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?
Size, finishes, structural repairs, sewer routing and electrical capacity affect the price. Request an itemized scope that separates existing-structure upgrades from kitchen, bathroom and finish work; compare it with new construction on the same site.
Can the existing garage foundation be reused?
Sometimes, but it is not automatic. An assessment must check slab condition, footings, moisture protection, floor elevation and structural loads. Repairs, strengthening or replacement may be required before the space can become a dwelling.
Which agency reviews a garage conversion in Los Angeles or Orange County?
LADBS reviews properties within the City of Los Angeles, not every city in Los Angeles County. Other incorporated cities use their own permitting authority; unincorporated properties use county review. In Orange County, confirm the municipality or unincorporated county jurisdiction before applying.
Does the 60-day ADU rule guarantee a move-in date?
No. State law provides a review period for qualifying complete applications, subject to applicable conditions and exceptions. Incomplete plans, corrections, associated approvals, construction and inspections are separate considerations. It is not a guaranteed permit or move-in date.
Will I have to replace garage parking?
State ADU law generally prohibits replacement parking requirements when a garage is converted to an ADU. Confirm the applicable rules with the reviewing agency and still plan for your household’s parking, storage and access needs.
Can I rent the finished ADU?
A permitted ADU may be used for rental housing, subject to applicable local rental rules. Confirm occupancy approval before renting and compare realistic rent with financing, insurance, taxes, maintenance and vacancy costs.
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?
Permit review in Los Angeles depends on plan completeness, corrections and parcel conditions, so no permit date is guaranteed. Construction timing is set in the written agreement.
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?
Permit review in Pasadena depends on plan completeness, corrections and parcel conditions, so no permit date is guaranteed. Construction timing is set in the written agreement.
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?
Permit review in Anaheim depends on plan completeness, corrections and parcel conditions, so no permit date is guaranteed. Construction timing is set in the written agreement.
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?
Permit review in Irvine depends on plan completeness, corrections and parcel conditions, so no permit date is guaranteed. Construction timing is set in the written agreement.
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?
Permit review in Long Beach depends on plan completeness, corrections and parcel conditions, so no permit date is guaranteed. Construction timing is set in the written agreement.
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
Still have questions about your ADU?
Book a free site evaluation and get a written, itemized estimate within 72 hours.
Book Free Consultation (866) 668-4264