ADU Design & Construction

Create extra space and long-term value with a custom-built Accessory Dwelling Unit -ADU. We design and build detached, attached, and garage conversion ADUs — handling everything from permits to final construction.
Services include: design, drafting, permitting, construction, and full project management.

Landscape Design & Build

Transform your outdoor space with drought-tolerant, low-maintenance landscape designs built for California living.
Services include: landscape design, hardscape installation, irrigation systems, outdoor living areas, and sustainable planting.

Home Remodeling & Additions

Upgrade your home with beautiful, functional renovations. Whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, or full addition, we handle every detail with precision and transparency.
Services include: interior/exterior remodeling, room additions, and energy-efficient upgrades.

Design & Drafting Services

Bring your vision to life with detailed 2D and 3D drafting. We create accurate plans, layouts, and visual concepts that make the building process seamless.
Services include: site plans, floor plans, elevations, and construction documents.

3D renders are an artistic interpretation of the general appearance of the model and are not meant to be an exact rendition.

General Contracting & Project Management

Experience stress-free building with our transparent, flat-fee or hourly project management. We coordinate trades, handle permits, and ensure your project runs on time and on budget.
Services include: scheduling, budgeting, quality control, and trade coordination.

Real Estate & Investment Support

We help homeowners and investors unlock property potential through smart design and construction.
Services include: ADU feasibility assessments, property evaluations, and partnerships with real estate agents and probate attorneys.

FAQs

🏡 General ADU Basics

Q1. What is an ADU and why build one in Los Angeles County?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) — sometimes called a granny flat, in-law suite, or backyard home — is a secondary housing unit built on your property.
It’s a great way to create rental income, add living space for family, or increase property value. With updated California ADU laws, most single-family homes in Los Angeles County now qualify to build one.

Q2. What’s the difference between an ADU and a JADU?
A Junior ADU (JADU) is a smaller unit (up to 500 sq. ft.) built inside your main home — often from a converted bedroom or attached garage.
A full ADU is larger (up to 1,200 sq. ft.) and can be detached, attached, or converted from an existing structure.

Q3. How big can my ADU be?
In Los Angeles County, detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq. ft., while attached or converted ADUs can be up to 50% of your home’s floor area.

🏗️ Permits & Construction

Q4. Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Los Angeles County?
Yes. All ADUs require permits from Los Angeles County Building and Safety.
The good news? Under California’s streamlined ADU laws, the county must approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days.

Q5. How long does it take to design and build an ADU?
From design to move-in, most ADUs take 6–12 months, depending on project size and city processing times.
Brick by Brick Builders offers end-to-end design, drafting, and construction management to make the process smooth and transparent.

Q6. Can I convert my garage into an ADU?
Absolutely. Garage conversions are one of the most popular types of ADUs in Los Angeles County.
We handle structural upgrades, permits, and energy code compliance — turning old garages into modern, livable spaces.

Q7. Do I need a separate address or meter for my ADU?
You can keep your existing address or request a ½ address (like 1234½ Main St.). Separate utility meters are optional unless required for tenant billing.

🔥 Design & Building Requirements

Q8. Are fire sprinklers required for an ADU in Los Angeles County?
Only if your main house already has them or if the total combined space (ADU + garage) exceeds 1,200 sq. ft.

Q9. Do ADUs need their own heating and cooling systems?
Yes — each dwelling must have an independent heating and cooling system per California Building Code.

Q10. How are water and sewer connected?
Your ADU can connect to your main home’s sewer line, or have its own if required by your lot layout or the Los Angeles County Sanitation District.

📏 Zoning & Property Rules

Q11. How many ADUs can I build on my property?
Most single-family lots allow one ADU and one JADU.
Multifamily properties may qualify for up to two detached ADUs or multiple units converted within existing space.

Q12. What are the setback rules in Los Angeles County?
Detached ADUs must have 4-foot side and rear setbacks. Converted ADUs can be closer if safety and fire access are maintained.

Q13. Do I need to provide parking for my ADU?
No parking is required if your property is within ½ mile of public transit, in a historic district, or if the ADU replaces a garage.

🏠 Ownership, Rental & Sales

Q14. Do I have to live on the property?
No. As of 2024, Los Angeles County does not require owner-occupancy for ADUs — meaning you can rent out both the main home and the ADU.

Q15. Can I rent my ADU short-term (Airbnb or vacation rental)?
Short-term rentals under 30 days are not allowed. ADUs are intended for long-term housing.

Q16. Can I sell my ADU separately from my home?
Yes, in some cases. California law allows ADUs to be sold as condominiums if certain subdivision and safety requirements are met.

💰 Costs & Financing

Q17. How much does it cost to build an ADU in Los Angeles County?
Building costs can range from $150 to over $300 per square foot, depending on materials, finishes, and total size.

ADU Type Approx. Cost per Sq. Ft. Example Total Garage Conversion ADU$150–$200 Detached ADU (custom build)$200–$350

Your final cost depends on your design, utilities, and permit requirements.
At Brick by Brick Builders, we provide flat-fee design and transparent project management — no markups on materials or subcontractors.

Q18. Are there grants or ADU loans available?
Yes!
Programs like CalHFA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac offer ADU financing or refinancing options.
CalHFA previously offered grants up to $40,000 for predevelopment costs like plans, surveys, and permits — and similar programs may return.

🧱 Unpermitted & Existing Units

Q19. Can I legalize an existing unpermitted ADU in Los Angeles County?
Yes. The county allows homeowners to legalize ADUs built before 2020, as long as the structure meets basic safety and health standards.

⭐ Why Choose Brick by Brick Builders

• Over 20 years of combined experience across multiple trades

• Local expertise with Los Angeles County ADU permitting

• Transparent pricing and project management

• Full-service design, drafting, and construction team

• Drought-tolerant and energy-efficient design options