ah yes, this must mean you are thinking about building an ADU in Los Angeles! We’ll tell you what, it’s one of the best decisions you can make. Here’s why: ADUs are an asset. Whether or not you need extra room, rental money, or a way to increase the value of your home, ADUs are money in your pocket. The entire process can seem complicated, but believe us, it is easier and smoother than it used to be. If you’re working with the right people. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you through it. From the various kinds of ADUs to the stages process, I have all the insider information you need to get started!
What’s an ADU?
Types of ADUs in Los Angeles: Which One is Right for Your Property?
Attached ADU
What It Is: An ADU physically attached to the main house, sharing at least one wall with it.
Features: Normally built as a part of an existing home, like adding a side or back wall. It could share utilities with the main house.
Pros: Sharing a structure makes it more cost-effective than a detached ADU. Easy to heat, cool, and manage.
Cons: Since it shares a wall with the main house, there’s less privacy.
Detached ADU
What It Is: A unit that is separate from the main house, usually built in the backyard or another area of your land.
Features: Provides privacy for your guest. Includes its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living area.
Pros: The most privacy for your house and the ADU. Ideal for renting or as a guest house.
Cons: Often takes more land and can end up in higher building costs than the other kinds of ADUs.
2nd Story ADU
What It Is: An ADU that is built above your garage or as another story to your house.
Key Features: You’re building vertically, so it would be the best solution if you don’t have a lot of land to build.
Pros: Creates space without giving up yard or garden areas. Depending on the location, it may be able to offer great views.
Cons: Due to the strengthening of the framework needed for the existing building, construction is more complicated and costly. Zoning height limits could come into play.
Garage Conversion
What It Is: An ADU constructed by turning a garage into a living area.
Features: It takes advantage of the current structure, which makes it one of the most affordable ADU choices. The garage has been converted into a livable space with all the essential amenities.
Pros: Making use of existing structures makes it more affordable. In comparison to other kinds of ADUs, this is the quickest to finish.
Cons: You may lose your space for parking or storage. Depending on the garage’s original design, additional work may be needed to meet living standards (e.g., insulation, plumbing).
The History of ADUs in Los Angeles: How These Units Shaped City Living
Where did these ADUs come from? The concept of having multiple homes on a property dates back to early settlers, where you could have as many homes as you wished. Zoning regulations and municipal services did not begin to take shape until the early 20th century, which made it harder to build. In order to be close enough to the main house, family members, caregivers, or employees lived in these smaller dwellings. People called them “granny flats” or “in-law units. Funny enough, we still house our grannies and in-laws in them.
Single-family homes were the standard when it came to housing construction after World War II. Building several houses on a single plot was challenging due to zoning regulations in many parts of the nation. There is a clear need for more homes nowadays in Los Angeles. That’s why California is making it easier for us to build more housing to help with the housing crisis. That explains why there have been so many ADUs in the past few years.
Why Are ADUs So Popular in Los Angeles?
ADUs are popular for good reason. Homeowners in Los Angeles and throughout California are turning to them for countless reasons. They gained popularity because they offer a cost-effective way to increase property value, get more space, ease of permitting, ease of construction, and in some cases, get regulatory support. ADUs are a cheap option to add more living space to your home. It is less expensive to build an ADU than to purchase a new house or complete a sizable home addition.
You’re gaining more living space that can increase the value of your home without causing you the headaches that used to be associated with building anything on your property. Consider that ADUs can generate rental income, and it’s easy to see why so many homeowners consider this a no brainer.
The sudden 158% growth in home prices from $464,650 in 2014 to $1.2 million in 2024, compared to the slower 16.7% increase in rent from $2,260 to $2,638, makes installing an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) a wise decision. Instead of purchasing a costly new home, an ADU allows you to add space and value to your existing property. And by renting out your ADU, you can work towards buying a new home if that’s what you really want.
Why Building an ADU in Los Angeles is Easier Than Ever
Not long ago, the idea of building an ADU in California felt impossible. The permitting process was excruciatingly long. Homeowners would have to jump through countless hoops. Imagine dealing with countless zoning laws, neighbors that could object, and all the red tape from the government itself. Getting a permit today for an ADU is much easier than in the past. California law made it much easier and faster. The state has streamlined the process. This is another reason why ADUs have become so popular.
Los Angeles’ real estate market is very competitive. And good lots to build new homes are hard to find. The best lots already have a house built on it or developers buy them right away before you ever even hear about them. So you can forget about finding a plot of land that’s easy to build on. That’s why we recommend to prospective clients that instead of buying a new home, you should consider using the land you already have. That’s how ADUs come and save the day in this market.
Insurance companies are refusing to hand out new policies to areas that a spokesperson for the state Department of Insurance in the LA Times called “wildland urban interface”, meaning a hillside, canyon, generally a neighborhood close to nature. It seems that insuring in California isn’t profitable for insurance companies. Making it extra difficult for homeowners that buy new. If they do find an insurance company to give you a policy, you end up paying a higher premium. This is another reason why adding an ADU to your property avoids the unnecessary headache of buying a new property. Since you’re not buying a new property, just adding to your current one, insuring your new ADU would be much easier.
Understanding the ADU Building Process in Los Angeles: Step-by-Step Guide
Planning Your ADU
What happens: Hire a contractor to develop plans for your ADU. The contractor works with architects, designers, and engineers to get your ADU’s plans submitted to the city. Architects design the layout and make sure the ADU is following local building codes. Engineers make sure your ADU’s foundation, walls, and roof are strong and supported.
Submitting ADU Plans to the City of Los Angeles
What happens: Architects submit your plan to the City Planning Department. Engineers submit to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Designers submit their designs to you. And your contractor submits to everyone (just kidding). We then take the plans to the city, and they check that everything follows the building codes and zoning laws. The city might give us corrections to make to your plans. After we fix them, we can resubmit and wait for final approval.
In 2024, cities are moving faster to approve ADU projects because the laws make it easier, but there can still be delays in busy areas of Los Angeles, like Glendale and Santa Monica.
The ADU Construction Process
What Happens: The city approved the plans, and now the fun begins! Construction on your ADU. We will prep the site, demo what needs demo, lay the foundation, build the frame, and add plumbing, electricity, and heating. This step can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your ADU Project?
At Go Builders, we’re here to turn your vision into reality. Our team of experienced architects, contractors, and specialists is ready to guide you through every step of your ADU construction process. Don’t navigate the process alone—let Go Builders help you create the perfect space on your property.