ADU Construction in Los Angeles
Specializing in ADU construction Los Angeles homeowners trust, we build bespoke accessory dwelling units, garage conversions, and luxury guest houses. Each project is artfully designed for the lifestyle you want today and the investment return you’ll value for decades.
- Licensed
- Bonded
- Insured
- CA License #B-1084606
The D&H Difference
Mastering the Art of the Los Angeles ADU
In a city where space is the ultimate luxury, D&H Contractors turns underutilized land into high-performing architectural assets. Whether you’re adding a private guest house, a multi-generational living space, or a high-income rental, we design and build accessory dwelling units to the same engineering-grade standard as a custom home.
Every D&H ADU is personally led by founder Chris Doria, whose structural-engineering background means your unit is built right from the foundation up — properly sited, properly supported, and built to last. And because we manage the entire process in-house — feasibility, design, LADBS permitting, and construction — you don’t have to navigate any regulatory complexity yourself.
Why Homeowners Choose D&H to Build Their ADU
Founder-led and structurally sound
Chris Doria personally oversees every ADU — from foundation engineering to final inspection.
True design-build
Feasibility study, architectural design, permitting, and construction under one roof, with fixed-price contracts and no hand-offs.
Permit mastery
We handle LADBS plan check, setback and zoning analysis, utility connections, and Title 24 compliance — and we know how to use California's pre-approved plan pathway to move faster.
Westside specialists
We build for the lot conditions and design expectations of Brentwood, Bel Air, Santa Monica, and the Palisades — including hillside and coastal-zone sites.
Investment-minded
We design ADUs to maximize rental income, property value, and long-term ROI — not just square footage.
Types of ADUs We Build
Standalone units up to 1,200 sq ft for ultimate privacy and design freedom; ideal as guest houses or premium rentals.
Detached ADU
Seamless additions that extend your primary residence's footprint while functioning as an independent dwelling.
Attached ADU
Up to 500 sq ft created within the existing home, perfect for multi-generational living or a home office suite.
Junior ADU (JADU)
Transform an underused garage into a high-income living space — the fastest, most cost-effective path to an ADU.
Garage Conversion
Grand, multi-room structures designed for extended family or high-end short- and long-term rental.
Luxury Guest House
Seamless additions that extend your primary residence's footprint while functioning as an independent dwelling.
Attached ADU
How Much Does an ADU Cost in Los Angeles?
ADU construction in Los Angeles generally runs, depending on type, site conditions, and finish level. As a luxury Westside builder, D&H typically places its projects at the upper end of these ranges, reflecting custom design and premium materials. Typical 2026 LA ranges by type:
- Garage Conversion:
- Junior ADU (JADU):
- Detached ADU (new construction):
- Attached ADU:
Cost drivers include square footage, single- vs. two-story design, site slope, utility connections, and finish selections. ADUs under 750 sq ft are now exempt from all impact fees under SB 543 — a meaningful savings we help you capture. Every D&H project comes with a detailed, fixed-price proposal after the feasibility and design phase.
ADU Rental Income & ROI
For many homeowners, an ADU is the smartest investment their property can make. In Los Angeles in 2026, ADU rents vary by neighborhood:
- Westside (Santa Monica, Brentwood, Venice): ~$2,800–$4,200/month
- Central LA: ~$2,200–$3,800/month
- San Fernando Valley (Encino, Sherman Oaks): ~$2,000–$3,200/month
That translates to roughly $24,000–$50,000+ in annual rental income, with typical returns of 8–12% per year and break-even in about 4.5–6.5 years. A permitted ADU can also add $150,000–$ 300,000 or more to your property’s resale value. Because owner-occupancy is no longer required (AB 976), you can rent both your main home and your ADU.
Structural Precision
Coastal Expertise
Energy Compliant
Fully Insured
ADU Laws & Permits in Los Angeles
Los Angeles zoning is complex, but recent California legislation has made ADUs more buildable than ever. ADUs in LA are governed by both the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC §12.22 A.33) and California State ADU Law (Government Code §65852.2) — and the more permissive rules generally apply. We handle every step with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), including:
- Zoning, setback, and feasibility analysis
- LADBS plan check and pre-approved / standard-plan submissions
- Utility connections and Title 24 energy compliance
- Coastal Commission coordination for Malibu and Santa Monica lots
Key 2025–2026 laws that work in your favor:
- AB 1332 (2025): Everyevery city must offer pre-approved ADU plans with 30-day approval; custom designs must be decided within 60 days.
- SB 543 (2026): a 15-day application-completeness clock, interior-only square-footage measurement, and no impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft.
- AB 976 (2024): owner-occupancy requirement permanently eliminated — rent both units.
- AB 2533 (2025): a legalization pathway for unpermitted ADUs built before 2020.
State-mandated timelines now require permit decisions within 60 days, and, in practice, pre-approved plans can clear in as little as 21–30 days. Building without permits risks daily fines and resale complications — every D&H ADU is fully permitted and to code.
Our ADU Design-Build Process
Consultation & Feasibility
In-depth site evaluation and feasibility study of your lot (1–2 weeks)
Design & Budget
Architectural renderings and a fixed-price contract for full transparency (2–4 weeks)
Permitting
LADBS approvals, zoning clearances, and utility planning, handled by us (as fast as 21–60 days with pre-approved plans)
Groundbreaking
Site prep and foundation work with minimal disruption to your home
Construction
Full build-out with white-glove site management
Final Inspection & Handover
Quality inspection, sign-off, and your move-in-ready ADU
Featured ADU Projects
The Brentwood Guest House
A 1,200-sq-ft two-story home with a private rooftop deck and full smart-home integration.
The Santa Monica Loft
An outdated two-car garage transformed into a high-income rental with industrial finishes.
Neighborhoods We Serve
Brentwood
Bel Air
Santa Monica
Pacific Palisades
Beverly Hills
Encino
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
With California’s pre-approved-plan pathway, LADBS permits can be issued in as little as 21–60 days, and most ADUs are completed within 4 to 8 months from design to move-in, depending on type and site conditions.
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
Yes. All ADUs require permits from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). D&H handles the entire permit process, including zoning, setbacks, utility connections, and Title 24 compliance.
How big can an ADU be in Los Angeles?
Detached and attached ADUs can be built up to 1,200 square feet, and Junior ADUs (JADUs) up to 500 square feet within the existing home. Under SB 543, square footage is now measured by interior livable space.
Can I rent out my ADU?
Yes. As of AB 976 (2024), owner-occupancy is no longer required, so you can rent out both your main home and your ADU. LA Westside ADUs commonly rent for $2,800–$4,200 per month.
What types of ADUs do you build?
D&H builds detached ADUs, attached ADUs, garage conversions, Junior ADUs (JADUs), and luxury guest houses across the Los Angeles Westside.
Does an ADU add value to my home?
Yes. A permitted ADU can add $150,000–$300,000+ to a property’s resale value in Los Angeles and generate rental income with typical annual returns of 8–12%.
Start Your ADU Project
Ready to unlock your property’s full potential? Tell us about your lot and goals, and our team will respond within 24 hours with a feasibility overview and next steps.