Custom Detached ADU Construction in Los Angeles

ADU construction costs in Los Angeles vary based on the project type, square footage, and chosen finishes. At Kobzev Pro Contracting Group, we offer transparent, value-driven pricing to help you maximize your ROI:

• Garage to ADU Conversions: Pricing typically starts at $250 per sq. ft. Since we leverage your existing structure, this is the most cost-effective way to add a legal living unit to your property.
• New Ground-Up ADU Construction: For detached or attached units built from scratch, pricing starts at $300 per sq. ft. This covers complete site preparation, new foundation, framing, and full utility integration.

Please note: These are baseline investment figures for standard designs. Final pricing depends on your specific architectural choices, material selections (Standard vs. Luxury), LADBS permit fees, and the complexity of utility hookups. Contact us for a detailed, line-item estimate tailored to your lot.

Yes — but hillside properties in Sherman Oaks come with additional requirements that flat-lot projects don’t face. Properties located in the City of Los Angeles Hillside Area are subject to stricter grading standards, increased setback rules, and in some cases, brush clearance and fire-resistive construction requirements under the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) designation. A soils report and grading plan are typically required before LADBS will approve an ADU permit on a steep lot. Kobzev Pro conducts a detailed site assessment during the free in-home consultation to identify these factors early — so your timeline and budget reflect the real scope of the project before any work begins.

While every project is unique, a standard Garage Conversion in Los Angeles typically takes 2 to 4 months for construction, once permits are issued. The permitting phase can take an additional 2–4 months depending on the city’s current backlog. We provide a detailed timeline before we start.

Yes — in most cases, Encino homeowners can legally convert an attached or detached garage into a fully permitted ADU. California state law (effective since 2020 and strengthened by subsequent legislation) requires the City of Los Angeles to approve garage conversion ADUs on single-family lots that meet basic requirements. Under current LA regulations, you are generally not required to replace the parking space you remove when converting a garage to an ADU, which makes this one of the most accessible ADU options available.

To qualify, the garage typically needs to meet minimum ceiling height requirements, be connected to the property’s utility systems, and comply with setback rules. Interior upgrades — insulation, drywall, HVAC, plumbing if a bathroom is added, and electrical — are standard parts of the conversion. Kobzev Pro specializes in garage-to-ADU conversions throughout Encino and handles every phase: structural assessment, architectural plans, LADBS permits, and full construction.

Under current City of Los Angeles regulations, the maximum size for a detached ADU is 1,200 square feet. For a studio or one-bedroom detached ADU, the cap is 850 square feet. An attached ADU — one that shares a wall with the primary home — can be up to 50% of the primary dwelling’s square footage, with a maximum of 1,200 square feet. A Junior ADU (JADU), which is created within the existing footprint of the primary home, is limited to 500 square feet.
These size limits apply to new construction. Garage conversions are generally permitted up to the existing garage footprint, regardless of size, provided the structure meets building code requirements. Kobzev Pro helps Encino homeowners maximize their allowable square footage based on lot size, zoning, and project goals — ensuring you build as much value as current regulations allow.

ADU costs in Los Angeles in 2026 vary significantly based on unit type, size, finishes, and site conditions. Garage conversions are the most cost-effective option, typically ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 — the existing structure eliminates foundation and framing costs, making them the fastest path to a permitted living unit. Attached ADUs generally run $120,000 to $250,000 depending on how much structural work the connection requires. New detached ADUs built from the ground up are the most expensive option, typically $150,000 to $400,000+, reflecting full foundation, framing, and utility connection costs.
Beyond unit type, final cost is shaped by lot conditions, utility tie-in complexity, architectural design, LADBS permit fees, and material selections. A project on a flat R-1 lot with easy access costs meaningfully less than the same square footage on a hillside parcel with grading requirements.
For a quick ballpark based on your specific project type and size, use our ADU Cost Calculator. For a precise, fixed-price written proposal with no hidden costs, Kobzev Pro offers free in-home consultations across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.