From garage conversions to brand-new detached units and SB9 developments — get a realistic cost estimate for your Los Angeles ADU project in minutes.
Full turnkey: Design, permits, and construction all included in every estimate.
ADU TypeStep 1
Step 1 · Project Type
What type of ADU are you building?
Select the option that best describes your project. Each type has different requirements, timelines, and costs.
🏠
JADU
Junior ADU (JADU)
Convert an existing bedroom, attached garage, or interior space — max 500 sq ft. No new foundation needed. Shares entrance with main home.
💚 Most affordable ADU option
🏗️
ADU Attached
Attached ADU
A new addition connected to your existing home — own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. Built on a new foundation attached to the house.
🟡 Mid-range — new construction attached
🏡
ADU Detached
Detached ADU
A completely separate structure in your backyard — own foundation, utilities, entrance. Maximum privacy and rental potential. Most popular in LA.
🟡 Higher — standalone structure
🏘️
SB9
SB9 — New Principal Unit
California law allows up to 2 principal dwelling units on a single-family lot. Build a full second home — not limited to 500 sq ft like an ADU.
🔴 Higher — full new dwelling unit
🏘️🏡
SB9 + ADU
SB9 Unit + ADU — Maximum Development
The most you can build on a single-family lot under California law. One new SB9 principal unit + one ADU on the same property. Up to 4 total units possible with lot split.
🔴 Highest scope — full property development
Step 2 · About Your Project
Tell us about your project
A few details help us build an accurate estimate.
📋 What is SB9?
California Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), signed in 2021 and updated with SB 450 and AB 1061 (effective January 2026), allows homeowners in single-family zones (R-1, R-A) to build up to two principal dwelling units on their lot — or split the lot into two parcels, each with their own units.
Key benefits for LA homeowners:
Build a second full home on your lot — no 500 sq ft limit like a JADU
Ministerial (by-right) approval — no discretionary review, no neighbor objections
4-foot side and rear setbacks allowed
No parking required if within ½ mile of transit
Can be used for rental income or family housing
Applications approved or denied within 60 days
Important: SB9 is not available in coastal zones, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (including Palisades/Eaton fire boundaries), historic districts, or wetlands. → Learn more at LA County Planning
What space are you converting?
🛏️
Existing Bedroom
Convert an interior bedroom into a self-contained unit.
💚 Least invasive — existing structure
🚗
Attached Garage
Convert an attached garage — requires new insulation, drywall, plumbing, and electrical throughout.
🟡 Moderate — more work than bedroom
🏗️
Basement / Lower Level
Convert existing basement or sub-level space into a livable unit.
🟡 Moderate — egress windows often required
🏠
New Addition (Attached)
Build new square footage attached to the house — must stay under 500 sq ft and share an entrance with the main home.
🟡 New construction — higher than conversion
📋 JADU addition limit: Must be under 500 sq ft and attached to the main home. Shares an entrance with the existing structure per California law.
300sq ft
150 sq ft — studio500 sq ft — max JADU
Current condition of the space
Good condition
Livable space — mostly cosmetic updates needed.
💚 Lower scope
Fair condition
Some work needed — plumbing, electrical, or drywall updates required.
🟡 Moderate scope
Poor / unfinished
Full build-out needed — bare walls, no plumbing or electrical for living space.
🔴 Full scope — significant work
New Construction
Building from scratch — full new addition scope.
🔴 Highest scope — new build
Size of the ADU
400sq ft
150 sq ft — studio1,200 sq ft — large unit
Step 3 · Foundation & Structure
Foundation and structure details
These factors significantly affect the overall cost of your project.
Foundation type
🏗️
Slab on Grade
Concrete slab poured directly on ground. Most common and cost-effective.
💚 Standard cost
🪵
Raised / Pier & Beam
Elevated foundation — matches older LA homes or sloped lots.
🟡 Moderate addition
✅
Using Existing Foundation
Existing concrete pad, driveway, or structure — no new foundation needed.
💚 Saves significant cost
Roof type
⬛
Flat / Low Slope
Modern look — common for ADUs and detached structures in LA.
💚 Cost-effective framing
🔺
Gable / Pitched
Classic peaked roof — matches traditional home styles.
🟡 Moderate — more framing
🏠
Match Existing Home
Tie into or match the main home’s roofline — best for attached ADUs.
🟡 Depends on existing style
Parking impact
✓ No Parking Impact
No existing garage or parking to remove. No replacement required.
💚 No added scope
🚗
Replacing Existing Parking
Converting garage or driveway — replacement parking may be required depending on transit proximity.
🟡 May require replacement parking structure
Step 4 · Interior Scope
What’s inside the ADU?
Every ADU needs a kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Select the features and finishes planned for your unit.
Kitchen type
🍳
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge, microwave, 2-burner cooktop — no full range or dishwasher. Common in JADUs.
💚 Lower scope
🍳
Standard Kitchen
Full range, sink, cabinets, countertop, refrigerator space. Standard ADU kitchen.
🟡 Mid-range
👨🍳
Full Kitchen
Island or peninsula, dishwasher, full appliance suite, premium cabinets. Higher-end finish.
🔴 Higher scope
💡 These selections help us give you the most accurate quote. Kitchen finishes are captured here — cost is based on the kitchen type selected above.
Cabinet style
Stock / Builder Grade
Standard ready-to-assemble cabinets — functional and cost-effective.
