Your ADU.
Built Right.
From $180k.
Add a legal income unit to your Los Angeles property. We handle everything — design, permits, and construction. You choose the model. We build it.
Your property is worth more
than you think.
LA ADUs command strong rental rates — especially in the Valley, Westside & beyond.
A permitted ADU immediately adds substantial equity to your property.
Rental income typically recoups your full ADU investment within a decade.
Pick a layout. We build it.
Every model includes full design, engineering, permits, and a complete build-out — no surprises, no change orders.
Garage Conversion
Transform your existing garage into a fully permitted, income-generating living space. Fastest path to an ADU — no new foundation.
Studio ADU
A sleek detached studio with everything needed — open kitchen, living area, full bath, and private entrance. Rents $2,200–$3,500/mo in LA.
1-Bedroom ADU
The sweet spot. A proper bedroom, open living area, full kitchen, and in-unit laundry. Commands premium rents of $3,000–$4,500/mo across LA.
2-Bedroom ADU
A full home on your property. Two bedrooms, two baths, open kitchen, dining area. Rents $4,000–$6,500/mo. Ideal for multigenerational living.
Modern Farmhouse
Board-and-batten siding, black windows, covered porch — a standalone farmhouse aesthetic that elevates your entire property. Can be 1 or 2 bedroom.
Three steps. One contractor.
Done.
We built our process to feel like buying a car — pick your model, sign once, and we handle everything else.
Free Site Review
We visit your property, confirm what's permitted under LA codes, and tell you exactly what you can build. No guesswork.
Design & Permits
We coordinate architecture, structural engineering, and navigate LADBS permitting. You stay informed, we do the work.
We Build It
Ground prep, framing, MEP, finishes — our licensed crews deliver your ADU on time and on budget. Keys in hand.
ADU Construction Los Angeles — Quick Facts
This Is What a Premium ADU Looks Like.
Not a converted garage. Not a kit home. A fully permitted, luxury-finished accessory dwelling unit — built to command top rental income or house the people you love.
Los Angeles, CA · Fully Permitted ADU · In-Unit Laundry · Luxury Finish · DWD Builders GC of Record
Get Your ADU Started →Add $2,000–$4,000/mo in Rental Income.
Without Selling Your Property.
An ADU built to this standard rents faster, commands higher rates, and appreciates with your primary property. DWD handles permits, engineering, and every trade — you sign one contract.
340+ projects completed.
Every one on budget.
"DWD is one of the best Residential and commercial Contractors I have ever worked with. They have a professional and talented team from design, estimating, planning, scheduling and construction. They pay attention to all the details. I highly recommend."
"DWD help me out on a project where it was difficult to find contractors on short notice. We teamed up and with their support and problem solving attitude the project was completed on time and within budget."
"Love doing work with this company… very professional, always timely and responsive. Will use them on any project. Thank you DWD Builders for everything you have done, from the west coast to the east coast always providing the best."
No surprises. Ever.
Every price below is all-in — architecture, engineering, permits, full construction. What we quote is what you pay.
| ADU Type | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Garage Conversion | $140,000 |
| Studio ADU | $180,000 |
| 1-Bedroom ADU | $245,000 |
| Modern Farmhouse | $285,000 |
| 2-Bedroom ADU | $320,000 |
Prices reflect all-in build cost including permits, architecture, and construction. Final pricing depends on site conditions, finishes, and local fee schedules.
Where Your ADU Budget Goes
Every DWD quote is fully all-in. Here's how a typical 1-bedroom ADU budget breaks down in Los Angeles.
| Cost Category | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Architecture & Plans | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Structural Engineering | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| City Permits & Fees | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| Foundation & Site | $18,000 – $45,000 |
| Framing & Structure | $30,000 – $65,000 |
| MEP Systems | $35,000 – $70,000 |
| Insulation & Drywall | $10,000 – $22,000 |
| Finishes & Fixtures | $25,000 – $65,000 |
| Landscaping & Site Restoration | $8,000 – $18,000 |
Ranges reflect a typical 1-bedroom detached ADU in Los Angeles County. Actual costs vary by site conditions, finishes, and local fee schedules. DWD quotes are fixed-price and all-in.
ADU Los Angeles — FAQ
How much does an ADU cost in Los Angeles?
ADU costs in Los Angeles range from $140,000 for a garage conversion to $390,000+ for a premium 2-bedroom detached unit. Our studio ADUs start at $180,000 and 1-bedroom ADUs from $245,000. All prices include permits, construction, and a complete interior build-out.
