Accessory Dwelling Units are the single biggest opportunity in California residential real estate right now. New state laws have eliminated most zoning obstacles, streamlined permit review, and reduced fee burdens. Combined with Los Angeles rental rates, a well-built ADU often pays for itself within a decade while permanently raising property value. DG Custom Construction & Electric Inc. designs, permits, and builds ADUs across Pasadena, Altadena, Sherman Oaks, Malibu, and the greater LA area — detached, attached, garage-conversion, and JADU configurations handled end-to-end by one team.
ADUs are more than just small houses. They require careful feasibility analysis, code-compliant separation from the primary residence, proper utility sizing, and — if rented — full compliance with local tenant protections. We handle all of it.
ADU Types We Build
Detached ADUs
New, free-standing structures on your lot — typically 400 to 1,200 square feet. Detached ADUs offer the most flexibility in design, layout, and future rental value. They are also the most expensive option because everything is new construction.Attached ADUs
Additions to the primary residence that include a full kitchen, bath, bedroom, and independent entry. Less expensive than detached because one or more walls and part of the foundation already exist.Garage Conversions
Converting an existing detached or attached garage into a livable ADU. The lowest-cost option because the shell is already built; the challenge is upgrading insulation, windows, flooring, plumbing, and electrical to residential standards.JADUs (Junior ADUs)
A smaller unit of up to 500 square feet within the existing home's footprint, typically a converted bedroom with its own entry and a small kitchenette. JADUs have specific California legal requirements around owner occupancy.Second-Story ADUs
A new ADU built above an existing garage or single-story section. A good option on small lots where yard space is limited.California ADU Law — What You Can Build
California ADU law is intentionally permissive. On most residentially zoned lots, a homeowner is entitled to at least one ADU and one JADU. Local jurisdictions cannot impose owner-occupancy, minimum-lot-size, or most parking requirements that used to block ADUs. Setback and height limits still apply but have been relaxed compared to historic zoning.
Every jurisdiction — LA City, LA County, Pasadena — has its own ADU ordinance layered on top of state law. We review your specific lot and jurisdiction against both state and local rules as the first step of any ADU project.
Our ADU Process
1. Feasibility Review
We evaluate your lot against local and state ADU rules, survey setbacks and existing utilities, and identify the configurations available to you. Feasibility review is free and takes one to two weeks.2. Schematic Design
We design the ADU or help you select from our library of pre-designed layouts. Pre-designed ADUs cost less and permit faster; custom designs give you more control and long-term value.3. Permitting
We prepare and submit complete plan sets, respond to plan-check corrections, and track the permit through approval. Most LA-area ADUs permit in six to twelve weeks under state-mandated review timelines.4. Construction
Site work, foundation, framing, MEP rough-in, insulation, drywall, finishes, final inspection. Detached ADUs typically take five to eight months of active construction; garage conversions run three to five.5. Separate Metering and Utilities
If the ADU will be rented, separate electrical sub-panels are required and separate water metering is often worth the investment. We handle utility coordination with LADWP or the applicable provider.Timeline and Typical Costs
From first conversation to certificate of occupancy, most detached ADUs take ten to fourteen months. Garage conversions complete in six to ten months. Attached ADUs usually fall in between. Costs vary widely based on square footage, finish level, and site complexity — we provide written line-item budgets after feasibility review. Please treat any online ADU pricing calculator as a starting point, not a commitment.
Rental Income Considerations
If you intend to rent the ADU, factor in local rent-control status, required permits for short-term rentals (which vary by jurisdiction), fair-housing requirements, and tenant-protection ordinances. We are general contractors, not legal advisors, but we routinely refer clients to real estate attorneys who handle rental compliance.
Where We Build
DG Custom Construction & Electric Inc. serves homeowners and property owners across Pasadena, Altadena, Sherman Oaks, Malibu, and greater Los Angeles. If your project is in LA County, we would like to hear from you.