Every ADU journey begins with one question: can you actually build one on your property? The good news is that California's statewide ADU laws are among the most permissive in the country, and most single-family and many multifamily lots now qualify for at least one type of accessory dwelling unit. But the details still matter — lot size, setbacks, existing structures, easements, and your city's specific ordinance all shape what is realistically buildable.
Feasibility is the stage where a little homework saves a lot of money. Before you fall in love with a floor plan, you want to know whether your lot supports a detached new-construction unit, an attached addition, a garage conversion, or a junior ADU carved out of your existing home. Each path has different size limits, setback rules, and cost profiles, and the right answer depends entirely on your property.
At Vision ADU, our owner-led team has walked hundreds of Southern California properties through exactly this question. Because Barak, Jaime, and Iris are personally involved from the first site visit, feasibility isn't a sales pitch — it's an honest read on what your lot allows and what it doesn't. We would rather tell you a detached unit won't fit and steer you toward a conversion than sell you a plan the city will reject.
The guides in this stage explain what an ADU is, how detached, attached, junior, and garage-conversion units differ, and how California's size and setback rules apply to a real backyard. You'll also see how ADUs compare to SB 9 lot splits, so you can weigh every option before committing. Read through them, then use our feasibility quiz or free estimate tool to get a property-specific answer. The goal of this stage is simple: leave it knowing whether you can build, what type fits, and roughly what footprint your lot will support — so every later decision rests on solid ground.
Answer a few quick questions and get a property-specific read on what you can build.
Take the Feasibility QuizGuides in This Stage
What Is an ADU? The Complete Homeowner's Guide for 2025
Everything you need to know about Accessory Dwelling Units — types, costs, benefits, California laws, and whether an ADU is right for your property.
Backyard ADU Complete Guide: 2026 California Edition
Everything you need to plan, permit, and build a backyard ADU in California in 2026 — lot eligibility, design options, costs, rental income, and how to move from idea to keys.
ADU Size Limits California 2026: Max Square Footage by Type
How big can your ADU be in 2026? California's max square footage rules for detached, attached, and junior ADUs — plus how lot size, setbacks, and local overlays change what you can actually build.
ADU Setback Requirements in California: Everything You Need to Know
Understand California's ADU setback rules for 2026 -- rear yard, side yard, and front setbacks, plus city-specific exceptions and how to maximize your buildable area.
Detached vs Attached ADU: Pros, Cons, and Cost Comparison
Should you build a detached or attached ADU? Compare costs, rental income potential, privacy, and construction timelines to make the right choice.
Garage Conversion vs. New Construction ADU: Which Is Right for You?
Garage conversion or new construction ADU — which is the right choice for your Southern California property? This guide compares every factor that matters: cost structure, timeline, size limits, design flexibility, rental income potential, and the scenarios where each option wins.
ADU vs Junior ADU vs Garage Conversion: Which Should You Build?
Three ADU options, three very different costs and outcomes. Here's how to decide which type is right for your property, budget, and goals.
SB 9 vs ADU in California: Which Path Is Right for Your Property? (2026)
SB 9 lot splits and ADUs are both legal in California, but they serve different goals. Here is the complete 2026 comparison.