Talk to a GatherADU Advisor
Building an ADU is one of the biggest investments you'll make. Don't navigate it alone. Our dedicated ADU Advisors guide you through every step, from feasibility and design to permits and construction, so you can build with confidence.
Call or text anytime — no obligation, no pressure
Your Dedicated Guide Through the Entire ADU Journey
An ADU Advisor is a dedicated expert who personally walks you through every phase of building an accessory dwelling unit on your property. Unlike generic contractors or salespeople, your GatherADU Advisor is a specialist who understands the unique challenges, regulations, and opportunities that come with ADU construction in California.
When you work with a GatherADU Advisor, you get someone who knows your city's specific zoning codes, understands the permit approval process inside and out, and can help you make informed decisions about design, budget, and timeline. Your advisor becomes your single point of contact, eliminating the confusion of juggling multiple vendors and conflicting information.
Whether you're exploring the idea of building an ADU for the first time or you've already started researching and need professional guidance, your advisor is here to provide clarity. They'll assess your property's ADU potential, walk you through your options, help you understand realistic costs, and create a roadmap that gets you from concept to completion without the typical stress and surprises.
Most importantly, your GatherADU Advisor is available whenever you need them. Have a question at 8 PM on a Tuesday? Send a text. Need clarification on a permit requirement before a deadline? Call directly. Our advisors are responsive, accessible, and genuinely invested in your project's success.
End-to-End ADU Guidance, From First Call to Move-In Day
Your GatherADU Advisor provides comprehensive support across every stage of the ADU building process. Here's exactly how we help you succeed.
Property Feasibility Assessment
Your advisor begins by evaluating your property's ADU potential. This includes checking your lot size, setback requirements, height restrictions, lot coverage limits, and utility access. They'll review your city's specific ADU ordinance and identify any potential obstacles before you invest a single dollar. Many homeowners are surprised to learn they have more options than they thought, while others discover important restrictions early enough to adjust their plans.
Design and Floor Plan Selection
Once feasibility is confirmed, your advisor helps you choose or customize the right design for your needs. Whether you want a one-bedroom rental unit, a two-bedroom family suite, a home office with a guest room, or a compact studio, your advisor will match you with floor plans that maximize your space and budget. We maintain a library of hundreds of proven ADU designs and can also facilitate fully custom architectural plans.
Budget Planning and Financing
Your advisor provides detailed cost breakdowns so there are no financial surprises. They'll help you understand construction costs, permit fees, utility connection charges, and soft costs like architectural and engineering fees. Beyond budgeting, your advisor can connect you with ADU-specific financing options including construction loans, HELOCs, CalHFA ADU grants, and local incentive programs that many homeowners don't know exist.
Permit Processing and Approvals
Permitting is often the most frustrating part of building an ADU. Your advisor coordinates the entire process, working with architects, structural engineers, and your local building department to prepare and submit a complete permit package. They track your application, respond to plan check corrections, and push for timely approvals. Our team's relationships with planning departments across California help avoid common delays.
Contractor Matching and Oversight
Your advisor connects you with vetted, licensed, and insured ADU contractors who have a proven track record of quality work and on-time delivery. Rather than sorting through dozens of bids from unknown builders, you'll receive curated recommendations from professionals we've worked with and trust. During construction, your advisor stays engaged to ensure the project stays on track, on budget, and meets quality standards.
Ongoing Support and Communication
Unlike many companies that disappear after the sale, your GatherADU Advisor remains available throughout your entire project and beyond. Text or call (323) 591-3717 whenever you have questions, concerns, or need updates. Whether it's a question about a change order, an inspection schedule, or what to expect during framing, your advisor is just a phone call or text message away. We believe accessible, responsive communication is what separates a good experience from a great one.
How Working With an ADU Advisor Works
Getting started is simple. Here's what to expect when you connect with a GatherADU Advisor.
Schedule Your Free Call
Book a convenient time for your free consultation or call us directly at (323) 591-3717. Your advisor will spend 20 to 30 minutes learning about your property, your goals, and your timeline. There's no cost, no obligation, and no high-pressure sales tactics. This call is about understanding your situation and giving you honest, actionable information.
Property Assessment and Options Review
After your initial call, your advisor researches your property's zoning, setbacks, utility access, and local ADU regulations. They'll prepare a personalized feasibility summary that outlines what types of ADUs you can build, approximately how large they can be, and any special considerations for your lot. You'll receive this information along with recommended floor plans and preliminary budget ranges so you can make an informed decision about moving forward.
