ADU Knowledge
August 1, 2025
ADU Builders Los Angeles: Share What Delays Most Projects And How to Avoid Them
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Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Los Angeles is a smart way to increase property value, create passive income, or house extended family. However, many homeowners underestimate how long ADUs can take. Permit issues, contractor delays, and poor planning can all cause setbacks. Knowing what to expect and how to prevent it can save you time, stress, and money.
At Gather ADU, we’ve helped countless Los Angeles homeowners streamline their ADU builds by managing every phase from site evaluation to design and permitting. Our proven systems are designed to avoid the common pitfalls that slow down most projects. In this blog, we’ll share the most frequent causes of delays and how to protect your project timeline.
Even the most well-planned ADU projects in Los Angeles can face frustrating setbacks. From city permitting delays to backordered materials, even minor setbacks can cause significant disruptions. If you're planning to build an ADU, understanding common pitfalls and how to avoid them can save you months. Below, our experts at Gather ADU outline six common delay factors and how to prevent them.
Delays often begin with permitting issues. Los Angeles has strict regulations, complex zoning overlays, and historic preservation areas that can complicate approvals. Submitting incomplete documents or inaccurate plans can stall the process for weeks or even months. To avoid this, homeowners must understand local requirements, submit complete applications, and work with experienced professionals who manage permitting efficiently.
Here’s how to avoid it:
Permitting doesn’t have to be a roadblock if handled proactively. With the proper support and a knowledgeable team like Gather ADU guiding the process, you can reduce approval wait times and start building sooner. Early planning and expert guidance are the keys to turning permitting from a delay into a smooth first step.
Improper measurements or skipped utility checks often lead to costly surprises during construction. Discovering a sewer line in the wrong place or missing a slope calculation can force a redesign and delay permits. Accurate site evaluations are essential for preventing these issues. Professional assessments ensure your ADU plan aligns with zoning, setbacks, and infrastructure from the very beginning.
Before building:
Skipping a proper site assessment is one of the most common mistakes that lead to ADU delays. By investing in a professional evaluation early, you can avoid costly changes later. At Gather ADU, we help homeowners uncover potential site issues upfront, so your ADU build stays on time and budget. We also help customers understand what ADU Plans Typically Include.
Homeowners often make changes to materials, layouts, or design features once construction is underway. Even minor edits, like switching countertops or altering room dimensions, can disrupt the workflow, trigger re-inspections, and extend timelines. These change orders not only delay completion but may also increase costs. Finalising design decisions early is key to maintaining momentum and avoiding costly project setbacks.
Learn how planning can prevent these disruptions in our guide: 6 Things to Consider When Hiring an ADU Builder in Montebello, which outlines how scope definition and clear contracts help mitigate mid-project changes
To reduce change orders:
Avoiding change orders starts with precise planning and design alignment from day one. At Gather ADU, our design-build approach ensures every detail is locked in before construction begins. With visual tools and expert guidance, we help you make confident choices early, so your ADU stays on schedule and within budget.
Los Angeles has a high demand for skilled tradespeople, especially during peak construction seasons like spring and summer. Framing crews, electricians, and HVAC professionals often get booked weeks in advance. Without early scheduling, your project could face unexpected downtime. Securing reliable, available subcontractors ahead of time is crucial to maintaining momentum and keeping your ADU project on track.
Time-saving strategies include:
At Gather ADU, we maintain a curated network of trusted tradespeople to ensure availability and consistent quality. By managing scheduling internally and avoiding reliance on overbooked subcontractors, we minimise construction delays. This proactive approach keeps your ADU build moving forward even during high-demand seasons, so you can plan with confidence and trust the timeline we deliver.
Use this 60-word cheat sheet to protect your project from slowdowns:
By following these simple yet proactive steps, like early site evaluations, design finalisation, and coordinated scheduling, you can avoid the most common ADU delays in Los Angeles. These time-saving measures don’t just protect your investment; they also create a smoother, less stressful building experience. These practices can shave off 2–3 months from your total ADU timeline.
City inspections play a critical role in every ADU project. Even minor code violations, such as improper smoke detector placement or handrail height, can lead to failed inspections, costly rework, and scheduling holdups. Passing the first time depends on thorough preparation, city-code compliant construction, and experienced professionals who anticipate what inspectors will look for.
How to pass inspections the first time:
The best way to pass inspections smoothly is to build with compliance in mind from day one. At Gather ADU, we prioritise city regulations at every stage to avoid surprises. Our team understands local codes inside and out, so your ADU is inspection-ready before the city even steps on-site. Read more about how we build for compliance.
From windows to plumbing fixtures, any backordered item can bring construction to a halt. Material delays are one of the most common and unpredictable setbacks in ADU projects. While you can’t control global supply chains, you can plan. Choosing in-stock items, finalising finish schedules early, and having backup options ready can keep your project moving without interruption.
Avoid material hold-ups by:
Material delays don’t have to derail your timeline. Working with experienced builders who understand local supply chains can make all the difference. At Gather ADU, we offer curated material packages and early procurement planning to avoid costly wait times. Our streamlined approach ensures your selections are available when needed, keeping your ADU build on schedule.
From confusing permits to unreliable contractors and supply chain hiccups, building an ADU in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. Many homeowners find themselves months behind schedule, spending more time, money, and energy than expected. Without the right team, your ADU project could face avoidable setbacks that delay your goals and add unnecessary stress.
At Gather ADU, we eliminate the guesswork with full-service, design-build solutions tailored to Los Angeles homeowners. From accurate site assessments and permit approvals to in-house crews and curated material packages, we plan every step with precision. Ready to build your ADU on time and budget? Schedule your free consultation today.
Most ADUs in Los Angeles take 8–12 months from start to finish. That includes design, permits, and construction. Timelines depend on site conditions, permit approval, and contractor availability. Hiring experienced professionals and finalising decisions early helps avoid delays. Unexpected changes, inspections, or material shortages can add time. Plan carefully to stay within the estimated timeframe.
You need building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and planning permits. If your property has zoning overlays or is in a special district, additional reviews may apply. All licenses must be approved before construction begins. Submitting accurate plans helps avoid rejections. A licensed contractor or design-build firm usually handles permitting and ensures everything complies with city requirements.
Delays usually result from design changes, failed inspections, backordered materials, or incomplete site prep. City permits can also take longer than expected. Hiring licensed professionals and finalising plans early helps reduce risks. On-time ordering and close inspection coordination are key. Site access issues, weather, or code violations may also stall construction unexpectedly, adding days or weeks.
ADUs exceed budget due to unexpected site work, design changes, rising material costs, or permitting issues. Homeowners sometimes request upgrades during construction. Inaccurate initial estimates or poor planning also contribute. Fixed-price contracts and detailed planning reduce risk. An experienced builder can help identify hidden costs early and keep spending within limits through proactive project management.
Yes, you can live in your main house while building a detached ADU. Expect noise, dust, and limited yard access. Contractors may need to temporarily shut off utilities. Safety barriers and scheduled work hours help reduce disruption. It’s best to coordinate daily access and communicate clearly with your builder to avoid issues during construction.
Not sure where to start with your ADU project?
Explore your ADU possibilities with Gather. We provide ADU planning, design, permitting, and construction management services in California, Georgia, Washington, Oregon and beyond!
