Garage Conversion ADU Los Angeles
Turn your underused garage into a functional living space with our expert ADU Garage Conversion Services. At Cali Builders, we specialize in high-quality Garage Conversion ADU Los Angeles Projects tailored to your needs. Whether you want to create a modern studio for rental income, a private home office, or a comfortable guest suite for family, our team specializes in turning dusty storage spaces into fully permitted, luxury living units that meet all California SB-9 and local LA building codes.
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ADU Garage Conversion Services in LA
Convert Garage to ADU
Cali Builders specializes in both Detached Garage ADU builds and Attached Garage ADU Conversion projects. We strip your existing structure to the studs, leveling foundations and installing full plumbing to create a high-value, move-in-ready living space in Los Angeles.
How Cali Builders Transforms Your Garage
Feasibility Study
We visit your Los Angeles property to verify garage dimensions, setbacks, and utility access.
Design & Blueprints:
Our architects create detailed ADU garage conversion plans that reflect your vision.
Permit Acquisition
We handle the "plan check" process with the City of Los Angeles to get your project approved.
Construction
Our crews manage everything—framing, insulation, drywall, and finishes.
Quality Assurance
Regular site visits ensure the craftsmanship meets our rigorous standards.
What we Offer
We provide a comprehensive “design-build” approach to help you convert garage to ADU. Our team handles every detail to ensure your new living space is safe, stylish, and fully compliant with local LA codes.
Architectural Design & Space Planning:
Structural Reinforcement:
Ensuring your Garage Conversion ADU Los Angeles meets seismic standards.
Utility Integration:
Professional installation of dedicated plumbing, electrical panels, and energy-efficient HVAC systems.
Interior Finishing:
Exterior Matching:
Updating the ADU exterior to match or complement your primary residence for maximum curb appeal.
Why Choose Cali Builders?
We are more than a general contractor; we are your local Los Angeles neighbors.
Local Expertise
We understand the specific building codes for flat lots in Tarzana versus hillsides in Studio City. Our team ensures every project meets strict city standards.
Transparent Pricing
You receive a detailed, line-item estimate with no surprise costs. We provide clear pricing for your Garage Conversion to ADU from the start.
Top-Rated Quality
Our portfolio in Sherman Oaks and Encino ranks us among the Leading Garage Conversion Companies in LA. We prioritize structural integrity and high-end aesthetics for every build.
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Free Consultation
Lead-Safe Construction
Safety is not an option; it is a requirement. Cali Builders is an EPA Lead-
Safe Certified Firm.
Many homes in California were built before 1978 and often contain lead-based paint. Disturbing this paint during a Garage Conversion ADU Los Angeles project can create serious health risks for your family.
Certified Protection:
Strict Compliance:
Peace of Mind:
Permits & Inspections
The City of Los Angeles has some of the most specific building codes in the country. To build a legal unit, your ADU Garage Conversion Plans must navigate the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).
Cali Builders takes the headache out of local bureaucracy by serving as your direct liaison with the LADBS. Our Adu Garage Conversion Services ensure your project moves swiftly through the permitting phase by managing every technical submittal and city clearance, from LADWP to the Bureau of Engineering. We provide a truly hassle-free experience by scheduling and overseeing all mandatory inspections and final safety sign-offs.
Hillsides & High Fire Zones :
If your property is in the hills of Studio City, we ensure your unit meets strict fire-life safety and brush clearance requirements.
Mandatory Clearances :
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.
Garage Conversion To ADU Timeline
From initial concept to move-in, Cali Builders ensures your Garage Conversion ADU Los Angeles project stays on track. We follow a structured timeline designed for efficiency and full compliance with local building standards.
Phase 1
3 - 5 Weeks
Design & Engineering : Crafting the perfect layout for your Garage.
Phase 2
2 -4 Months
Permitting : Navigating the LADBS “Plan Check” process.
Phase 3
4 - 6 Months
Construction : The actual build-out of your unit.
Estimation
6 - 8 Months
The Ultimate Los Angeles ADU Garage Conversion
Converting a garage into a livable space, often called an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), is one of the most effective ways for Los Angeles homeowners to increase their property value and generate passive income. Whether you are considering a Detached Garage ADU or an Attached Garage ADU Conversion, the process in LA is unique due to specific local ordinances and the city’s focus on housing density.
If you are a property owner in the City of Angels, here is everything you need to know about Professional Adu Garage Conversion Services before you break ground.
