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 project scope
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 than detached new construction; design and city permitting add time on top of construction.
- Coastal-zone ADUs in Malibu may require Coastal Development Permit review on top of standard ADU permits.
Why homeowners reach out
Common problems this work solves
- Wanting to create a rental income unit or a separate-but-nearby space for family
- A detached garage that could become an independent living space with the right framing and MEP work
- A lot that looks too small for an ADU but may still qualify 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
- Wanting an honest read on whether your specific lot and garage suit a conversion or a detached unit
- Needing the permit path mapped out before committing to a design
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 project like this.
- 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
- How much site work the unit needs — access, grading, and drainage are common planning factors
- Plan-check and city review time, which varies by jurisdiction
- Whether the project keeps the existing garage footprint or expands beyond it
Permits & planning
Permit and planning considerations
California's statewide ADU law is generally favorable to homeowners and has removed several older barriers in recent years — for example, converting an existing garage often does not trigger replacement parking. Even so, every city layers its own approved overlay on top of state law: design standards, height and lot-coverage limits, setbacks, utility and fire-separation requirements, and the plan-check process all vary by jurisdiction and by parcel. Coastal-zone parcels in Malibu may require Coastal Development Permit review on top of standard ADU permits, and hillside parcels in Calabasas or Agoura Hills may require additional soils and grading review. Long-term rental of an ADU is broadly allowed under state law, while short-term (Airbnb-style) rules vary by city. Rather than assume any of this, we confirm the requirements that apply to your specific property with the local jurisdiction during planning. None of this is a quote or a permit guarantee — it is the set of factors we work through with you before design.
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.