California has made it easier than ever to add an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) to your property - and Los Angeles County has been one of the most active ADU markets in the state since the 2020 law changes. New Cali Construction has been building ADUs and completing garage-to-ADU conversions across the greater Los Angeles area since 2014. CSLB #1008892, bonded and insured, general contractor B license.
Here are the questions we get asked most often.
What does an ADU cost in Los Angeles?
ADU costs in LA vary significantly by type:
- Garage conversion ADU (converting an existing attached or detached garage): $80,000 - $150,000
- Junior ADU (JADU) (converting a room within the main house to a separate unit): $40,000 - $80,000
- Detached new construction ADU (building a new structure on the lot): $150,000 - $300,000+
What drives LA ADU costs: permits, engineering (if structural), utility connections (separate meter vs. shared), insulation requirements for habitable space, and finish level. Garage conversions tend to be the most cost-efficient because the structure already exists - you're converting, not building from the ground up.
We give free on-site ADU assessments. Prices above are ranges; your actual number depends on your specific property.
Is my garage eligible for an ADU conversion in LA?
Most single-family properties in Los Angeles County are now eligible for at least one ADU under California state law (AB 68, AB 881, SB 13, and subsequent bills). Key questions:
- Is the garage on the property? Attached or detached, most garages qualify.
- Minimum interior ceiling height: typically 7 feet after finished floor and ceiling.
- Does the property have separate sewer capacity? (We verify this during the assessment.)
- Historic district? Some areas (Venice Canals, some Culver City zones) have additional restrictions.
In most Westside LA neighborhoods, garage ADU conversions are fully permitted and streamlined. We assess your specific property at no cost.
Do I need a permit for a garage conversion in Los Angeles?
Yes - always. A garage conversion to habitable space requires permits for:
- Change of use
- Structural work (if any)
- Electrical (HVAC, outlets, panel upgrade if needed)
- Plumbing (if adding a bathroom or kitchen)
- Fire egress and insulation to habitable-space code
We handle the complete permit process, including dealing with LA DBS (Department of Building and Safety) and Culver City Building Division as applicable. Never skip permits on an ADU - it affects your ability to rent, sell, or refinance.
How long does an ADU garage conversion take?
For a straightforward garage-to-studio or garage-to-1BR conversion in the greater LA area:
- Design and permit submittal: 4-8 weeks
- LA DBS plan check: 4-12 weeks (this is the variable - expedited plan check available)
- Construction: 8-14 weeks depending on scope
Total: roughly 6-9 months from kickoff to certificate of occupancy. We'll give you a realistic timeline specific to your jurisdiction before you commit.
Can I rent out my ADU in LA?
Yes. ADUs on single-family properties in Los Angeles can be rented on the long-term rental market (12+ months). Short-term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) rules vary by city - Culver City and LA City have different STR ordinances. We're contractors, not lawyers - we build the space, and we recommend you check current LA City or Culver City STR rules with a local real estate attorney before listing short-term.
Where do you build ADUs near Culver City?
New Cali Construction builds ADUs throughout the greater LA area: Culver City, West LA, Mar Vista, Palms, Inglewood, El Segundo, Ladera Heights, View Park, Leimert Park, and surrounding neighborhoods. We're based on the Westside and that's our home turf.
Why hire a general contractor for an ADU vs. an ADU-only specialist?
ADU specialists are often efficient for cookie-cutter designs, but a general contractor like New Cali handles the full scope: structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, finishes, and all interior work under one license and one contract. That means one point of accountability, fewer handoffs, and no coordination gap between trades. We've completed garage-to-ADU conversions for both homeowners and property investors.