Design inspirationDetached ADU
A standalone backyard home — up to 1,200 sq ft, its own address, real rental income.
Detached ADU across Greater Los Angeles.
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.
We build across Greater Los Angeles, from Ventura to Long Beach.
Common detached ADU options.
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.
Every phase, in order.
- 1Feasibility & design
Site walk, zoning check, design and 3D renderings.
- 2Construction docs
Engineering, Title 24, MEP, permit set.
- 3Plan check & permits
Plan-check submittal, corrections, permit issuance (California's 60-day review clock applies).
- 4Site prep & foundation
Site protection, grading, footings, slab.
- 5Framing & envelope
Framing, roofing, windows, exterior finishes.
- 6MEP & insulation
Rough electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drywall.
- 7Kitchen, bath, finishes
Cabinetry, tile, flooring, paint, fixtures, appliances.
- 8Final inspection & handoff
Building final, address assignment, punch list, closeout package.
Planning ranges (Los Angeles & Ventura)
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 prepare and submit the permit package to the department that reviews your address, whether that is LADBS, LA County, Ventura County, or a city building department in Los Angeles or Ventura County. 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.
Questions homeowners ask first.
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?+
Rent depends on size, location, layout and condition. Check current local listings or a property manager for comparable units in your neighborhood.
Do I need to live in the main house?+
Under Gov. Code §66315, local agencies cannot require owner-occupancy for an ADU (the only exception is ADUs sold separately under §66341). JADUs are different: owner-occupancy applies only when the JADU shares a bathroom with the main home (§66333(b)).
How large can I build?+
Size limits depend on the ADU type and your local ordinance. Confirm the limits for your lot with your jurisdiction; we check them during feasibility.
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, a city must approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days of receiving it. We use that clock to keep the process moving.
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.