Building a small, separate home in your backyard, also known as an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), has become very popular in Los Angeles. People use ADUs for family, as a rental, or for extra space. With tight housing in LA, more homeowners are asking: How long does it take to build an ADU in LA?
This is a big project. You need planning, help from the city, and a good team. The timeline matters if you want to live in the unit or rent it out for income. Every week counts. The process seems simple, but each step takes time. If you know what to expect, you feel less stress and can make better choices. This guide will skim through the main steps, show what can slow things down, and help you plan the best path. Let us look at how long it really takes, from your first idea to move-in day.
Understanding the ADU Construction Timeline in Los Angeles
Building an ADU is like building a small house. There are several steps you need to follow. Each
step has its own time frame. Working with experienced remodeling contractors in Los
Angeles can help you stay on track and avoid costly delays. Let us assist you in understanding
the entire process.
Pre-Construction Phase: Planning, Design, and Permitting
Let’s begin with the first phase and learn how ADU construction starts.
- Feasibility Study: Most homeowners first want to see if an ADU is possible on their property. This step checks the lot size, zoning, and city rules. In Los Angeles, this takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
- Architectural Design: Next, you work with a designer or architect. They draw up plans based on what you want and what the city will allow. The design step can take 3 to 6 weeks.
- City Permitting: You must send your plans to the city for review. Los Angeles has strict rules, so this step can feel slow. Typical wait time is 3 to 5 months. Sometimes it is faster if all paperwork is perfect, but small errors mean you start over.
What slows this down in Los Angeles?
The city wants to check for safety and zoning. They also want to see if utility lines are okay. Each office can add a few days here and there. It helps to use remodeling contractors who know the process. They can keep paperwork moving.
Construction Phase: Site Preparation and Building
The next phase is the construction phase, which helps you learn about how the work on ADU starts with site preparation and building.
- Site Preparation: Before building, the ground needs to be cleared. Sometimes this means removing old sheds or garages. If you are doing an ADU garage conversion in Los Angeles, homeowners may skip demolition, but still need clean-up work. This takes 1 to 2 weeks.
- Foundation Work: Pouring the new foundation is the next step. This can take 2 to 4 weeks, based on size and weather.
- Framing, Roofing, and Utilities: Once the foundation is set, the team puts up the frame, adds a roof, and runs plumbing, gas, and electric lines. In Los Angeles, this usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. Supply chain problems or rain can slow this down.
- Interior Work: Inside, the workers add drywall, paint, floors, and kitchen and bathroom parts. This has many steps, so it often takes 6 to 10 weeks.
Delays to watch in Los Angeles:
- Rain slows roof and foundation work.
- City inspectors must check parts before you move to the next step.
- Workers may need to wait for materials or workers.
Post-Construction Phase: Final Inspections and Approvals
This is the final and one of the important stages, so you need to follow these things:
- Inspections: After building, the city checks everything. They want to keep you and renters safe. This round of checks takes about 2 to 4 weeks.
- Corrections and Final Approval: Sometimes, the city wants a few fixes. Small corrections can add a week or two.
- Move-in Ready: Once you pass, you can clean and get your ADU ready for move-in. This last stage is quick, often just a few days.
Total time for this stage: About 3 to 6 weeks.
Factors Affecting ADU Build Times in Los Angeles
Some ADUs finish faster. Some take much longer. Here are the points that change the timeline. Knowing them helps if you want to plan smart and avoid common traps.
Project Complexity and Scope
The type of ADU you choose will change the timeline:
- Detached ADU: A stand-alone building. This is a full ground-up build. It often takes longer, from 10 to 16 months.
- Attached ADU: Built off the main house, using common walls. These projects may move a bit faster.
- ADU Garage Conversion Los Angeles: Turning an old garage into a home is usually quicker. You keep the shell and add utilities and finishes. This can take 6 to 9 months.
Size and details matter:
Big ADUs with many features, like a fancy kitchen or lots of storage, take longer. Many details mean more inspections. If you pick simple plans and standard parts, you could finish several months sooner.
Permitting and Regulatory Delays in LA
Los Angeles has strict laws. Each neighborhood may have its own extra rules for ADUs. If your lot is on a hill or has heritage trees, the city may ask for surveys or extra checks.
Delays often come from:
- Zoning questions
- Changes after city review
- Waiting for several offices to agree
A good team, like experienced remodeling contractors, can spot problems early. They save you months by not needing to resubmit paperwork.
Contractor Selection and Availability
Picking the right contractor matters more than you might think. A skilled team knows the process. They have connections with the city. If your contractor knows LA rules and has finished many ADUs, you will spot and fix problems earlier.
Tips for faster builds:
- Get recommendations from friends or online reviews.
- Ask to see their past LA ADU work.
- Check that they have clear schedules and good teamwork.
- Set clear timelines and check progress each week.
When your builder is busy or juggling many jobs, your ADU can sit unfinished. Keep communication open and look for someone who answers your calls and explains the next steps.
The Bottom Line
So, how long does it take to build an ADU in LA? The honest answer is that most projects take 9 to 18 months from plan to move-in. If you plan well, keep paperwork clean, and use trusted remodeling contractors in Los Angeles, your project can move faster. If you skip steps or rush, you might wait longer as you fix mistakes or redo work.
ADUs are often part of larger home remodeling in Los Angeles projects, especially when families want to add space or increase property value without moving. Coordinating the project with experienced professionals helps streamline everything from permits to final inspections.
Ready to start your ADU project?
Explore more about trusted remodeling contractors in Los Angeles, such as Shenon Construction, and take the next steps with confidence. With smart planning and good help, your new home space is closer than you think.
