Building in Los Angeles County
At Winter Remodeling, we don’t just build ADUs, we build futures. Los Angeles County is one of the most ADU friendly markets in the country, and for good reason. A well-built ADU can generate anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 a month in rental income, often paying itself off within 5 to 7 years.
But beyond the numbers, ADUs are changing how families live. Instead of placing aging parents in assisted living facilities that can run $4,000 to $8,000 a month, families are keeping loved ones close, comfortable, and connected right in the backyard. In-laws, adult children, caretakers, or long-term tenants, whatever the need, an ADU built by WRI is built to serve it.
We approach every project the way a good neighbor would: with honesty, craftsmanship, and genuine care for the people who will actually live there. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just adding square footage to your property. We’re adding quality of life.
ADU's and More...
In construction and real estate, ADU stands for accessory dwelling unit. Simply put, it’s a fully self-contained second home on your existing residential property. It can be detached like a backyard cottage, attached like a converted garage, or built into the main structure itself. Either way, it comes complete with its own kitchen, bathroom, and private entrance.
ADUs are one of the smartest ways to maximize your property. Whether you’re housing family, generating rental income, or carving out a dedicated workspace, an ADU works around your life, not the other way around. And beyond what it does for you, it adds real value to your property and puts more housing options back into the community.
Getting More Out Of Your Property
Ever heard of a guest house, companion unit, carriage house, or au-pair suite?
In Los Angeles County, people have a lot of creative names for what we in the industry simply call an ADU, or accessory dwelling unit. Whether you call it a secondary living unit, mother-in-law apartment, or second dwelling unit, it all points to the same opportunity sitting right on your property. Here at WRI, we just call them awesome. For our purposes, we’re keeping it focused on ADUs and JADUs right here in Los Angeles County.
What is a Jadu?
I Need More Room?
How Long Does ADUs and Additions Take?
Logistics & Costs
So how much can you actually build? On a single family lot, you can add one ADU plus one JADU. Multifamily properties open the door even wider. As of 2025, you can now add as many ADUs as there are existing units on the property, up to eight, thanks to SB 1211. Multifamily owners can also convert existing non-habitable space into additional units on top of that. And if your property falls within the City of Los Angeles, the ADU Bonus Program may allow you to push that number even further. The opportunity is bigger than most people realize.
When it comes to cost, Winter Remodeling Inc. keeps it straight with you. We build ADUs between $325 and $450 per square foot depending on your finishes and scope, so a 500 square foot JADU could run around $162,500 to $225,000, while a full 1,200 square foot ADU lands closer to $390,000 to $540,000. But the price is only part of the picture. What you’re really getting with Winter Remodeling Inc. is a contractor who shows up, communicates daily, manages every single phase with intention, and passes inspections the first time around. We include plans, permitting coordination, and full project management from the very first conversation to the final walk through. No chasing us down, no wondering what’s happening on your jobsite, no costly do-overs. We do it right once, and that commitment is built into everything we touch.
What types of accessory dwelling units are there and where can you add ADUs?
ADUs can take various forms, offering flexibility in their design and construction. ADUs can be built as stand-alone structures on your property, known as a “detached” ADU – providing a separate and independent living space. Guest houses can alternatively be attached to your current residence, serving as an addition or expansion to the existing structure. Or, you can convert existing space like a garage These options allow homeowners to choose the ADU type that best suits their needs and property layout. Also, each jurisdiction will have different rules for what you can build.
California’s updated ADU laws have opened the door wide for Los Angeles County homeowners, but every city and municipality still plays by its own rulebook. What flies in Burbank may not work the same way in Pasadena, and those differences matter more than most people realize. Knowing how to properly scope and prepare your project from the start is what separates a smooth permit approval from a frustrating cycle of resubmittals, delays, and fees that add up fast. This is exactly where experience pays off.
What's New?
Here are some of the most impactful ADU law updates in California and Los Angeles County worth highlighting on your site:Los Angeles County has been on a roll when it comes to making ADU and JADU development more accessible than ever. Here is what you need to know:
No More Owner Occupancy Rules for ADUs California permanently eliminated the requirement for homeowners to live on site when building or renting out an ADU. Investors and homeowners alike can now build and rent freely without being tied to the property.
Sell Your ADU Like a Condo AB 1033 allows homeowners to sell their ADU separately from the main residence, treating it like a condominium. That is a brand new path to building real generational wealth right on your existing lot.
Multifamily Properties Just Got a Major Upgrade SB 1211 allows multifamily properties to add up to eight detached ADUs, as long as the number does not exceed the existing units on the property. More units, more income, more opportunity.
Unpermitted ADUs Can Now Be Legalized AB 2533 creates a workable path to bring older unpermitted ADUs built before 2020 into compliance instead of forcing demolition. If you have an existing structure sitting in a gray area, this could be a game changer.
Faster Inspections and Approvals AB 1308 sets strict inspection deadlines, allowing homeowners to bring in private inspectors when local departments take more than 30 days, with occupancy certificates required within 14 days of receiving inspection reports.
Coastal Zone Relief SB 1077 removes the need for a Coastal Development Permit for ADUs and JADUs on existing homes in most coastal areas, opening the door for homeowners who previously faced significant red tape near the coast.
Combination Builds Are Now Officially Permitted Los Angeles homeowners can now propose an ADU or JADU at the same time as a new single family or multifamily home, streamlining the permitting process and getting everything approved in one application.
Setbacks Detached ADUs in Los Angeles County typically require a 4 to 5 foot setback from side and rear property lines. Under updated zoning rules, setback requirements have been reduced and parking rules are now more flexible, especially near transit. Every lot is different though, and setbacks can shift depending on your zoning district, overlay zones, and whether you are in a hillside or high fire hazard area. This is exactly why having an experienced contractor review your property before you commit to a design matters so much.
Permitting Fees Permit costs vary based on size, type, and complexity. Garage conversions between 350 and 500 square feet typically run between $1,800 and $3,500 in total permit costs, while larger new construction ADUs can push fees to $25,000 or more. Smaller conversions under 750 square feet often avoid impact fees entirely, and units at or under 750 square feet benefit from 2025 state reform reductions saving homeowners between $4,500 and $7,500 on typical projects.
Approval Timeline Los Angeles is now required to review most ADU applications in 60 days or less, and online permitting through LADBS is now standard. That said, incomplete submittals, utility upgrades, hillside lots, and fire hazard zones can all add time and cost. This is where Winter Remodeling Inc. earns its keep. We submit complete, accurate plans the first time, coordinate directly with the city, and keep your project moving without the back and forth that costs homeowners weeks and money they did not budget for.
Lets begin!
Ready to build? It starts with a conversation. At Winter Remodeling Inc., we never jump straight to blueprints. We start by sitting down with you, listening to what you actually need, what you envision, and what matters most to your family or investment goals. From there we move into the planning phase, developing detailed construction plans tailored specifically to your property and your budget. For larger or more complex projects like additions, ground up builds, and full ADUs, we also offer 3D renderings so you can see exactly what you are getting before a single shovel hits the ground. No guessing, no surprises, just a clear vision and a solid plan backed by a team that is with you every step of the way. When you are ready to talk, we are ready to listen.
