From backyard idea to finished home.
Design-build, one contract, one team. No handoffs between architect, engineer, expeditor, and contractor — that's where projects fall apart.
Transparent, predictable, and boring in the best way.
You'll always know which step you're on, what happens next, and who to call. Below is the exact sequence we run on every ADU, garage conversion, and addition.
Step 01FreeFeasibility & zoning check
We pull your parcel, check the zoning that applies in your city or county, setbacks, FAR, utility easements, and fire zones. You leave the call knowing exactly what's buildable — square footage, height, and unit type — before you spend a dollar.
Zoning summaryBuildable envelopePreliminary budget range
Step 02On-site walkthrough & scope
A senior estimator and designer meet you at the property. We measure, photograph, locate the panel and sewer line, and align on program, finishes, and timeline. This is where a real number replaces a Google estimate.
Existing conditions notesProgram briefRefined budget
Step 03Design & written proposal
Concept plans, 3D renderings, and material selections. You approve a layout you can actually picture living in — then we issue a detailed construction proposal with defined scope and itemized allowances, not a placeholder allowance sheet.
Floor plans3D renderingsDetailed construction proposal
Step 04Construction documents & engineering
Structural engineering, Title 24 energy, MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing), and every sheet your building department requires. Nothing gets to plan check half-drawn.
Full CD setStructural calcsTitle 24 report
Step 05Permits & plan check
We submit to LADBS, LA County, Ventura County or your city's building department, respond to every correction, and pull the permit. You never chase a planner — we do.
Permit submittalCorrection responsesApproved permit
Step 06Construction
One dedicated project manager, regular progress updates, a shared schedule, and inspections coordinated on our end.
Progress updatesShared scheduleInspection coordination
Step 07Final inspection & handoff
Punch list walked with you, final city sign-off, Certificate of Occupancy, closeout documentation, and appliance manuals. Any post-completion check-ins and warranty terms are documented in the signed contract.
City sign-offCloseout documentationAs-built package
What each phase looks like.
Reference imagery of the design, walkthrough, framing, and handoff phases described above.
- ✓ Zoning research and feasibility
- ✓ Architectural design & 3D renderings
- ✓ Structural, Title 24, MEP engineering
- ✓ Plan-check submittal & corrections
- ✓ Permit pull & inspection scheduling
- ✓ Demolition, foundation, framing, MEP, finish
- ✓ Utility upgrades and separate meters
- ✓ Final sign-off & Certificate of Occupancy
- ✓ Approving the design at each milestone
- ✓ Selecting finishes from our curated options
- ✓ Signing change orders (if any)
- ✓ Making progress payments per schedule
That's it. You'll never chase a planner, coordinate an inspector, or wait on hold with DWP. That's our job.
Questions we hear on every first call.
How long does an ADU actually take in Los Angeles?+
Design and permitting typically run several months, and construction runs several months after permits are issued. Garage conversions and JADUs are often shorter. Timelines vary by jurisdiction, plan-check corrections and site conditions, so we give you a schedule tied to your scope with the construction proposal.
Do you handle permits, or do I?+
We handle every permit. Zoning verification, plan-check submittal, corrections, and inspection scheduling with LADBS, LA County, Ventura County RMA or any city building department in Los Angeles and Ventura counties — all included in one contract.
Is the price actually fixed?+
After construction documents, you receive a detailed written construction proposal with a defined scope and itemized allowances. Any changes to scope or price are handled through a written change-order process that you approve before work proceeds.
Can I live in my house during construction?+
For detached ADUs and most garage conversions, yes — we stage work so your home stays livable. Large additions or interior conversions sometimes need a short displacement; we tell you up front, not mid-project.
Which cities do you build in?+
Woodland Hills and the San Fernando Valley are home base. We also build across Los Angeles (Westside, Palisades, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Long Beach) and southern Ventura County (Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura).
Free feasibility & zoning check for your address.
Tell us your address and what you're imagining. We'll come back with a buildable envelope, a rough budget, and honest answers — no pressure, no obligation.