The process
Five stages, one team.
- 01
Feasibility check
We review your address, zoning and the lot, and tell you plainly what is possible. [__ days]
Duration: Free
- 02
Design and budget
Layout, scope, phases and a written price range, before you commit to construction.
Duration: [__ weeks]
- 03
Permits
We prepare and submit the package and answer plan-check comments.
Duration: [__ weeks]
- 04
Construction
One site team, weekly updates, quality checks at key stages.
Duration: [__ weeks]
- 05
Inspection and handover
Final inspection, documentation and keys.
Duration: [__ weeks]
Structure
How we keep a project under control.
- Clear scope definition
- Structured planning and coordination
- Regulatory and technical alignment
- Controlled execution
- Continuous oversight
- Transparent communication
Compliance & regulatory
Projects must align with local regulations, zoning and technical requirements. Ensuring compliance early avoids delays, redesigns and unnecessary risk.
- Zoning and local regulations review
- Permit and compliance considerations
- Structural and technical constraints
- Alignment with applicable standards
Documentation & transparency
Clear documentation and structured communication keep every party aligned and every decision informed.
Risk management & accountability
Risks are identified early and managed proactively, with clear responsibilities.
- Identification of potential risks
- Anticipation of constraints
- Clear allocation of responsibilities
- Continuous oversight and accountability
Standards, partners & oversight
We work with selected professionals and partners who meet defined standards; oversight keeps execution consistent with your objectives.
Financing program
Build now. Pay later.*
Most homeowners assume an ADU needs a large upfront budget. For projects that meet our criteria, StructBuilder covers the payments until end of 2028, so your ADU is built and working before your first payment is due.
*For qualified California homeowners. Eligibility depends on your project and your property equity profile; terms are explained during your call.
- 1Your ADU gets builtDesign, permits and construction move forward without the upfront pressure.
- 2It starts workingRental income or family space, and added value for your property.
- 3Then payments beginFor qualified projects, up to 24 months after the build: covered until end of 2028.*
Cost guide
What drives the cost of an ADU.
Size and layout
Square footage and the number of bedrooms and baths.
ADU type
Detached, garage conversion or second story.
Site access
How materials and crews reach the backyard.
Utilities
Distance and capacity of water, sewer, power and gas.
Foundation and structure
Soil, slab condition, structural upgrades.
Finishes
Windows, cladding, kitchen and bath selections.
Price ranges
[Typical range, what it includes, what it excludes.]
[Typical range, what it includes, what it excludes.]
[Typical range, what it includes, what it excludes.]
Fill in real ranges. Ranges qualify leads and build trust; they do not replace a written quote.
Compliance
The state rules that shape your project.
Summary of California ADU law as published by the state housing department. Local rules in Los Angeles can add detail, so we verify each address.
| Side and rear setback | A city cannot require more than 4 feet for a new ADU. |
|---|---|
| Minimum size cities must allow | Local limits cannot go below 850 sq ft, or 1,000 sq ft for units with more than one bedroom. |
| Impact fees | ADUs under 750 sq ft and all JADUs are exempt. Larger ADUs are charged in proportion to the main home. |
| Parking | At most one space per unit. None required for conversions of existing space, near transit, or in historic districts. No replacement parking when a garage is converted. |
| JADU | Up to 500 sq ft, inside an existing or proposed single-family home. One per lot. |
Source: California HCD, ADU Fact Sheet; Government Code §§ 66310–66342.
FAQ
Process questions, answered.
What happens during the feasibility check?
We review your address, zoning, lot size, utilities and any easements or hazard zones, then tell you which ADU types fit and what to expect next.
When do I get a price?
After the design stage you get a written price range based on your plans, before you commit to construction.
Who submits the permits?
StructBuilder prepares and submits the permit package, answers plan-check comments and schedules inspections.
What drives the cost the most?
Size, ADU type, site access, utility connections, foundation and finishes. The cost guide above explains each one.
Do state rules override local rules?
California ADU law sets limits cities cannot go beyond, such as the 4 ft setback cap. Local rules still apply within those limits, so each address is checked.