Detached ADU
A standalone backyard home — up to 1,200 sq ft, its own address, real rental income.
Detached ADU across Los Angeles, Orange & Ventura Counties.
A detached ADU is a fully independent home in your backyard — its own kitchen, bath, entry, address, and mailbox. Up to 1,200 sq ft under California ADU law. Real rentable, real refinanceable, real long-term value.
HomeAdd handles the entire build: site plan, architectural design, structural engineering, local building permits, utility separations, and construction. One contract, one project manager, one accountable team.
Most detached ADUs finish in 7–10 months on site once permits are in hand. We build across LA, OC, and Ventura.
Ways homeowners use this addition.
Studio ADU (400–500 sq ft)
One open living/sleeping room with full kitchen and bath — the fastest and most affordable detached option.
1-bedroom ADU (600–750 sq ft)
Separated bedroom, full bath, kitchen, living. The sweet spot for rental income.
2-bedroom ADU (800–1,000 sq ft)
Family-friendly ADU that commands premium rent or houses multi-generational living.
3-bedroom ADU (1,000–1,200 sq ft)
Maximum allowed under state law. Effectively a small house on your lot.
Modern minimal ADU
Flat or mono-slope roof, big windows, contemporary finishes — the LA style.
Matched-to-house ADU
Same stucco, same roof tile, same trim so it reads as a smaller cousin of the main house.
What's included in every HomeAdd project.
A realistic schedule, phase by phase.
- 1Feasibility & design4–6 weeks
Site walk, zoning check, design and 3D renderings.
- 2Construction docs4–6 weeks
Engineering, Title 24, MEP, permit set.
- 3Plan check & permits6–10 weeks
Plan-check submittal, corrections, permit issuance (California's 60-day review clock applies).
- 4Site prep & foundation2–3 weeks
Site protection, grading, footings, slab.
- 5Framing & envelope4–6 weeks
Framing, roofing, windows, exterior finishes.
- 6MEP & insulation3–4 weeks
Rough electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drywall.
- 7Kitchen, bath, finishes4–6 weeks
Cabinetry, tile, flooring, paint, fixtures, appliances.
- 8Final inspection & handoff1–2 weeks
Building final, address assignment, punch list, closeout package.
What it costs in LA, Orange & Ventura Counties.
Preliminary planning ranges vary by jurisdiction, site conditions, design, utilities, and finish level. A written proposal follows feasibility and design.
Efficient open floor plan, mid-range finishes, mini-split HVAC.
Separated bedroom, upgraded finishes, dedicated laundry.
Larger footprint, multiple bedrooms, upgraded exterior integration.
Filed, corrected, inspected — by us.
We submit to LADBS, LA County DPW, and every OC and Ventura jurisdiction weekly. You never touch a portal, sit on hold, or drive to a counter.
- ADU permit (California's 60-day review timeline)
- Structural plan check
- Title 24 energy compliance
- Mechanical, electrical, plumbing permits
- Sewer / water tap permits
- Electrical service upgrade (as required)
- Address assignment through USPS
- Final building inspection & CofO
What this scope typically looks like.
Representative planning images of the kind of build described above.
Answers we give on most first calls.
Still have questions? Call (877) 544-1543 or request a callback — a HomeAdd project advisor will walk your address on Google Earth with you on the phone.
How much rent can I expect for a detached ADU in LA?+
In the San Fernando Valley and Westside, 1-bedroom ADUs typically rent for $2,600–$3,800/month; 2-bedrooms $3,400–$5,200. Numbers vary by neighborhood. We can share comparables for your ZIP.
Do I need to live in the main house?+
State law no longer requires owner-occupancy for ADUs built through 2029. You can rent out both units. Local rules vary — we confirm your specific city's ordinance.
How large can I build?+
California state law allows up to 1,200 sq ft for a detached ADU, or up to 50% of the main house's footprint (whichever is greater). LA has adopted the state maximum.
Do I need to add parking?+
For most detached ADUs in LA, no additional off-street parking is required — especially within a half mile of transit. We confirm for your specific lot.
Can I finance it?+
Yes. HELOC, cash-out refi, and construction loans are all common. Some lenders now offer ADU-specific loans that appraise based on future rental income. We can refer specialists.
What's the state 60-day clock?+
Under state law, cities must approve or comment on ADU applications within 60 days. Most departments comply. We use it to keep the process moving and hold the city accountable.
Detached ADU by city.
Each page covers the reviewing department, local site conditions, and typical scopes for that city.
Other ADU options for your lot.
Ready to plan your detached adu?
We'll walk your property, pull the zoning, and give you a real budget and timeline — before you spend a dollar on design.