Cali Builders & Construction Inc. · Los Angeles
ADU Budget & Planning Checklist
Compare our published ADU planning ranges and prepare the questions that matter for your property. Choose your project type below to create a short consultation brief. A site assessment, design review, and written scope are needed for a project-specific proposal.
Prepare your ADU consultation
Your consultation starting point
This is Cali Builders’ published planning range for the project type, not a quotation or a calculated price for your specific property. Size, access, existing conditions, utilities, design, fees, and finishes can change the required budget.
What to review before a proposal
Your consultation brief
Request a property-specific consultation
Prefer to talk? Call (800) 863-0011.
This checklist does not determine legal eligibility, permit approval, rental return, or a completion date.
Published ADU ballpark planning ranges
How to use these numbers: These are broad ballpark planning examples, not a quote, price cap, or promise for a particular property. A written estimate can fall above or below the ranges after a site visit and review of plans and required work. Costs vary with city and permit requirements; survey, soil, grading or engineering work when needed; solar and energy-code requirements; LADWP service, electrical capacity and utility distance; site access; existing or concealed conditions; size; and finish selections. The project-specific proposal will identify inclusions, exclusions, allowances, and who pays design, survey, permit, utility and agency costs. Only the signed project contract establishes the agreed scope and price.
| Project type | Planning range |
|---|---|
| JADU | $80,000–$140,000 |
| Garage conversion ADU | $140,000–$200,000 |
| Attached ADU | $175,000–$280,000 |
| Detached ADU | $220,000–$400,000+ |
The $450–$600 per-square-foot planning framework in our 2026 ADU budget guide applies to ground-up detached construction. It should not be used to price an existing-garage conversion.
Turn a planning range into a clear scope
Gather existing plans or permit records, your intended use, desired layout, and any known problems before a consultation. A garage conversion needs an assessment of the structure that may be retained. An attached ADU needs coordination with the existing home. A detached build needs a site, access, utility, and foundation review. Ask which design services, agency fees, utility work, finishes, and allowances are included in the written proposal.
Read about ADU construction, garage conversion ADUs, and the Los Angeles permit process. Official requirements should be confirmed through LADBS ADU resources and the California HCD ADU Handbook.
Budget framework checked October 11, 2026. Cali Builders & Construction Inc. · CA CSLB License #1051566.