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DERIAN CONSTRUCTION

Los Angeles residential design + build

ADU Construction in Los Angeles

New ADUs and backyard homes, with help through design, permits, and construction.

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ADU construction

Planning an ADU on your property

An ADU is a separate living space on your property. You might be planning a home for a parent, space for guests, or a rental. We start by looking at the site, how the space will be used, and the work needed to build it.

Is this the right project for your property?

A separate place for family, guests, or a future tenant, while keeping the main home independent.

What affects the budget?

Square footage is only one part of an ADU budget. Access for equipment, grading, utility connections, foundation design, the number of kitchens and bathrooms, and finish selections all affect the scope. We discuss these separately so a preliminary construction allowance is not mistaken for an all-in quote.

What to bring to the first conversation

Bring the property location, a few photos, and a description of who will use the space. If you have a survey, drawings, or previous permit information, those can help the review. You do not need finished plans to begin the conversation.

Other options to consider

Not sure whether to build new or use the garage? A garage conversion starts with an existing structure, but structural repairs and utility work can change the comparison. Evaluate both against the space and privacy you actually need.

Explore Garage conversions ↗

Comparing estimates

Check what the price includes.

A useful adu construction comparison starts with the same scope. Use these questions when reviewing an estimate.

ADU construction proposal comparison
Scope areaWhat to clarifyAsk this question
Design & approvalsSurvey information, drawings, engineering, submission work, and agency fees.Who provides each item, and which costs are outside the construction proposal?
Site & utilitiesAccess, grading, foundations, utility routes, and any required service upgrades.What assumptions have been made about the existing property?
Building & finishesThe structure, insulation, windows, kitchen, bathroom, heating, and finish selections.Which products are specified and which are allowances?
CompletionInspections, site restoration, outstanding items, and handoff documents.What is included in closeout and how are changes documented?

Bring your drawings or an outline of your plans. We can discuss what is defined and what needs further review.

Discuss my project scope

Project checklist

Not sure where to start?

Pick the project and where you are with it. We'll show you a few things to have ready before we talk.

You can use this checklist without filling out the contact form.

Read about ADU construction

ADU construction / Exploring options

Start with what you need.

You do not need finished plans to have a useful first conversation. A few details about the property and your goals will help.

  1. Have the property address and a few photos ready.
  2. Think about who will use the space and what matters most to them.
  3. Make a short list of questions about the layout, budget, or timing.
Property details to discuss
  • The intended use and approximate size
  • Site access, grade, and the location of utilities
  • Detached, attached, or conversion options
  • Design, permitting, site work, and finish priorities
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City & county resources

Where to check ADU requirements.

Your property address determines where to check planning information. These agency resources are a useful starting point for ADUs and conversions.

Planning resources linked October 2026. Confirm current guidance with the agency for your property. For other cities, explore our service area or ask about your project.

Before you begin

Common questions.

Can you manage both design and construction for an ADU?

Yes. Derian Construction can coordinate planning, design, permits, construction, and final completion under one project plan.

Do you build detached and attached ADUs?

We evaluate detached units, attached units, garage conversions, and other residential configurations based on the property and the homeowner’s goals.

How does an ADU project begin?

The first step is an on site consultation to review the property, access, desired use, budget, and likely project scope.

How much does an ADU cost?

A reliable quote needs a property review and a defined scope. Design, approvals, site preparation, utilities, construction, and finishes should be identified separately. A generic price per square foot is not a complete project estimate.

Can you guarantee approval or rental income?

No. Approval depends on the property, plans, and reviewing jurisdiction. Rental demand, operating costs, and any legal restrictions need a separate evaluation. We do not promise an approval date, rental return, or increase in property value.

Get in touch

What are you planning?

Tell us about your home, site improvements, or civil construction scope. We’ll discuss project fit, the information needed, and whether an on-site consultation is the right next step.

626-429-1441

No finished plans needed to start. No obligation to proceed.

Free initial consultation

What would you like to build?

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Whichever you prefer us to use to contact you.
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