ADU Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, plain-language answers about ADU costs, permits, timelines, and rental income across Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and San Diego.
General ADU Questions
How much does an ADU cost in California in 2026?
Every ADU is priced individually based on size, type, city, finishes, and site conditions, so any figure is an estimate and not a guarantee. Vision ADU provides a written, itemized estimate within 72 hours of a free site evaluation — no generic per-square-foot guessing.
What is the cheapest type of ADU to build?
Garage conversions and Junior ADUs (JADUs) are typically the most affordable permitted ADU paths because they reuse existing structure. The right choice depends on your lot, goals, and existing layout.
How long does it take to build an ADU in California?
Garage conversions are commonly completed in about 4 months and detached new construction in about 6 months, measured from permit submission to final inspection. Permit timelines vary by city; California law requires most ADU permits to be acted on within 60 days.
Do I need a permit to build an ADU?
Yes — every ADU requires a building permit. Vision ADU handles the entire permitting process in-house, including plan check coordination with your city planning department.
Can I rent out my ADU?
Yes. Many homeowners use ADU rental income to help cover construction loan payments. Rental amounts vary by city, size, and finish level, so any rental figure is an estimate and not a guarantee.
Is Vision ADU licensed to build across Southern California?
Yes — Vision ADU is a CSLB-licensed B-General contractor (#1115842). Its team has helped hundreds of homeowners and completed over 75 ADUs of all types across Southern California.
Garage Conversion ADU — FAQ
How much does a garage conversion cost in Los Angeles?
Garage conversion pricing depends on size, finishes, and site conditions. Vision ADU provides detailed, transparent written estimates during your free consultation.
Do I need a permit to convert my garage?
Yes, all garage conversions require building permits. California law requires cities to approve ADU applications within 60 days. Vision ADU handles the entire permitting process.
How long does a garage conversion take?
Construction varies with site conditions and inspections. Permit timelines are estimates, not guarantees; the construction schedule is set in the written agreement. Vision ADU has missed one deadline in total.
Does Vision ADU do garage conversions in Los Angeles?
Yes — Los Angeles County is our largest market. Recent completed garage conversion ADUs include projects in Los Angeles, Compton, Hawthorne, Pico Rivera, Whittier, and Hacienda Heights, all documented with photos in our portfolio.
Will I lose my parking space?
California law prohibits cities from requiring replacement parking when converting a garage to an ADU, so you will not need to add new parking.
Can I rent out my converted garage ADU?
Absolutely. Many homeowners earn meaningful monthly rental income from a garage conversion ADU, which often helps cover construction loan payments.
New Construction ADU — FAQ
How much does a new construction ADU cost?
New construction ADU pricing depends on size, finishes, and site conditions. Vision ADU provides a detailed written estimate during your free consultation.
What is the maximum size for a new ADU?
In California, detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet. The exact maximum may vary based on your lot size and local regulations.
How long does it take to build a new ADU?
New construction ADUs typically take 4-6 months from permit approval to completion. Your project timeline depends on site conditions, permitting, and scope.
Do I need special permits for a new ADU?
Yes, new construction ADUs require building permits, which Vision ADU handles completely. California mandates a 60-day approval timeline for ADU permits.
Junior ADU (JADU) — FAQ
What is a Junior ADU?
A Junior ADU (JADU) is a small residential unit up to 500 sq ft created within the existing walls of a single-family home, including attached garages. It must have its own entrance and efficiency kitchen.
Can I build both a JADU and an ADU?
Yes! California law allows homeowners to build one JADU plus one ADU on a single-family property, potentially creating three living units on one lot.
How much does a Junior ADU cost?
Junior ADUs are typically the most affordable ADU option because they use existing walls and structure. Pricing depends on the extent of conversion work needed — we provide a written estimate after a free site evaluation.
Home Remodeling — FAQ
Does Vision ADU do home remodeling?
Yes! Vision ADU offers full home remodeling services including kitchen and bath renovation, room additions, and whole-home remodels throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.
