IllustrationDetached ADU
A standalone backyard home for rental income, family or independent living, adapted to the lot and local rules.
ADU design-build · Los Angeles
One team. One contract. From your lot to your keys.
Struct Builders designs, permits and builds accessory dwelling units for Los Angeles homeowners: detached backyard homes, garage conversions, junior ADUs and second-story units. We start with your address, tell you clearly what your lot can hold, and stay accountable for every stage until final inspection.
4 ft
The most a city can require for side and rear setbacks on a new ADU under California law.
750 sq ft
Under this size, an ADU is exempt from local impact fees; larger units pay proportionally.
1 contract
Feasibility, design, permits and construction handled by the same accountable team.
What we build
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Four ways to add a home to your property
Every option starts with a feasibility check of your lot, so you choose with the facts in hand.
IllustrationDetached backyard ADU
A standalone home designed around your lot, for family, rental or independent living.
Explore →IllustrationGarage conversion
A legal living unit inside the structure you already own, while you keep your yard.
Explore →IllustrationJunior ADU
Up to 500 sq ft created within your home: the lightest way to add a private unit.
Explore →IllustrationSecond-story ADU
Build above an existing structure when the yard is too small for a detached unit.
Explore →
New for 2027 · California law AB 956
Two detached ADUs on one lot
From January 1, 2027, cities must approve up to two detached ADUs behind a single-family home, without a hearing. For deep or wide lots, that means two independent units, two rents or two homes for family.
What changes
Up to two new detached ADUs approved by right on a single-family lot, instead of one. Impact fees apply only to the space above 750 sq ft (SB 1117).
The fine print
With two detached ADUs built this way, a junior ADU is no longer guaranteed on the same lot. We compare both scenarios on your property before you choose.
60-second lot check
What can your lot hold?
Answer three quick questions. We’ll show you the ADU types that usually fit, then confirm it for your exact address on a free call.
1. Do you have usable backyard space?
2. Is there a detached or attached garage?
3. What matters most to you?
Your likely options
Indicative only. Zoning, utilities, easements, trees and hazard zones are checked for your exact property on the free call.
Get this analysis for your address
A project lead checks your exact lot and calls you back with what fits.
Financing program
Build now. No payments for up to 24 months.*
Your financing is arranged before work starts, so your project is funded from day one, with no payments for up to 24 months.* Once rented, an ADU in Los Angeles can bring in more each month than its payment.
1
We build your ADU
Design, permits and construction with one team.
2
It starts creating value
A rental that can earn more each month than its payment, or space for family.
3
Then payments begin
On the date set in your contract, with no payments for up to 24 months.*
*Available to qualified California homeowners. Eligibility depends on the project and the property’s equity profile; terms are explained during the call. Not a commitment to lend. Rental income depends on the market and is not guaranteed.
How it works
From first call to keys, in four stages
01
Feasibility
Zoning, site and utilities reviewed. A clear yes or no for your lot.
02
Design
Layout, budget and phases, presented for your approval.
03
Permits
Submissions and plan-check responses handled for you.
04
Build
One site team, quality checks at key stages, final inspection.
Price and timeline
The honest answer: it depends on your property
The cost and the schedule of an ADU vary enormously with the location, the lot and the type of unit: detached ADU, garage conversion, junior ADU, second story. We refuse to publish promotional prices or timelines we could not keep. Only a real analysis of your property gives a realistic estimate.
A free visit, no commitment
We come to your property, look at the lot, the access and the utilities, and give you a realistic estimate and price.
Everything decided before
Price, schedule and planning are set before construction starts and written into your contract.
Weeks to months
Construction ranges from a few weeks to several months depending on the project. No one can honestly promise more before seeing your lot.
Income before you pay*
If you qualify for our financing, your ADU can be built and start earning, for example as a rental, before your first payment is due.
That is how we take the stress out of cost and timing: the numbers are settled before you commit, and if you are eligible, your ADU can start creating value before the first payment.*
*Available to qualified California homeowners. Eligibility depends on the project and the property’s equity profile. Rental income is not guaranteed and depends on the market and your own choices.
Free feasibility call
Book a free 15-minute feasibility call
A project lead reviews your address, tells you what your lot can hold and gives you a first look at your financing eligibility.
What you get
- Free, with no obligation
- A clear answer on what your lot can hold
- A first look at financing eligibility, by phone or at your property
- A site visit only if it makes sense
Prefer to talk now? (424) 448-4895
Email: [email protected]
Los Angeles, CA · We come to your property
1 · Preferred time2 · Your property3 · Confirmed
Preferred day (Pacific time)
Preferred time
Tell us when to call you. A project lead calls you back at that time of day (Pacific time).
Your call is booked
We’ll confirm by text or phone. No obligation.
Design ideas
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What your ADU could look like
Illustrations of the ADUs we design and build. Photos of our first projects in Los Angeles are coming soon.
IllustrationIllustrationHigh-end ADU
Architect-led design with premium finishes, combining design, permits and build coordination for long-term value.
IllustrationGarage conversion
A legal living unit inside an existing garage, with the yard kept intact.
IllustrationHome extension
Added living space matched to the existing structure and to city requirements.
Reviews
What homeowners say
★★★★★
As a designer, I really appreciate working with a contractor who communicates clearly and coordinates well. Chai has been easy to work with, responsive, and open to discussing design details throughout the project. That collaboration makes a big difference. Highly recommend!