How long does it take to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
The full timeline is typically 8–14 months: 1–2 months for design and plans, 3–6 months for city permitting, and 4–6 months for construction. Garage conversions are often faster. We manage every phase so you don't have to.
Do I need permits to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
Yes — all ADUs require city permits. DWD Builders handles the complete permitting process with LADBS, including architectural drawings, structural engineering, and all required inspections. We know exactly how to navigate LA's ADU permit fast-track program.
How much rent can I charge for an ADU in Los Angeles?
Studio ADUs rent for $2,200–$3,500/mo. 1-bedroom ADUs command $3,000–$4,500/mo. 2-bedroom ADUs can rent for $4,000–$6,500/mo depending on the neighborhood and finishes. Most ADUs pay for themselves in 8–12 years through rental income.
Can I build an ADU on my property in Los Angeles?
Most single-family lots in Los Angeles can accommodate at least one ADU. SB 9 and state ADU laws have significantly loosened restrictions. DWD Builders offers a free site assessment to confirm what type and size of ADU is permitted on your specific parcel.
What's the difference between a detached ADU and a garage conversion?
A detached ADU is a brand-new structure built on your lot, completely separate from the main house. A garage conversion repurposes your existing garage structure, which is typically faster and less expensive since the foundation and walls already exist.
How do I verify an ADU contractor's license in California?
Search cslb.ca.gov using the contractor's name or license number. A valid license shows as "Active" with a bond, workers' comp insurance, and zero complaints. DWD Builders (License #B-991385) has maintained an active, bonded, insured license with zero complaints since 2013. Always verify before signing any ADU contract — unlicensed contractors cannot legally pull permits, which means your ADU may be unbuildable or unpermitted.
What does an ADU actually cost in Los Angeles — and why do quotes vary so much?
ADU costs in Los Angeles range from $140,000 (garage conversion) to $390,000+ (2-bedroom detached). Large quote variations usually mean unlicensed contractors are omitting permits, engineering, or utility connection costs. DWD's pricing is all-in: architecture, engineering, permits, and full construction. What we quote is what you pay. Always ask for an itemized, all-inclusive bid before comparing quotes.
How does DWD Builders' ADU process compare to other LA contractors?
DWD Builders provides single-point accountability for the entire ADU project — design coordination, engineering, LADBS permitting, and construction under one CSLB license (#B-991385). We've completed 100+ ADUs in Los Angeles County with a 100% permit approval rate and handle every phase in-house with weekly updates and transparent budgeting. Many LA contractors subcontract heavily and lack in-house permitting experience, which adds time and risk to your project.
6 Red Flags When Hiring an ADU Contractor
Most ADU problems in Los Angeles trace back to one of these warning signs. Know them before you sign anything.
No active CSLB license
Verify at cslb.ca.gov. Unlicensed contractors cannot legally pull ADU permits in LA — meaning your unit could be unbuildable or unpermitted.
Quote excludes permits or engineering
Permits, architectural drawings, and engineering add $25K–$49K to a typical ADU. If these aren't in the quote, the real price is much higher than you're being shown.
Requests large upfront cash payment
California law caps deposit requirements. Never pay more than 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) before work begins. Large upfront payments are a major red flag.
Cannot provide workers' comp insurance
If a worker gets injured on your property without coverage, you may be liable. Always require a current certificate of insurance before any work starts.
No references from permitted LA ADU projects
Ask for permit numbers from previous LA ADU projects. You can verify permits at the LADBS online portal. A contractor with no verifiable permits has no proven track record.
Vague about LADBS fast-track eligibility
Los Angeles has an ADU permit fast-track program that can cut permitting time significantly. An experienced contractor should know exactly whether your project qualifies.
DWD Builders (License #B-991385) is active, bonded, insured, and has zero complaints on record with the CSLB. Verify at cslb.ca.gov.
Pricing Disclaimer
All prices, ranges, and estimates shown on this page are general references based on current Los Angeles market conditions and are provided for planning purposes only. Every project is unique. Actual costs vary significantly based on site conditions, soil and terrain, architectural complexity, finish selections, permitting fees, and subcontractor availability at time of construction. No figure on this page constitutes a bid, quote, proposal, or binding commitment by DWD Builders Inc. A formal written proposal is provided only after a full site assessment and scope review. For an accurate project-specific number, call (213) 413-1100 or request a free consultation.
Your property can pay
for itself.
Book a free site review. We'll tell you exactly what you can build, how long it takes, and what it costs — in plain English.
Licensed CA General Contractor · CSLB Lic. #B-991385 · Encino, CA · Serving All of Los Angeles