ADU questions, answered

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a small, independent living space on your property — with its own kitchen, bath and entrance. Homeowners build them for rental income, multigenerational living, a home office or an in-law suite, and a well-built ADU can add real long-term value to the property.

Cost depends on the site, not just the floor plan — access, utility runs, foundation needs, the ADU type and finish level all matter. Qualifying ADUs may start around $280 per square foot, but that only makes sense after we confirm access, utilities, sewer or septic and the city review path. We price from the real property conditions first, then size and finishes second.

Yes. A garage conversion is often a lower-cost path because the foundation, walls and roof may already exist. We inspect the shell first — slab, framing, ceiling height, drainage, fire separation and the utility route — then confirm whether converting is the best option before committing to it.

Yes. For our design-build ADUs we prepare the plan set, coordinate structural engineering and Title 24 energy compliance, submit to the city or county, respond to plan-check comments and schedule inspections during construction. The exact review path depends on your jurisdiction — we confirm the reviewing agency first instead of treating every city the same.

Timing has two parts: design and permitting, then construction. State law gives agencies review deadlines for complete applications, but the real calendar depends on submittal quality, correction rounds and city workload. We manage the process and keep you updated rather than promising a date the city controls. Construction itself moves on a fixed schedule once permits are issued.

Yes. We design and build ADUs, garage conversions and home additions across Orange County and Los Angeles — keeping architecture, permits and construction in-house so there is one team and one point of accountability.

With design-build, one licensed team owns the whole job — architecture, structural engineering, permitting and construction under one contract. That removes the gap between a separate architect and builder, keeps the budget and schedule accountable, and means your project moves from first sketch to final inspection without finger-pointing.

Yes — the estimate is free and there is no pressure. Share your address, intended use and rough target size (photos of the yard, garage, electrical panel and access path help a lot), and we will walk you through what your property allows and a realistic budget before any commitment.