An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) offers the best way to expand living space on an existing parcel. Building an ADU in Los Angeles is a process that can take dedication, time, and patience. The truth is that anyone who has gone through this process doesn’t regret it. However, they will also be quick to tell you about the importance of making sure you have the right team by your side to walk you through every step. It’s no secret that the permitting and approval process for building any type of structure in Los Angeles is intensive compared to the rest of the country. Let’s make sure you have a blueprint in place with this rundown of the five key steps to building an ADU here in Los Angeles.

ADU Feasibility

Like any construction project, building an ADU starts with simply determining if it can be done. That means a detailed property inspection and analysis that determines if a site can support an ADU. A qualified contractor can let you know if an ADU is feasible based on the location, terrain, drainage, slope, and accessibility of a build site. In addition, a contractor can point out any challenges you should be anticipating even if the project is feasible. This is also a time to determine the type of AUD that best fits the location.

ADU Cost and Loan Options

Building an ADU in Los Angeles can cost anywhere from $80,000 to $400,000. While attached and garage-conversion ADUs represent the low end, detached ADUs represent the high end. Factors that include the size of the ADU, the architectural complexity of the ADU, and access to utilities can all impact cost. Options for financing an ADU  in Los Angeles using equity from a primary residence include a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and cash-out refinancing. Personal loans and construction/renovation loans meant specifically for ADUs can also be used.

ADU Planning and Design

The good news is that Los Angeles zoning authorities are very pro ADU. Many state and local regulations have been added to ease restrictions and make the permitting process for building an ADU faster as part of a goal to resolve the city’s housing shortage. However, you still need to make sure that hyperlocal zoning and site-specific limitations are addressed. Here are the steps to get started:

• Determine your jurisdiction within Los Angeles County. If your property is located within an unincorporated community, you must contact Regional Planning to get the specific ADU requirements for your property.

• Prepare full architectural and structural plans for your ADU for Regional Planning. This includes blueprints and calculations for the site, foundation plans, floor plans, and energy access.

• It’s also necessary to submit a Regional Planning Base Application through EPIC-LA.

• Once your completed application is submitted, you’ll be asked to submit an application fee. Plans will either be approved or denied within 60 days. It’s possible that you may need to provide corrections or clarifications during the review process. Your contractor will help with this.

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Get The ADU Permits

Approval from Regional Planning doesn’t mean you can break ground on your ADU in Los Angeles. If your ADU plan is approved, you must then apply for a building permit. A permit must be obtained within two years of planning approval. When a contractor is building your ADU in Los Angeles, they will submit the permit application on your behalf.

ADU Construction

After permit approval, you can move forward with building an ADU using the specifications from your submitted plans. On average, it can take five to 12 months to build an ADU in Los Angeles. The timeline can be impacted by everything from the availability of materials to the complexity of the finishes you select.

ADU Inspection

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) requires five inspections throughout the course of AUD construction. Here’s what the checklist looks like for building an ADU:

• First Inspection: Underground utility

• Second Inspection: Foundation/slab

• Third Inspection: Final frame, rough electrical, rough mechanical, and rough plumbing

• Fourth Inspection: Drywall, shower pan, exterior lath, and insulation

• Final Inspection: Final approvals, agency approvals, final fire inspection, lot drainage, final electrical, final mechanical, and final plumbing

Someone from your contractor’s agency will be there during these inspections to provide support and guidance to the city inspector. If anything within the ADU does not meet the inspection standards, the issue will be corrected during the timespan provided.

At SoCal Upgrades, we specialize in building beautiful, functional, and value-adding ADUs in Los Angeles County. There’s no need to be overwhelmed by zoning laws, building codes, or the sheer scope of building an ADU from the ground up. We’ve already built countless ADUs for satisfied clients all throughout Los Angeles. Navigate the process of building an ADU with ease with SoCal Upgrades at the helm of your exciting project.