Design, Plan, and Permit
Once you decide to move forward, your advisor coordinates the design, engineering, and permit submission process. They'll work with our in-house design team or connect you with an architect who specializes in ADU projects in your area. Your advisor manages all communication with the building department, handles plan check corrections, and keeps you updated at every stage. Most homeowners find this is where having an advisor saves the most time and frustration.
Build and Move In
With permits approved, construction begins with a vetted contractor matched to your project. Your advisor monitors progress, coordinates inspections, and serves as your advocate if any issues arise during the build. When construction is complete and your ADU passes final inspection, your advisor helps with the final walkthrough and ensures everything meets your expectations. Many of our clients tell us their ADU exceeded what they originally imagined was possible.
Every Type of ADU, One Expert Advisor
No matter what kind of accessory dwelling unit you're considering, your GatherADU Advisor has the expertise to guide you through the process. Here are the most common ADU types we help homeowners build throughout California.
Detached Backyard ADUs
A detached ADU is a standalone structure built in your backyard, completely separate from your main house. These units offer the most privacy and flexibility in terms of design, and they're the most popular ADU type in California. Sizes typically range from 400 to 1,200 square feet, and they can include one or two bedrooms, a full kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Detached ADUs are ideal for rental income, multigenerational living, or creating a private guest suite. Your advisor will help you determine the maximum allowable size for your lot and design a unit that maximizes both livability and return on investment.
Garage Conversions
Converting an existing garage into a living space is one of the most cost-effective ways to add an ADU to your property. Because the basic structure already exists, garage conversions typically cost 30 to 50 percent less than building a new detached unit. California law explicitly protects your right to convert a garage to an ADU, and your city cannot require you to replace the lost parking spaces. Your advisor will evaluate your garage's structural suitability, recommend necessary upgrades for insulation, plumbing, and electrical, and design a conversion that feels like a purpose-built living space rather than a modified garage.
Junior ADUs and Attached Units
A junior ADU, or JADU, is created within the existing footprint of your main house, typically by converting a bedroom, bonus room, or attached garage. JADUs are limited to 500 square feet and must include a cooking facility and a separate entrance, but they can share a bathroom with the main house. Because JADUs require minimal construction, they're the fastest and most affordable ADU option. Attached ADUs, meanwhile, are additions built onto the side or rear of your existing home and can be larger than JADUs. Your advisor will help you determine which option makes the most sense for your home's layout and your goals.
Prefab and Modular ADUs
Prefabricated and modular ADUs are factory-built units that are delivered to your property and installed on a prepared foundation. These units offer faster construction timelines, typically four to eight weeks of on-site work compared to four to eight months for site-built ADUs, and their controlled manufacturing environment often results in higher quality construction with fewer on-site disruptions. Your GatherADU Advisor works with multiple prefab and modular manufacturers to find the right product for your budget, timeline, and design preferences. We'll coordinate everything from site preparation and foundation work to delivery, crane placement, and utility connections.
Building an ADU Without an Advisor Is Like Filing Taxes Without an Accountant
Sure, you can technically do it yourself. But the complexity, the regulations, the potential for costly mistakes, and the sheer amount of time it takes make professional guidance one of the smartest investments you can make.
California's ADU laws are among the most complex in the country. Each of the state's 482 cities and 58 counties has its own set of ADU regulations layered on top of state law. Setback requirements, height limits, lot coverage ratios, parking requirements, impact fees, and utility connection policies vary dramatically from one jurisdiction to the next. What's allowed in Los Angeles might be prohibited in Pasadena, and what's straightforward in San Diego might require a conditional use permit in a neighboring city.
Your GatherADU Advisor knows these nuances because they work with homeowners across California every day. They stay current on policy changes, new incentive programs, and shifts in how local building departments interpret and enforce ADU regulations. This knowledge translates directly into time saved, money saved, and stress avoided for you.
Consider the common mistakes homeowners make without professional guidance: choosing a floor plan that doesn't comply with local setbacks, underestimating utility connection costs by tens of thousands of dollars, selecting a contractor who isn't experienced with ADU-specific requirements, or missing out on financing programs and fee waivers that could save thousands. A GatherADU Advisor helps you avoid every one of these pitfalls.
What to Expect on Your Free ADU Advisor Call
Your free consultation is a no-pressure, information-rich conversation designed to give you clarity and confidence about your ADU project. Here's exactly what happens during the call.
