Expert guides on ADU regulations, costs, financing, and design — written by the specialists who build them every day in Los Angeles County.
National averages are useless in LA. We break down real permit fees, construction costs, utility upgrade requirements, and the line items most contractors hide until after you sign. Includes the real $13K permit number, the 2-gang meter surprise, and a full cost table for a 600 sq ft detached ADU.
Garage conversions are the fastest, most affordable ADU path in Los Angeles. Here's everything you need to know — eligibility, real costs, the permit process, the 2-gang meter requirement, and how to maximize every square foot for rental income.
California's most generous ADU grant program offers up to $40,000 in free money — no repayment required. We cover who qualifies, LA County income limits, the step-by-step application process, what the grant covers, and the best alternative financing options when the grant is fully allocated.
A 2-bed/2-bath ADU commands 74% more rent than a studio, fills faster, and generates $163,000 more over 10 years — even after accounting for the higher build cost. We break down the rent comparison, tenant pool depth, vacancy rates, cost delta, and full 10-year income projection.