Can I remodel my home while building an ADU?
Absolutely. Many clients combine home remodeling with their ADU project. This can be more cost-effective as contractors and permits are already in place.
Anlin Windows & Doors — FAQ
Is Vision ADU an authorized Anlin dealer?
Yes. Vision ADU is an approved Anlin dealer for Los Angeles and Orange County. We handle the entire project — consultation, measurement, ordering, and professional installation — under CA License #1115842.
Do black windows work on a Spanish-style home?
Absolutely. Anlin Designer Black windows are one of the most popular upgrades for Spanish Revival and Mediterranean homes — the black frames create striking contrast against white stucco and terracotta roofs.
What warranty do Anlin windows come with?
Anlin products are backed by Anlin’s transferable double lifetime warranty, covering the original owner and transferring to the next homeowner. Ask us for the current official warranty terms during your appointment.
Will new windows lower my energy bills?
ENERGY STAR estimates that replacing single-pane windows with certified models can reduce household energy bills, and dual-pane energy-saving glass helps keep homes cooler in Southern California summers. Actual savings vary by home and are not guaranteed.
How do I get started?
Make an appointment today. We visit your home, measure, show product options, and provide a written proposal — free and with no obligation.
ADUs in Los Angeles — FAQ
How much does an ADU cost in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles ADU pricing depends on the ADU type, size, finishes, and lot conditions, so any figure is an estimate and not a guarantee. Vision ADU delivers a written, itemized estimate within 72 hours of a free in-home evaluation in Los Angeles.
How long do ADU permits take in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, 4-8 weeks is typical for permits, with construction taking an additional 3–6 months depending on scope.
ADUs in Pasadena — FAQ
How much does an ADU cost in Pasadena?
Pasadena ADU pricing depends on the ADU type, size, finishes, and lot conditions, so any figure is an estimate and not a guarantee. Vision ADU delivers a written, itemized estimate within 72 hours of a free in-home evaluation in Pasadena.
How long do ADU permits take in Pasadena?
In Pasadena, 4-6 weeks is typical for permits, with construction taking an additional 3–6 months depending on scope.
ADUs in Anaheim — FAQ
How much does an ADU cost in Anaheim?
Anaheim ADU pricing depends on the ADU type, size, finishes, and lot conditions, so any figure is an estimate and not a guarantee. Vision ADU delivers a written, itemized estimate within 72 hours of a free in-home evaluation in Anaheim.
How long do ADU permits take in Anaheim?
In Anaheim, 4-6 weeks is typical for permits, with construction taking an additional 3–6 months depending on scope.
ADUs in Irvine — FAQ
How much does an ADU cost in Irvine?
Irvine ADU pricing depends on the ADU type, size, finishes, and lot conditions, so any figure is an estimate and not a guarantee. Vision ADU delivers a written, itemized estimate within 72 hours of a free in-home evaluation in Irvine.
How long do ADU permits take in Irvine?
In Irvine, 6-8 weeks is typical for permits, with construction taking an additional 3–6 months depending on scope.
ADUs in Long Beach — FAQ
How much does an ADU cost in Long Beach?
Long Beach ADU pricing depends on the ADU type, size, finishes, and lot conditions, so any figure is an estimate and not a guarantee. Vision ADU delivers a written, itemized estimate within 72 hours of a free in-home evaluation in Long Beach.
How long do ADU permits take in Long Beach?
In Long Beach, 4-6 weeks is typical for permits, with construction taking an additional 3–6 months depending on scope.
ADUs in Glendale — FAQ
How much does an ADU cost in Glendale?
Glendale ADU pricing depends on the ADU type, size, finishes, and lot conditions, so any figure is an estimate and not a guarantee. Vision ADU delivers a written, itemized estimate within 72 hours of a free in-home evaluation in Glendale.
How long do ADU permits take in Glendale?
In Glendale, 4-6 weeks is typical for permits, with construction taking an additional 3–6 months depending on scope.
Helpful ADU Resources
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