We Listen to Your Goals
Your advisor starts by understanding what you want to achieve. Are you building for rental income? Housing an aging parent? Creating a home office? Each goal shapes the design, budget, and timeline differently, and your advisor tailors their recommendations accordingly.
We Assess Your Property
Using your property address, your advisor checks zoning, lot dimensions, setback requirements, and any unique site conditions. They'll tell you what types and sizes of ADUs are allowed on your specific property, so you know exactly what's possible before spending a dime.
We Discuss Design Options
Based on your goals and property analysis, your advisor presents relevant floor plan options and design approaches. They'll explain the pros and cons of different ADU types, whether a detached unit, garage conversion, or prefab solution makes the most sense for your situation.
We Provide a Cost Overview
Your advisor gives you realistic cost ranges based on the type of ADU discussed, your location, and current market conditions. They'll also identify potential savings through fee waivers, incentive programs, and smart design choices that can significantly reduce your overall investment.
We Outline Next Steps
Before hanging up, your advisor provides a clear action plan. You'll know exactly what needs to happen next, how long each phase will take, and what decisions you'll need to make along the way. No ambiguity, no confusion, just a straightforward path forward.
We Follow Up Personally
After the call, your advisor sends a personalized summary of everything discussed, including property notes, recommended next steps, and relevant resources. And they remain available by phone or text for any follow-up questions that come up, whether it's the next day or the next month.
Common Questions About GatherADU Advisors
What does a GatherADU Advisor do?
A GatherADU Advisor is your dedicated point of contact for your entire ADU project. They guide you through feasibility, zoning, design options, budgeting, permitting, contractor selection, and construction oversight. Think of them as a knowledgeable friend who happens to be an ADU expert and is available whenever you need guidance.
How much does the ADU Advisor consultation cost?
Your initial consultation with a GatherADU Advisor is completely free with no obligation. During this call, your advisor will assess your property, discuss your goals, answer your questions, and outline a preliminary plan for your ADU project.
Can I call or text my ADU Advisor anytime?
Yes. GatherADU Advisors are available by phone call or text message at (323) 591-3717. You can reach out whenever you have a question, need guidance, or want an update on your project. We pride ourselves on being accessible and responsive.
How long does it take to build an ADU?
A typical ADU project takes 12 to 18 months from initial consultation to move-in. This includes design and planning (4 to 8 weeks), permitting (8 to 16 weeks depending on your city), and construction (4 to 8 months). Your advisor will give you a detailed timeline specific to your property and city during your free consultation.
What types of ADUs can I build?
GatherADU Advisors help with all ADU types including detached backyard ADUs, attached ADUs, garage conversions, junior ADUs (JADUs), basement conversions, and above-garage units. We also work with prefab and modular ADU options for faster construction timelines.
Do I need to know anything before my free consultation?
No preparation is required. However, it helps if you have a general idea of what you want to use the ADU for (rental income, family housing, home office) and your approximate budget range. Your advisor will handle everything else including checking your zoning, setbacks, and lot coverage requirements.
Does GatherADU handle permits?
Yes. Permitting is one of the most complex parts of building an ADU, and our team handles the entire process. Your advisor coordinates with architects, engineers, and your local building department to ensure your plans meet all code requirements and your permits are approved as quickly as possible.
What areas does GatherADU serve?
GatherADU primarily serves homeowners throughout California, with particularly strong coverage in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Ventura County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Our advisor network covers over 1,125 cities statewide.
How much does an ADU cost to build?
ADU costs vary widely based on size, type, finishes, and location. In California, most ADUs cost between $150,000 and $400,000 for a complete turnkey build. Garage conversions and junior ADUs typically cost less, while larger custom detached units with premium finishes can cost more. Your advisor will provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation.
Can my ADU Advisor help with financing?
Absolutely. GatherADU Advisors are knowledgeable about all ADU financing options including construction loans, HELOCs, cash-out refinances, ADU-specific loan programs, and government incentive programs. Your advisor will help you understand which financing options work best for your situation and connect you with trusted lending partners.
Ready to Talk to Your ADU Advisor?
Your free consultation is the first step toward building the ADU you've been thinking about. Whether you're ready to start or just exploring possibilities, your advisor is here to help you understand your options, your costs, and your timeline. No pressure, no obligation, just expert guidance from people who build ADUs every day.
Available 7 days a week — call or text anytime