Rated 4.9/5 by 127+ Los Angeles Homeowners

Los Angeles
ADU Builder Design Permits Construction

LA's trusted ADU experts. We handle everything from custom design to city permits to full construction - so you can add a rental unit, guest house, or home office to your property.

127+
ADUs Completed
95%
On-Time Delivery
10+
Years Experience

Your One-Stop ADU Platform

From initial concept to move-in day, we guide you through every step of your ADU journey with expert support and transparent pricing.

Feasibility

We analyze your property's zoning, lot size, and setbacks to determine exactly what you can build and provide a detailed cost estimate.

Plans & Permits

Our licensed designers create custom blueprints while we navigate city requirements and handle all permit submissions for you.

Financing

We connect you with ADU-specific lenders offering competitive rates, HELOCs, and construction loans to make your project affordable.

Construction

Our vetted network of licensed contractors builds your ADU with premium materials, weekly progress updates, and on-time delivery.

What is an ADU?

ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit. Also known as tiny home, granny flat, in-law unit, or garage apartment. We handle design, plans, permitting, and construction - everything needed to turn your garage or backyard into a rental unit or extra living space.

Rent out for profit

Leverage your ADU as a rental property, providing a lucrative source of steady income from tenants and becoming a landlord.

Maximize home value

Elevate your home's market value by adding an ADU, making your property investment even more rewarding.

Take care of loved ones

Accommodate loved ones, like an elderly parent, in your ADU, ensuring their safety and comfort while maintaining independence and privacy.

What Our Clients Say

Real feedback from Los Angeles homeowners who trusted us with their ADU projects.

"Love working with GatherADU. I worked directly with Argi and Jesus and would highly recommend anyone needing ADU work to get in touch. We built a 400sq ft detached ADU and are almost done with our project! They are willing to work with you and will discuss options to fit your budget."

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Monica S.
Los Angeles, CA

"Argi and his team are extremely professional, timely, and reliable. They were always available to answer questions and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. He even handled all the city permitting and land zoning, which saved me a lot of time and hassle."

LA
Lucy A.
Los Angeles, CA

"I hired Gather ADU to design and build my ADU, and I couldn't be happier with the entire experience. The design process was smooth and collaborative, and the construction phase stayed on schedule. The finished ADU turned out beautiful - both functional and thoughtfully designed."

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David G.
Glendale, CA

"GatherADU delivered quality work. Their team looks out for your best interest, provides great customer service and are attentive to detail. I highly recommend them for ADU builds!"

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Eduardo S.
Riverside, CA

"Their team is incredible. They are very patient and much detailed with all they do. They answered all my tedious questions very clearly. I know now exactly what I need to do for my ADU."

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Akkad S.
Burbank, CA

"Just finished up an ADU project and gotta say, I'm super happy with how it turned out, all thanks to Argi and his team. They were awesome to work with - really got what I was looking for, and made all that paperwork and permit stuff a breeze. Seriously, if you're thinking about getting an ADU done, they're the real deal!"

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Alex A.
Woodland Hills, CA

Different Types of ADUs

Though backyard homes are typically the most familiar, ADU structures come in various types to fit your property and needs.

Detached ADU illustration

Detached ADU

A standalone structure separate from the main home, typically located in the backyard. These units offer maximum privacy and flexibility.

Garage Conversion ADU illustration

Garage Conversion

Transforms an existing garage into a livable unit. This is often the most cost-effective way to add an ADU without expanding the building footprint.

Attached ADU illustration

Attached ADU

Built as an extension to the main house, sharing at least one wall. It can be added to the side, rear, or top of the existing home.

Los Angeles' Most Trusted ADU Builder

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is one of the smartest investments Los Angeles homeowners can make in 2025. With LA housing costs continuing to rise and rental demand at historic highs, ADUs offer a unique opportunity to generate passive income, house family members, or create a private workspace - all while significantly increasing your property value.

At GatherADU, we specialize exclusively in ADU construction throughout Los Angeles County. Our team of licensed designers, engineers, and contractors has completed over 127 ADU projects across LA - from the Westside to the Valley, from Silver Lake to Long Beach. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with building secondary dwelling units in LA's complex regulatory environment.

Why Los Angeles Homeowners Choose ADUs

LA's housing shortage has made ADUs more valuable than ever. Under California state laws including AB 68, AB 881, SB 9, SB 1211, and AB 2533, the City of LA must approve most ADU applications ministerially, meaning faster approvals with fewer obstacles. Whether you're considering a detached backyard ADU, a garage conversion, an attached addition, or a Junior ADU (JADU), our experts will guide you through every option to find the perfect fit for your property and budget.