State Mandates: The city cannot “arbitrarily” deny an ADU application if it meets basic building codes.
Parking Requirements: One of the biggest hurdles used to be replacing the parking lost by the conversion. However, if your property is within half a mile of public transit (which covers much of LA), you are typically not required to provide a replacement parking spot for the converted garage.
The Permitting Process
A legal Garage Conversion ADU Los Angeles requires more than just drywall; it requires a specialized design-build approach:
Site Plan and Design: You must submit professional architectural drawings to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).
Clearance & Compliance: You may need clearances from the Bureau of Engineering (Sewer) or LADWP (Power & Water), especially in high-fire-hazard zones like Studio City.
Lead-Safe Construction: For homes built before 1978, EPA Lead-Safe certified firms must handle the build to prevent toxic dust hazards.
Cali Builders & Construction Inc.
Cali Builders turns your dusty structure into a high-value residential asset. Book your free consultation today to see how a Garage Conversion ADU Los Angeles can pay for itself.
Structural & Utility Essentials
Most older LA garages require significant structural reinforcement to meet current seismic and safety standards.
The Foundation: You will likely need foundation leveling and moisture barriers before the space is habitable.
Utility Integration: This includes professional installation of dedicated plumbing, separate electrical panels, and energy-efficient HVAC systems (like mini-splits).
Interior Finishing: High-end flooring, custom cabinetry, and full kitchen/bathroom plumbing are standard for move-in-ready units.
2 Car Garage ADU Conversion
Converting a larger, 2 car garage adu conversion provides approximately 400–500 sq. ft. of space. This footprint is ideal for a spacious one-bedroom unit rather than a studio, significantly increasing the rental premium in the Los Angeles market.
Cost vs. ROI (2026 Data)
The ADU Garage Conversion Cost in Los Angeles typically ranges from $100,000 to $225,000 for a standard 350–500 sq. ft. unit.
The Payoff:
Rental Income: Studio ADUs rent for $1,800 – $3,200/month in areas like Silver Lake or West LA.
Property Value: A conversion can increase market value by $100,000 – $200,000.
- ROI Timeline: Most homeowners see a break-even point within 5 to 7 years.
Fire Safety and Egress
Safety is the city’s priority. Your conversion must include:
Egress Windows: At least one window in the sleeping area must be large enough for a person to climb out of (and a firefighter to climb into) during an emergency.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: These must be hardwired and interconnected.
Fire Rating: If the garage is within 5 feet of the property line, the walls must be fire-rated (usually Type X drywall).
Successfully completing a Garage Conversion ADU Los Angeles requires a disciplined approach to local regulations and construction standards. While navigating the 6–8 month development cycle involves complex city bureaucracy, the long-term equity and rental income provide significant financial stability. By partnering with professional experts to manage your permits and inspections, you effectively transform underused square footage into a fully compliant, high-value residential asset.
Frequently Asked Questions!
Have a question about your ADU Garage Conversion Los Angeles Project? We have compiled the most common questions regarding our ADU services and the local building process to help you find quick, professional answers.
Do I Need a Permit to Convert Garage to ADU?
Yes. All legal conversions require building, electrical, and plumbing permits from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Under 2026 California law, the city must approve your ADU Garage Conversion Plans los angeles if they meet objective building standards.
Can I Convert a Detached Garage ADU or an Attached Structure?
Both are possible. Cali Builders specializes in Attached Garage ADU Conversion projects that share a wall with the main home, as well as standalone Detached Garage ADU builds that offer maximum privacy for tenants.
How Long is the Construction Timeline in Los Angeles?
Most projects are completed within 6 to 8 months. This includes roughly 2–4 months for the LADBS plan check and 4–6 months for the actual build, encompassing 10–15 mandatory city inspections.
How Much Does a Garage Conversion ADU Cost in 2026?
While prices vary based on site conditions, a standard ADU Garage Conversion cost typically ranges from $100,000 to $150,000. A 2 Car Garage ADU Conversion (approx. 400 sq. ft.) often falls in the $120,000–$160,000 range, depending on utility upgrades and finishes.
Is Replacement Parking Required for the Main House?
In most cases, no. If your property is located within half a mile of public transit, you are not required to replace the parking lost when you Convert Garage to ADU.
What is the Maximum Size for a Garage Conversion?
You can generally build up to 1,200 square feet for a detached unit. For attached conversions, the size is typically capped at 50% of the primary residence’s square footage, though state law protects your right to build at least an 800 sq. ft. unit regardless of lot size.