❓ADU Builder FAQ — Los Angeles & San Fernando Valley

1️⃣ What is an ADU and why are they so popular in Los Angeles?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) — also known as a backyard home, guest house, or granny flat — is a small, self-contained living space built on your existing property.

In Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, ADUs have become extremely popular because California’s ADU laws now make it easier and faster to build them. They’re a smart investment that can generate rental income, add family space, or boost property value without having to buy new land.

2️⃣ What types of ADUs can I build on my property?

At RC Remodeling & Construction, we build every type of ADU allowed by California law:

Detached ADUs (standalone backyard units)
Attached ADUs (connected to your home)
Garage Conversions (convert an existing garage into a livable unit)
Junior ADUs (JADUs) (smaller units within your main home)
We’ll evaluate your property and help you decide which option is the best fit based on your goals, lot size, and budget.

3️⃣ How much does it cost to build an ADU in Los Angeles or the Valley?

Costs vary depending on the size, design, and type of ADU, but generally:

Garage Conversions: $120,000 – $180,000
Detached ADUs: $180,000 – $280,000
Attached ADUs: $160,000 – $250,000
Two-story ADUs: $250,000 – $400,000+

We provide clear, detailed estimates and fixed pricing options whenever possible — so there are no surprises.

4️⃣ How long does it take to build an ADU?

Most ADU projects in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley area take:

2–3 months for design and permits
4–6 months for construction

So you can typically expect your ADU to be fully completed within 6–9 months from start to finish — depending on city processing times and project size.

5️⃣ Do I need special permits to build an ADU?

Yes, all ADUs require city permits and plan approvals, but we handle the entire process for you — including drawings, submittals, and inspections.

We’re familiar with building departments throughout Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, North Hills, Arleta, and surrounding areas, which helps us streamline the approval process and avoid unnecessary delays.

6️⃣ Can I rent out my ADU once it’s built?

Absolutely ✅

That’s one of the biggest reasons homeowners in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley are building ADUs right now.

Your ADU can be rented out long-term, used for family, or even for Airbnb (depending on local city rules). We can guide you through zoning requirements and help you make the most of your investment.

7️⃣ What’s the difference between a Garage Conversion and a Detached ADU?

A Garage Conversion transforms your existing garage into a fully functional living space — it’s often the most affordable and fastest ADU option.

A Detached ADU, on the other hand, is built from the ground up in your backyard and gives you full design freedom, privacy, and layout control.

We specialize in both — and can help you decide which adds the most value to your property in Van Nuys, Arleta, Reseda, North Hills, or anywhere else in the Valley.

8️⃣ Do you handle design and plans, or just construction?

We’re a full design + build ADU contractor, which means we handle everything from start to finish:

✅ Design & 3D plans

✅ Engineering

✅ Permitting

✅ Construction

✅ Final inspections

That’s what makes our process seamless — you only deal with one team, and we keep your project organized from day one.

9️⃣ What cities do you serve for ADU construction?

We build ADUs and garage conversions throughout:

Los Angeles, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Van Nuys, North Hills, Arleta, Reseda, Granada Hills, Northridge, Lake Balboa, Studio City, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Panorama City, Mission Hills, Woodland Hills, and all nearby San Fernando Valley communities.

If you search for “ADU builder near me” in any of those areas, there’s a good chance you’ll find RC Remodeling & Construction near the top.

🔟 What makes RC Remodeling & Construction different from other ADU contractors?

We’re not a big, overpriced company. We’re a local, licensed general contractor who takes pride in hands-on project management, clear communication, and quality work.

Our clients choose us because we’re reliable, honest, and experienced — not because we have the biggest marketing budget.

With us, you get personal service and professional results on every ADU, garage conversion, or remodeling project.

⭐ Bonus Tip: How do I get started?

It’s simple — contact us for a free ADU consultation.

We’ll come out, review your property, and give you a clear breakdown of cost, feasibility, and timeline so you can make an informed decision.

📞 Call (818) 633-1025

📧 info@rcremodelingconstruction.com

ADU Packages

Custom Set of Approved ADU Plans Ready to Pull Permit

Complete ADU Construction with Dedicated Project Manager to Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy