Licensed California contractor · CSLB #1056277 30+ years of hands-on experience Owner-led communication Free estimates · no high-pressure sales Calabasas · Malibu · West LA · Pasadena · Burbank
Serving West LA, the Valley, Malibu, Calabasas, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, and nearby LA County areas.
What we build
Typical scope of a adus project
ADU type analysis (detached / attached / JADU / garage conversion) Site feasibility and setback review Architectural design and permit drawings Foundation, framing, and weatherproofing Full kitchen, bath, and laundry (per ADU type) Utility separation and metering Permits, inspections, and final certificate
Notes from experience
What tends to matter most
- California ADU laws preempt many local restrictions, but each city has approved local overlays. Calabasas, Malibu, and Culver City handle ADU permitting differently.
- Garage conversions are typically faster (3–5 months) than detached new construction (5–9 months).
- Coastal-zone ADUs in Malibu may require Coastal Development Permit review on top of standard ADU permits.
Why homeowners reach out
Common problems a adus project solves
- Wanting to create a rental income unit or a separate-but-nearby space for family
- A detached garage that could be a 400–700 sq ft independent living space with the right framing and MEP work
- A lot that looks too small for an ADU but actually qualifies under state ADU law
- Confusion about what California ADU law lets you do versus what the local city overlay restricts
- Needing the utilities, sound separation, and fire separation done right so the unit is genuinely independent
Cost & timeline
What shapes the range and the schedule
We don't quote specific numbers without a site visit and a defined scope — anyone who does is guessing. These are the factors that move both cost and timeline most on a typical adus project.
- ADU type — garage conversion is typically fastest, detached new construction is typically longest
- Whether the existing slab and walls (in a garage conversion) need rebuilding or can be re-used
- Utility separation — separate electrical subpanel is common, separate water/gas less so
- Whether the parcel is in the coastal zone (Malibu) or a hillside zone (Calabasas / Agoura)
- Finish tier and whether the kitchen is full-size or kitchenette-only
- Local city overlays — Culver City, Calabasas, and Malibu each apply different overlays on top of state ADU law
Permits & planning
Permit and planning considerations
California ADU law preempts many local restrictions and is generally favorable to homeowners. That said, every city applies its own approved overlay — setback details, design standards, parking rules — and each city handles plan check differently. Coastal-zone ADUs in Malibu may require Coastal Development Permit review on top of standard ADU permits. Hillside parcels may require additional soils and grading review. Long-term rental is permitted statewide; short-term rental rules (Airbnb-style) vary by city — confirm with the local jurisdiction before designing.
This is general planning information, not legal or permitting advice. Confirm specifics with the local jurisdiction for your address.
Project financing available — apply in minutes through our partner.
Related services
Projects often run together
Additions
Room Additions
Bedrooms, baths, family rooms, second stories, or rear extensions — engineered and permitted for your specific lot.
Interior
Interior Remodeling
Reshape how the home lives — new layouts, finishes, lighting, built-ins — without expanding the building.
Exterior
Exterior and Yard Remodeling
Patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, hardscape, pool surrounds, and curb appeal — extending the home outward.
Where we serve
Garage Remodeling & ADU across the Westside and nearby LA County
We're available for consultations and serve homeowners in and around these primary service areas. We also serve West LA, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Hollywood, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and nearby LA County areas — reach out if your address is close and we'll let you know if we're the right fit.
Frequently asked
About Garage Remodeling & ADU
- California recognizes detached ADUs, attached ADUs, garage conversions, and JADUs (Junior ADUs — converting space within the main home up to 500 sq ft). Each has different size limits, setback rules, and parking implications.