Mihran Jaghlassian
★★★★★
Definitely the biggest knowledge in ADU market and renovations. Always the best ideas of space exploitation and especially a honest guy. Chai will always make himself available and implicated in every task. this company will be the next biggest one in all california i would refer to anyone and I am also available to be contacted even if my unit is now rented and not available for tour. Thanks to struct builder for everything
David Boaron
★★★★★
I have been working with chai for my adu project he helped me for all the process and gave me and my wife the most extraordinary service. Always available, always a good positive mind. I highly recommend to work with him if you want no headache from plans until financing design all in one ! Listen to his advices always ! I also recommended him to 2 friends and one family member that started their plans process
Guy Ben Shushan
Why one team matters
The difference you’ll feel on day one
Many homeowners juggle a designer, an engineer, a permit expediter and a contractor. We bring it under one roof.
| Struct Builders | Separate providers | |
|---|---|---|
| Free feasibility check before you commit | ✓ | Varies |
| Design, permits and construction in one contract | ✓ | 3–4 contracts |
| Firm price in your contract before construction | ✓ | Often after plans |
| Plan-check comments answered for you | ✓ | Back and forth |
| One point of contact, regular updates | ✓ | Several |
| Financing program* | ✓ | Rarely |
Free resources
Plan with real documents, not guesswork
Sample floor plans by shape, size and number of rooms, plus plain-English guides to Los Angeles ADU rules and costs.
Plan book
Junior ADU plan book
Six layouts inside your home or attached garage, 210 to 490 sq ft, with the 2026 rules.
Plan book
Tiny ADU plan book
Six small homes from 150 to 336 sq ft, built on site, never prefab.
Plan book
Studio ADU plan book
Six one-room homes from 360 to 500 sq ft: square, L-shaped, alcove or garage.
Plan book
One-bedroom ADU plan book
Six one-bedroom homes from 450 to 750 sq ft, with porch, den or kitchen island.
The ADU guide
Latest from the blog
Rules
Two detached ADUs on one lot: what changes in 2027 (AB 956)
From January 1, 2027, California cities must approve up to two detached ADUs behind a single-family home. What it means for Los Angeles owners, and the catch.
5 min readRules
Can you build an ADU in your Los Angeles backyard? The rules that decide
Setbacks, size, fees, parking and junior ADUs: the California rules that decide what your lot can hold, explained plainly.
6 min readCosts
What really drives the cost of an ADU in Los Angeles
Six factors explain most of the difference between two ADU budgets. Here is how to read them before you ask for a price.
5 min read
Service areas
Serving homeowners across Los Angeles
Central Los AngelesSan Fernando ValleyThousand OaksSimi ValleyParamountWest AdamsMid-CityCulver CityLong BeachDowneyWhittierNorwalkTorranceInglewoodComptonCarsonAnaheimSanta AnaIrvineHuntington BeachPasadenaGlendaleBurbankRialto (on request)Garden GroveOrangeFullertonCosta MesaNewport BeachTustinSherman OaksEncinoVan NuysWoodland HillsNorthridgeCalabasas
Questions homeowners ask us
How much does an ADU cost in Los Angeles?
It depends on the location, size, ADU type, site access, utilities, foundation and finishes. After the free visit you get a realistic estimate, and the firm price is written into your contract before construction starts.
Can I build an ADU in my backyard?
Usually, yes. California requires cities to allow ADUs on most residential lots and caps side and rear setbacks for a new ADU at 4 ft. Lot size, utilities, easements, trees and fire or flood zones decide the final fit, which we check for your address.
Do I need extra parking?
Often not. State law bars replacement parking when a garage is converted, and no parking can be required for ADUs created from existing space, located near transit or in historic districts.
Can I build now and pay later?
Yes, and that is what sets us apart. Your financing is arranged before work starts, so the project is funded from day one, and qualified California homeowners make no payments for up to 24 months.* The unit can be finished, and even rented, before the first payment. In Los Angeles, an ADU’s rent can exceed its monthly payment: cash flow that helps pay for the investment. The date payments start is written into your contract. Eligibility depends on the project and the property’s equity profile; we take a first look during the call or the visit.
How long does the process take?
An ADU moves through feasibility, design, permits, construction and inspection. Durations depend on the design, the city’s plan-check and site conditions; we give you a realistic schedule for your project after the feasibility check.
Who handles permits and inspections?
We do. We prepare and submit the permit package, answer plan-check comments, schedule inspections and remain your single point of contact.
Service areas
Serving homeowners across Los Angeles
Los Angeles, the South Bay and Orange County, within about 40 miles of Paramount. Farther on request.
Service areas
ADU rules, city by city
Permits, fire and coastal zones, pre-approved plans: see what applies in the 36 cities we serve.
Central Los AngelesSan Fernando ValleyThousand OaksSimi ValleyParamountWest AdamsMid-CityCulver CityLong BeachDowneyWhittierNorwalkTorranceInglewoodComptonCarsonAnaheimSanta AnaIrvineHuntington BeachPasadenaGlendaleBurbankRialto (on request)Garden GroveOrangeFullertonCosta MesaNewport BeachTustinSherman OaksEncinoVan NuysWoodland HillsNorthridgeCalabasas