Semi-Custom
Better quality, more color and size options. Popular mid-range choice.
Custom / Frameless
Made to order — premium wood, full-overlay, soft-close hardware throughout.
Countertop material
Laminate
Durable and budget-friendly. Good for kitchenettes and rental units.
Quartz / Engineered Stone
Low maintenance, very popular. Great for standard and full kitchens.
Marble / Natural Stone
Premium look — requires sealing and more care. High-end kitchens.
Range connection
🔥
Gas Line for Range
New gas supply line run to range location — required for gas cooktops.
⚡
220V for Electric / Induction
Dedicated 240V / 50-amp circuit for electric range or induction cooktop.
How many kitchens?
📋 SB9 allows up to 2 principal dwelling units on a single-family lot. Each unit needs its own kitchen. If you are building two separate units, select 2 kitchens.
Number of Kitchens
1
Bathroom count & type
💡 If you are building 2 units (SB9 or SB9+ADU), each unit needs its own bathroom. Add up the total bathrooms across all units.
Full Bathrooms
1
Half Baths / Powder Rooms
0
💡 These details help us understand your vision. Bathroom finishes are captured here for your quote — cost is based on the bathroom count above.
Shower / tub type
🚿
Walk-In Shower
Tiled walk-in shower — most common in ADUs.
🛁
Tub / Shower Combo
Standard tub with shower above — good for family use.
🛁🚿
Separate Tub + Shower
Separate soaking tub and shower — larger full bathrooms.
Tile finish level
Standard Tile
Builder-grade ceramic or porcelain — clean and functional.
Mid-Range
Larger format tiles, accent strip, better quality finishes.
Premium / Designer
Zellige, large slab, book-match, or stone tile throughout.
Vanity style
Standard Vanity
Freestanding or wall-mounted vanity with undermount sink.
Floating / Custom
Floating wall-mounted vanity — modern look, custom millwork.
Bedroom count
Studio
Open plan — no separate bedroom.
1 Bedroom
Separate bedroom with closet.
2 Bedrooms
Two separate bedrooms — larger ADU scope.
3 Bedrooms
Three bedrooms — typically SB9 unit size.
Laundry
✓ No Laundry
Shared laundry with main home or laundromat.
💚 No added scope
🔌
Washer / Dryer Hookups
Rough-in only — client supplies appliances.
💚 Minor addition
🧺
In-Unit Stackable
Full in-unit washer/dryer — dedicated plumbing and electrical.
🟡 Moderate addition
Step 5 · Utilities & Features
Utilities and special features.
How the ADU connects to utilities and any additional features that affect scope and cost.
Utility connection
🔗
Shared with Main Home
Share existing electrical panel, water meter, and gas line. Lower upfront cost — requires proper load calculation.
💚 Lower utility connection cost
⚡
Separate Sub-Panel / Meters
Separate electrical sub-panel. May include separate water and gas meters if unit will be independently rented. Required for separate billing.
🔴 Higher — separate utility setup
HVAC
❄️
Mini-Split System
Dedicated ductless mini-split — most common for ADUs. Efficient, independent control, no duct work needed.
🟡 Standard for ADUs
🌬️
Central HVAC Extension
Extend existing home HVAC system into the ADU. Only viable for attached ADUs.
🟡 Moderate — depends on existing system
Special features
Select all that apply
☀️
Solar Ready
Conduit and panel space for future solar installation. Required for new ADUs over 500 sq ft in California.
💚 Minor — rough-in only
⚡
EV Charger (240V outlet)
Dedicated 240V outlet for electric vehicle charging.
🟡 Moderate — dedicated circuit
♿
Accessibility Features
Wider doorways, roll-in shower, grab bars — for aging-in-place or ADA considerations.
🟡 Moderate addition
🌿
Private Patio / Deck
Small outdoor patio or deck for the ADU — concrete, pavers, or wood decking.
🟡 Depends on size and material
📷
Security Camera Wiring
Pre-wire for security cameras and doorbell.
💚 Minor addition
⬆️
High Ceilings (9ft+)
Taller ceilings add cost to framing and drywall but dramatically improve the feel of a small space.
🟡 Moderate framing addition
Timeline
🔥 ASAP
Ready to start within 1–2 months.
📅 1–3 Months
Planning ahead, ready soon.
🗓️ 3–6 Months
Still in research phase.
⏰ Flexible
Exploring options, no rush.
Final · Your Estimate
Your ADU Project Estimate
Built from your selections using current Los Angeles construction rates. Includes design, permits, and full construction.
What You Get When You Work With Us
More Than a Quote — A Complete ADU Vision
Every Level Up ADU project is a full turnkey experience:
📐
Architectural Design Included
Full architectural drawings and 3D rendering before any construction begins.
📋
Permit Management
We handle every permit, inspection, and city submission — you don’t lift a finger.
🏗️
Full Construction
One contractor, one contract — from foundation to final walkthrough.
⭐
Top-Rated in Los Angeles
Licensed, bonded & insured. Lic #1053375. Trusted by LA homeowners since 2011.
Total Project Estimate — Design, Permits & Construction
Calculating…
Based on your selections and current LA construction rates.
Total Estimate
Note: This estimate is based on your selections and current LA market rates. Final pricing is confirmed after a free on-site consultation and design review. We provide a detailed written contract before any work begins — no surprises.
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