The average ADU in Los Angeles generates $2,000 to $3,500 per month in rental income, depending on neighborhood and size. Many of our clients offset their entire mortgage payment with ADU rental income, while others use the space to provide independent living for aging parents or adult children.

Full-Service ADU Solutions in LA

Unlike general contractors who occasionally build ADUs, GatherADU is a dedicated ADU company with deep expertise in Los Angeles building codes and regulations. Our comprehensive services include:

  • Feasibility Analysis: We evaluate your property's zoning, setbacks, utility connections, and building potential
  • Custom Design: Our in-house designers create ADUs that maximize space and complement your existing home
  • Permit Expediting: We handle all city submissions, plan checks, and approvals - typically in 60-90 days
  • Construction Management: Licensed contractors build your ADU with premium materials and expert craftsmanship
  • Financing Assistance: We connect you with ADU-specific loans, HELOCs, and construction financing options

Ready to explore what's possible on your property? Schedule a free consultation or call us at (323) 591-3717 to speak with an ADU specialist today.

From Dream to Reality in Four Steps

We've refined our process over a decade to deliver exceptional ADUs with minimal stress for you.

1

Discover

We analyze your property, zoning regulations, and goals to create a personalized feasibility report.

2

Design

Our designers craft custom floor plans that maximize your space while respecting your budget and style.

3

Permit

We navigate city requirements and handle all paperwork, typically securing permits in 60-90 days.

4

Build

Our licensed contractors bring your ADU to life with premium materials and meticulous attention to detail.

Most Popular ADU Guides

Our most trusted resources to help you navigate ADU costs, regulations, and design decisions across California and beyond.

The Ultimate Garage Conversion ADU Guide 2026: Step-by-Step for Homeowners
Featured Guide

The Ultimate Garage Conversion ADU Guide 2026: Step-by-Step for Homeowners

The complete 2026 guide to converting your garage into an ADU. Learn step-by-step how to maximize property value, navigate California permits, and create additional living space. Expert tips from GatherADU.

Cheapest Way to Build an ADU in California: 2026 Budget Guide
Featured Guide

Cheapest Way to Build an ADU in California: 2026 Budget Guide

Discover how to build an ADU in California for under $100K in 2026. Complete guide covers garage conversions ($35K-$60K), prefab options, CalHFA grants up to $40K, city permit costs, and DIY savings strategies.

Garage Conversion Cost Guide for 2026: Complete Pricing Breakdown
Featured Guide

Garage Conversion Cost Guide for 2026: Complete Pricing Breakdown

Complete 2026 garage conversion cost guide: $65,000-$180,000 total costs, regional pricing for LA, SF, and San Diego, labor vs materials breakdown, permit fees, financing options, and ROI analysis.

2 Car Garage Conversion Floor Plans 2026: Layouts, Costs & Design Ideas
Featured Guide

2 Car Garage Conversion Floor Plans 2026: Layouts, Costs & Design Ideas

Explore 2026 two-car garage conversion floor plans with studio, 1BR, and 2BR layouts. Get cost estimates ($80K-$200K), design tips for 400-500 sq ft spaces, and California ADU requirements.

ADU San Diego for Rent 2026: Complete Rental Guide for Homeowners
Featured Guide

ADU San Diego for Rent 2026: Complete Rental Guide for Homeowners

Complete 2026 guide to ADU rentals in San Diego. Explore current rental rates ($1,200-$2,500/mo), top neighborhoods like North Park and La Jolla, legal requirements, and tips for both tenants and homeowners.

California ADU Kitchen Requirements 2026: Complete Code & Design Guide
Featured Guide

California ADU Kitchen Requirements 2026: Complete Code & Design Guide

California ADU kitchen requirements for 2026: minimum 50 sq ft kitchen area, cooking appliance with stove hookup, sink with running water, countertop space, and storage cabinets. Learn code-compliant design tips from California Building Code and HCD guidelines.

Everything You Need to Know About ADUs

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about accessory dwelling units in California.

