ADU FAQs Answered By A Licensed ADU Contractor
These ADU FAQs answer what homeowners ask us most about accessory dwelling units — rules, costs, permits, timelines and renting. Answered by H&A My Design, a licensed California general contractor (CSLB #999603), family-owned for more than 20 years. Serving Southern California and the surrounding areas.
Ask us anything — the first conversation and the on-site property audit are free.
ADU FAQs Grouped By What You Need To Know
We have grouped these ADU FAQs into four areas: rules and eligibility, cost and value, permits and timelines, and building, living and renting. Where the honest answer is “it depends”, we explain exactly what it depends on.
Why Honest Uncertainty Beats False Precision
A contractor who quotes a confident price or timeline before seeing your lot is guessing. That guess gets corrected later — usually upward, usually after you have committed. We would rather explain the variables now.
What A Good Answer Looks Like
It names the factors, explains which apply to your property and tells you what needs to happen to narrow the range.
Questions Worth Asking Any ADU Builder
Whoever you hire, these questions separate a professional operation from an optimistic one.
- What is your licence number, and can I verify it?
- Is your proposal specific to my property?
- Who prepares and files the permit submittal?
- How are change orders priced and approved?
- Who is my single point of contact on site?
ADU FAQs: Rules And Eligibility
Can I build an ADU on my property?
Most residential properties in California can accommodate an ADU under state law. We confirm it for your lot during a complimentary on-site audit, checking setbacks, easements and utility connections.
How big can an ADU be?
Detached units can generally reach up to 1,200 sq ft under state law. Attached units are generally limited relative to the size of the main home. Local rules also apply, so we confirm the numbers for your address.
What is a junior ADU?
A junior ADU is a smaller unit created within the existing home, generally up to 500 sq ft, with its own entrance. It can be a practical option when space or budget is limited.
Can I have more than one ADU?
Some properties can combine an ADU with a junior ADU, and multifamily lots have their own allowances. We check what your lot permits under the current state ADU guidance.
Do I need to add parking?
In many cases no, particularly for garage conversions and properties near transit. We confirm what applies at your address.
ADU FAQs: Cost And Value
How much does an ADU cost?
It depends on your lot, the type and size of unit, utility distances and finish level. We give a fixed, property-specific proposal after a free on-site audit. See ADU cost and planning.
Why will you not quote a price per square foot?
Because utilities, soil, access and fees drive cost more than square footage. A menu price would mislead you.
Which type of ADU is most economical?
A garage conversion is usually the most economical because the structure already exists, though its condition still matters.
Is there an offer on drawings?
Yes. On qualified turnkey design-build contracts in approved Southern California jurisdictions, initial blueprints, drafting and the Title 24 packet are credited back at mobilization. See the ADU blueprint offer.
Does an ADU add value to my property?
A permitted, well-built unit broadens the appeal of a property and can provide rental income. Unpermitted units can become a liability, which is why every unit we build goes through full plan check and inspection.
ADU FAQs: Permits And Timelines
Who handles the permits?
We do. We prepare the submittal, answer plan-check corrections and schedule inspections. See ADU permits.
How long does permitting take?
It varies by city. In our experience review typically takes about 6 to 14 weeks, depending on the department and how complete the submittal is. Los Angeles projects go through LADBS.
How long does construction take?
As a guide, garage conversions typically take three to five months to build and ground-up detached units five to eight months, depending on size and site.
Can work start before the permit is issued?
No structural work can begin without an issued permit. We plan the schedule around issuance.
Can an existing unpermitted unit be legalised?
Sometimes. We review what exists, what would need to change and whether the route is realistic before recommending it.
ADU FAQs: Building, Living And Renting
Can I stay in my home during construction?
Almost always. Most ADU work happens in the yard or garage, with short, scheduled utility interruptions to the main house.
Can I rent out my ADU?
In most cases yes, subject to local rules on short-term rentals and occupancy. We explain what applies at your address during planning.
Does the ADU need separate utilities?
It needs water, sewer and power, which can often come through the main property. Whether separate meters make sense depends on how you plan to use the unit.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. H&A My Design is a licensed California general contractor, CSLB #999603, and carries bonding and insurance.
Which areas do you serve?
We build ADUs throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Westlake, Pasadena, Glendale, Culver City, the South Bay, Santa Clarita Valley, Ventura County, Thousand Oaks, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Malibu, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Burbank, Granada Hills, Canoga Park, Reseda and the surrounding areas.
ADU FAQs: The Terms People Ask Us To Explain
Half of the ADU FAQs we receive are really vocabulary questions. Here are the terms that come up most, explained without jargon.
ADU And JADU
An accessory dwelling unit is a complete independent home on the same lot as the main house. A junior ADU is a smaller unit created within the existing home, generally up to 500 sq ft.
Setback
The minimum distance a building must sit from the property lines. For new detached and attached ADUs, side and rear setbacks are generally limited to 4 feet under state law.
Plan Check And Corrections
Plan check is the city’s review of your drawings. A correction list is the set of comments that comes back. Both are routine and appear in most projects.
Why It Matters
Quick, complete responses to corrections are the biggest factor within your control in how fast permits are issued.
Title 24 And Final Inspection
Title 24 is California’s energy standard, demonstrated through calculations filed with your permit. Final inspection confirms the unit is complete and legally habitable.
Real Projects Behind These Answers
Every answer on this page comes from projects like these, built by our own team.
Ask The ADU Question That Is Not Listed
If your question is not among these ADU FAQs, ask it directly. The first conversation and the on-site property audit cost nothing and carry no obligation.
Where To Go Next
Homeowner Experiences
Hear directly from Southern California clients who trusted H&A My Design with their custom homes, ADUs, and additions.
Walk the finished home — navy kitchen with brass fittings, an open living space and a new double-vanity bathroom.
“We’re extremely happy with the results. Without a shadow of doubt, we’ve already recommended them to other neighbors.”
“Everybody was phenomenal to work with, a pleasure to have. Totally fair and wonderful company and great family.”
“H&A made the entire process transparent. Having one GC manage blueprints, city permits, and the build was night and day.”
“Their Canoga Park showroom made selecting our cabinets, quartz, and fixtures so easy. Finished right on schedule.”
“Converted our garage into a 2-bedroom rental. Flawless craftsmanship and leased immediately after final inspection.”
See the full before and after — the original kitchen, the opened-up living space and the finished bathrooms.
“From 3D plans to final city sign-off, H&A handled everything. No surprise change orders, no stress.”
“Built a modern ADU for my parents. The accessibility and aesthetic details exceeded all our expectations.”
Serving Southern California
Licensed throughout Los Angeles & Ventura Counties. HQ Showroom at 6723 Variel Ave, Canoga Park, CA.
MORE SPACE.
MORE VALUE.
Design, permits, showroom selections, and master construction—managed by one accountable team.