You may be asking yourself whether to build an ADU or garage conversion. Luckily, you may now able to choose the structure best fits you! The State of California recently passed laws (AB-68 and SB-13), allowing many new zoning codes to accommodate Accessory Dwelling Units and Garage Conversions. Many new single and multi-family properties will be permitted to have both!
NEO Builders would be happy to help you decide if just one or both is the best option for you! Not to mention we are the fastest ADU builders in California!
NEO Builder's ADU Development Process
We take your hand and walk you through start to finish. We are builders you can trust.
In just 5 steps you can change your life with an ADU or Garage Conversion!
1. Create ADU Blueprints
In Los Angeles-area cities, and in unincorporated Los Angeles County, homeowners will need to run plans for the project by their local department of building and safety. For ground-up construction, that means diagrams and exact measurements will need to be included. If a project is especially complex, homeowners may want to seek assistance from a licensed architect.
2. Get Permits
In an R1 zone, you are allowed in the state of California to turn your garage into a habitable dwelling unit. It will be an accessory to the main house. That is why it’s called an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU. NEO Builders will assist you in all aspects of the permit process.
5. Renting out the unit
California rules leave it up to local cities to decide whether ADUs can be listed on short-term rental sites like Airbnb. Some, like Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Los Angeles County, have chosen to limit airbnb but there are many ways to rent out units. Longer periods of time are easier with less hassle.
Homeowners aiming to build a rental unit to help pay the mortgage are killing two birds with one stone.
4. Complete Finishes
In an R1 zone, you are allowed in the state of California to turn your garage into a habitable dwelling unit. It will be an accessory to the main house. That is why it’s called an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU. NEO Builders will assist you in all aspects of the permit process.
3. Build ADU or Garage Conversion
Upon receiving the permits, we finalize our Construction Contract, including a budget and estimated build time. Then we begin construction on your ADU or Garage Conversion. We provide weekly/daily updates and keep you involved throughout the whole process. After all, it is in your backyard!
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Costs and estimated build time depend on the size and features requested.
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Building an ADU or Garage conversion can increase your property value by $100,000+ and generate $10,000-$50,000 in rental income per year, depending on location.
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How do I start building an ADU in Los Angeles?To start building an ADU in Los Angeles, the first step is to evaluate your property for eligibility based on local zoning and setback requirements. From there, you'll need to hire a designer, architect, or design/build firm to create plans, submit them to the city for permits, and choose a licensed general contractor to build the unit. At NEO Builders, we handle everything from initial feasibility to final inspection—so you can build your ADU with confidence and without delays.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Los Angeles?Building an ADU in Los Angeles typically costs between $150,000 and $300,000 with garage conversion ADUs often being the most affordable. The final cost will depend on factors like existing site conditions, ADU size, level of finishes, and more.
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What areas in LA County do you service?NEO Builders serves the Greater Los Angeles Area of Los Angeles County and parts of Ventura County including Culver City, Thousand Oaks, San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Glendale, Altadena, Pasadena, and Inglewood.
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How long does it take to build an ADU in LA?The ADU process in Los Angeles, from design to final inspection, usually takes 6 to 9 months. This includes permitting, construction, and inspections. However, NEO Builders has been able to complete a project in as little as 3 months. Check out the project tour here: 340 sq ft Los Angeles Garage Conversion ADU
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Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Los Angeles?Yes, all ADUs in Los Angeles, and all of California require permits. Our team handles the entire permitting process to ensure your project meets local zoning and building codes tailored to your city, neighborhood, and property requirements.
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Can I convert my garage into an ADU in Los Angeles?Yes, garage conversions are one of the most popular types of ADUs in Los Angeles and come with additional regulatory benefits compared to other ADU types. In most cases, converting a garage can also cut costs on structural and foundation work.
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Does your company help with ADU design and plans?Yes, NEO Builders offers full-service ADU design and planning in-house. We tailor your plans to meet both your needs and LA building regulations. We also handle all permitting, coordinate with city officials, and ensure your plans are ready for construction without costly delays.
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How do I finance an ADU in Los Angeles?Common ADU financing options include HELOCs, cash-out refinancing, construction loans, and renovation loans. We can connect you with local lenders experienced in ADU projects. You can also check out our e-course for a comprehensive lesson on choosing the right loan for you based on your circumstance.
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Is my property eligible for an ADU in LA County?Yes, most single-family and multi-family properties in Los Angeles County and all of California qualify for at least one 800 sq ft ADU, as listed in current state law.
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What is the $40,000 ADU grant in California?The $40,000 ADU grant is a program provided by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) to help homeowners offset the cost to build their ADU. This grant offers up to $40,000 to reimburse pre-development and non-recurring closing costs associated with the construction of an ADU. Eligible expenses include site preparation, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property surveys, energy reports, and utility hookups. As of now, the CalHFA ADU Grant Program is not active. However, CalHFA has previously administered this program through a network of approved lenders, and future funding rounds may become available.