Premier ADU Construction Los Angeles
Whether you’re looking to house family, create a private home office, or generate passive rental income, ADU construction Los Angeles remains the smartest investment a homeowner can make. At Cali Builders, we specialize in turning underutilized backyards into high-end, functional living spaces. From initial site planning to the final walkthrough, our team ensures your new unit blends seamlessly with your existing home while meeting all 2026 California building standards.
Ready to expand? Get your Free Consultation
Expert Home Additions in Los Angeles
Attached ADU
Home Extensions
Cali Builders specializes in Attached ADU Construction Los Angeles, expanding your footprint with suites that share a structural wall. We manage architectural integration, structural tie-ins, and plumbing extensions to ensure your new unit feels like a natural, seamless part of your home.
ADU Construction Los Angeles
A Smarter, Easier Way to Build Your ADU
Initial Site Evaluation
We check ZIMAS for setbacks, utility connections, and soil stability for your build.
Architectural Design
We craft blueprints that meet 2026 California Building Codes and Title 24 standards.
Permitting & Approvals
We manage the LADBS "Plan Check" and secure all mandatory city department clearances.
Foundation & Framing
Our crew handles structural reinforcement, seismic tie-ins, and utility rough-ins.
Finish Work
We manage premium interior finishes and all 10–15 mandatory city inspections for move-in.
Why Choose Cali Builders for Your ADU?
We aren’t just a general contractor; we are specialized ADU partners who understand the unique density and zoning laws of Los Angeles.
Local Expertise
We know the exact fire-life safety codes for a Studio City hillside build versus a flat lot in Tarzana.
Transparent Pricing
Our line-item estimates include complex costs like utility trenching and school fees, ensuring zero budget surprises.
Structural Integrity
We prioritize seismic framing and EPA lead-safe methods to ensure your investment is built for long-term durability.
Call Us For
Free Consultation
Lead-Safe ADU Construction in LA
Safety isn’t just a checklist; it’s a commitment. As a premier choice for ADU construction in Los Angeles, Cali Builders is proud to be an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm.
Since a significant portion of Los Angeles housing was constructed before 1978, lead-based paint is a common reality. Whether you are breaking ground on a detached unit or starting a garage conversion, disturbing older structures can release hazardous lead dust. We ensure your expansion doesn’t come at the cost of your family’s health.
Certified Protection:
We employ advanced HEPA-filtered containment and specialized wet cleaning methods to trap toxins at the source.
Strict Compliance:
Our team adheres to all Federal and California state laws, ensuring your project meets RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) standards.
Peace of Mind:
We eliminate the risk of toxic dust and soil contamination, leaving your property cleaner than we found it.
LA-Specific Permits & Inspections
The City of Los Angeles maintains some of the most rigorous building codes in the nation. To ensure your ADU construction in Los Angeles is fully legal and adds maximum value to your property, you must successfully navigate the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).
While 2026 California state laws mandate “ministerial” approval for ADUs, local site specificities remain the biggest hurdle to breaking ground.
Hillsides & High Fire Zones :
From Studio City to Silver Lake, we specialize in meeting strict LAFD fire-life safety and brush clearance requirements for high-risk zones.
Mandatory Clearances :
We handle the behind-the-scenes coordination with LADWP (Power & Water) and the Bureau of Engineering (Sewer) to ensure your utilities are compliant from day one.
Required Inspections :
Your project will require roughly 10–15 specific inspections, including Foundation, Rough Frame, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), and the final Certificate of Occupancy.
ADU Construction Timeline
While every project is unique, we aim for efficiency. A typical ADU construction timeline in Los Angeles generally follows this schedule:
Phase 1
4 - 8 Weeks
Design & Engineering: This is where we dial in your layout and structural needs. We produce the architectural sets, Title 24 energy calculations, and structural engineering required for a “permit-ready” submittal.
Phase 2
2 -4 Months
LADBS Plan Check & Permitting: Even with California’s streamlined 2026 mandates, the LADBS “Plan Check” process involves multiple departments. We manage the back-and-forth with the city to clear corrections and pull your ready-to-issue (RTI) permits.
Phase 3
4 - 6 Months
Construction & Final Inspection : Physical construction begins with site prep and foundation work, followed by framing, MEP rough-ins, and interior finishes. The timeline concludes with the final city inspection and the issuance of your Certificate of Occupancy.
What Every Homeowner Should Know
The Los Angeles ADU & Home Addition Guide
Before starting an ADU project, there are several technical and practical factors every homeowner should look into. Cali Builders explained what goes into the high-standard ADU Construction Los Angeles residents expect, from site setbacks to utility upgrades and privacy. As an ADU builder Los Angeles relies on, we showed how smart design protects your investment. This will help you prepare for the process and see the value of your ADU.
In neighborhoods like Sherman Oaks and Encino, where lot shapes can vary, Cali Builders look at the “setback” requirements first. This is the legal distance a structure must be from your property line. While California laws have become more flexible, an experienced ADU builder Los Angeles ensures that your new unit is positioned to maximize backyard space while remaining fully code-compliant. We also evaluate the slope of your lot, especially in Studio City, to determine if additional foundation reinforcement or specialized drainage systems are needed to protect both the new build and your existing home.
One of the most overlooked parts of an ADU project is how the new unit will get its power and water. Most older homes in Tarzana and Los Angeles were not originally designed to support a second fully-functioning kitchen and bathroom on the same electrical panel. As your ADU builder Los Angeles, Cali Builders performs a thorough load calculation to see if your current system can handle the increase. In many cases, we help homeowners upgrade to a 200-amp service. This ensures that when your ADU tenant or family member turns on the air conditioning or an electric stove, it doesn’t trip the breakers in your main house.
Cali Builders & Construction Inc.
Ready to build? We manage every phase of your ADU Construction in Los Angeles, from initial concept to the final concrete pour. Book a free consultation with Cali Builders to start your project today.
A successful ADU shouldn’t feel like a shed in the backyard; it should feel like a private residence. This is achieved through “visual screening” and smart entry placement. When we plan builds in Sherman Oaks or Encino, we look at where the windows of the main house face. By placing the ADU entrance on the opposite side or using landscaping as a natural barrier, we create a sense of separation. This is particularly important for those in Los Angeles looking to use their ADU as a rental unit, as it allows both the homeowner and the tenant to enjoy their outdoor spaces without feeling overlooked.
Long-Term ROI and Energy Efficiency Standards
In Southern California, energy efficiency isn’t just a “green” choice; it’s a financial one. All new ADU projects must meet Title 24 standards, which include high-quality insulation and, in many cases, solar readiness. For homeowners in Tarzana and Studio City, this means your new unit will be significantly cheaper to cool during the summer heat. By investing in these modern systems now, you are ensuring the long-term value of your property. A high-efficiency unit is much more attractive to future buyers or renters, making the choice to invest in quality ADU Construction Los Angeles a smart move for your financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions!
Have questions about ADU Construction Los Angeles requirements? Explore our frequently asked questions below for quick insights into building a high-quality ADU with Cali Builders.