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a secondary housing unit on your property. Also known as granny flats, in-law suites, casitas, or backyard homes, ADUs provide independent living space with their own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom.
ADU costs in California typically range from $150,000 to $400,000, depending on size (400-1,200 sq ft), finishes, and site conditions. Garage conversions are often the most affordable option starting around $80,000-$150,000.
A typical ADU project takes 8-14 months from consultation to move-in. This includes 2-4 weeks for design, 60-90 days for permitting, and 4-6 months for construction.
Yes, ADUs require building permits in California. However, state laws have streamlined the process, requiring cities to approve most ADU applications within 60 days. GatherADU handles the entire permitting process for you.
Yes, you can rent out your ADU in most California cities. ADUs typically generate $1,500-$3,500 per month in rental income depending on location and size. Short-term rentals (Airbnb) may have additional restrictions in some cities.
Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq ft. Attached ADUs can be up to 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the primary dwelling, whichever is less. JADUs (Junior ADUs) are limited to 500 sq ft and must be within the existing home.
A garage conversion transforms your existing garage into a livable ADU with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. This is often the most cost-effective ADU option since the basic structure already exists.
Yes, but only on the added value of the ADU itself, not your entire property. Under Proposition 13, your main home's assessed value remains protected. Typical tax increases range from $2,000-$4,500 annually.
In most cases, no. California law exempts ADUs from parking requirements if they're within half a mile of public transit, in a historic district, or if the ADU is a garage conversion. Most urban areas qualify for these exemptions.
ADUs are permitted secondary dwellings that can be legally rented out. Guest houses typically lack kitchens and cannot be rented. ADUs follow streamlined state approval processes, while guest houses follow traditional zoning rules.
Yes. California law (AB 670) prohibits HOAs from completely banning ADUs. HOAs can impose reasonable architectural guidelines but cannot prevent you from building an ADU altogether.
Popular ADU financing options include HELOCs (Home Equity Lines of Credit), home equity loans, cash-out refinancing, construction loans, and CalHFA ADU grants up to $40,000. GatherADU connects you with ADU-specialized lenders.
No. California removed owner-occupancy requirements for most ADUs in 2020. You can rent out both your main home and ADU. However, JADUs still require owner-occupancy in either the main home or JADU.
ADUs require only 4-foot setbacks from side and rear property lines, regardless of local zoning. Front setbacks follow standard zoning rules. No setback is required for garage conversions within existing structures.
Detached ADUs can be up to 16 feet tall (one story) or 18-25 feet for two-story units depending on location. ADUs above garages can reach 25 feet. Height limits vary slightly by city.
A Junior ADU is a small unit (up to 500 sq ft) created within your existing home's footprint, often from a bedroom or garage. JADUs can share a bathroom with the main house and have an efficiency kitchen.
Yes. California law allows one ADU plus one JADU on single-family lots. This means you could have your main home plus two additional units, creating significant rental income potential.
ADUs require electrical, plumbing, water, sewer, and HVAC connections. These can often tie into your existing home's utilities. Separate meters are optional but recommended for rental units.
Garage conversions in California typically cost $80,000-$180,000 depending on size, finishes, and existing conditions. A 2-car garage (400 sq ft) conversion averages $100,000-$150,000.
ADU kitchens must include a cooking appliance, sink with hot and cold water, food preparation surface, and storage cabinets. Full-size appliances aren't required - compact options work for smaller units.
ADU rental income varies by location and size. In Los Angeles, expect $1,800-$2,800/month. San Diego averages $1,500-$2,500/month. Bay Area ADUs can command $2,500-$4,000/month.
Generally no. ADUs are tied to the main property and cannot be sold separately as condos. However, recent legislation allows some lot splits that could enable separate ownership in certain situations.
Prefab (prefabricated) ADUs are factory-built units delivered to your property. They can be faster to install than site-built ADUs but still require site work, foundation, and utility connections. Costs range from $100,000-$300,000 installed.
Yes. GatherADU handles 100% of the permitting process including architectural drawings, structural engineering, Title 24 energy compliance, and all city submissions. We know exactly what each city requires for fast approvals.
ADUs typically add 20-30% to your property's value. A $200,000 ADU investment can add $250,000-$350,000 in property value, plus generate ongoing rental income for a strong ROI.
Our team proudly serves California's diverse communities in English, Spanish, Armenian, and Russian. We provide documentation and support in your preferred language.

Ready to Unlock Your Property's Potential?

Schedule a free consultation with our ADU experts. We'll assess your property, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed estimate - all at no cost.

Email: support@gatheradu.com

19849 Nordhoff St, Los Angeles, CA 91324

ADU Regulations by City

Every city has unique ADU requirements. We've mastered the rules so you don't have to.