Design. Permit. Finance. Build.
Live.
Earn.
Grow.
Thrive.
Live.
Your Expert Guide to ADU Meaning and Building the Perfect ADU in Southern California
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
At ADUscale, we help homeowners in Southern California design and build custom ADUs—faster, smarter, and with less stress. We handle everything from planning and permitting to construction and financing, ensuring your ADU is functional, comfortable, code-compliant, and a smart investment.
Thinking about expanding your living space?
You’ve probably come across the terms ADU and DADU. But what do they really mean and which one is right for you? Let’s break it down together!
What is ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (or ADU for short) also called a DADU or second unit - is basically a separate living space on the same lot as your main home. Whether you’re looking to add room for family, earn some extra rental income, or increase your property’s value, an ADU is a smart and versatile option.
Recent projects
Our Work in Creating Functional ADU Spaces
Pinewood Residences
Garage Conversion
Pinewood Residences
Garage Conversion
A bright and airy 400 sq ft unit for an aging parent, complete with wide doorways and no steps
Summit View ADU
Backyard ADU
Summit View ADU
Backyard ADU
A bright and airy 400 sq ft unit for an aging parent, complete with wide doorways and no steps
Legacy Urban Units
Junior ADU
Legacy Urban Units
Junior ADU
A bright and airy 400 sq ft unit for an aging parent, complete with wide doorways and no steps
Silverstone Annex
Prefab ADU
Silverstone Annex
Prefab ADU
A bright and airy 400 sq ft unit for an aging parent, complete with wide doorways and no steps
ADU Cost Calculator
The Costs of Building an ADU
Building a mini home ADU is more affordable than buying a new property but still requires planning. Here’s what to expect:
Garage Conversion ADU
$60,000 – $150,000
Attached or Junior ADU
$100,000 – $200,000
Detached ADU (Tiny Home ADU)
$150,000 – $400,000
Size, materials, utilities, and local permitting fees all factor into cost.
Get an accurate estimate with our "ADU Cost Calculator" tool.
Get My Cost EstimateGet an accurate estimate with our "ADU Cost Calculator" tool.
Understanding ADUs
What Dwelling Type to Choose
Curious about those charming little homes popping up in backyards across Southern California? They’re called ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Unit — and they’re changing the way people live, build, and invest. ADUs are secondary homes built on the same property as a primary house. They come in many designs and forms:
Attached ADU
Give your garage a new purpose by turning it into a fully livable space - no need to add square footage or expand your lot. It’s a smart way to make the most of what you already have.
Conversion ADU
Give your garage a new purpose by turning it into a fully livable space - no need to add square footage or expand your lot. It’s a smart way to make the most of what you already have.
Detached ADU
Give your garage a new purpose by turning it into a fully livable space - no need to add square footage or expand your lot. It’s a smart way to make the most of what you already have.
Junior ADU (JADU)
Give your garage a new purpose by turning it into a fully livable space - no need to add square footage or expand your lot. It’s a smart way to make the most of what you already have.
DADU Meaning
A Small Separate House on Your Property
What do you call a small house in the backyard? The Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit is among the most prevalent types of ADU. A DADU, sometimes referred to as a tiny house ADU or small home ADU, is a stand-alone unit in the backyard or elsewhere on the property. It’s ideal for having maximum privacy and room, and it’s a great way to rent out, have visitors, or give family members their own space.
benefits
Why Build an ADU or Garage Conversion?
Boost Your Home’s Value
Adding an ADU can increase your property’s value by 20 to 35%.
Earn Extra Income
You can rent out a small ADU or converted garage for anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 a month, depending on where you are and what features you include.
Make Space for What Matters
Whether it’s aging parents, adult kids, or weekend guests, an ADU gives you the flexibility to create a private, comfortable space for the people you care about. You get to design it to fit your lifestyle.
Energy-Efficient and Resource-Saving
ADUs use lower energy and consume fewer resources compared to traditionally sized houses.
A Budget-Friendly Alternative
Building a tiny home ADU is a smart way to save - especially when you compare it to the cost of buying a whole new house or moving. On average, it costs around $180,000 to build an ADU, which is often way more affordable than jumping into today’s housing market.
Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit Right for You?
ADUs are one of the smartest ways for homeowners to unlock income, space, and property value. Not sure if one’s right for you? Start here:
You want to generate passive rental income—without selling your property.
You need extra space, like a mini home ADU, for family, guests, or multigenerational living.
You’d like to boost your home’s market value before selling.
You work remotely and want a private home office or creative studio on your property.
You want a flexible space that can evolve—host guests, rent on Airbnb, or support aging parents.
You live in an area with ADU-friendly regulations that make building easier and more cost-effective.
How we work
How ADUscale Helps You Build the Perfect ADU
We make the entire ADU construction process straightforward at ADU Pro, making it convenient for homeowners and investors to make their dreams a reality. We have a step-by-step process that involves:
Free Consultation & Feasibility Check
Thinking about building an ADU? Start with a free consultation. We’ll review your property, check zoning rules, and give you a realistic cost estimate—so you’ll know exactly what’s possible before moving forward.
Custom ADU Design & Permitting
Our experts handle the complex permitting process across Southern California. We create custom ADU designs that align with your budget, layout, and goals—whether it’s a Small Home ADU, DADU, Garage Conversion, or another dwelling type.
Construction & Project Management
We manage a trusted team of contractors to deliver high-quality, on-time construction. From prepping the site to passing the final inspection, we ensure a smooth process—and peace of mind at every step.
Financing & Cost Estimation
Worried about costs? We’ll walk you through financing options like home equity loans, ADU grants, and state incentive programs to help make your project more affordable.
ROI & Post-Build Support
We don’t stop at construction. Our team helps you understand your ADU’s earning potential with ROI projections, and connects you with rental management and maintenance partners—so your investment keeps working for you.
Let Us Help You Build Your ADU
View Our ServicesADU Trends and Market Insights
The demand for accessory dwelling units in Southern California is growing rapidly due to housing shortages and affordability concerns. According to housing market reports:
- More ADU Permits Issued – Los Angeles ADU permits grew from 80 in 2016 to over 5,000 in 2021.
- Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County are experiencing a 30% increase in ADU permit applications year over year.
- Increased Property Value – Homes with ADUs sell for 25% more than those without.
- Easier Regulations – California has made it simpler for homeowners to build ADUs by reducing restrictions and fees.
- To encourage accessory dwelling unit development, California offers grants covering pre-construction costs, with funds allocated to assist homeowners in building ADUs.
FAQ
Find Quick Answers About ADUs
What is the average timeline for permitting and building a detached ADU in California?
The timeline typically ranges from 4 to 8 months. Permitting can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months depending on the city, while construction generally takes another 3 to 5 months. At ADUcsale, we manage the entire process for you — from permits to final inspection — to help avoid unnecessary delays.
Do you offer pre-approved ADU plans that meet local zoning and building codes?
Yes, we provide a variety of pre-approved, permit-ready ADU plans that comply with both California building codes and specific local zoning rules. These plans help speed up city approval times and reduce the chances of plan rejections. If needed, we also offer fully customized design services.
Can I finance my ADU project through ADUcsale or do you work with partner lenders?
Yes, we partner with several financing providers who offer ADU-specific loan options such as home equity lines of credit, cash-out refinancing, and renovation loans. We can guide you through the available financing paths and connect you with the right lender for your situation.
Will adding an ADU increase my property taxes or affect my home insurance?
In most cases, adding an ADU will slightly increase your property’s assessed value, which can result in a minor property tax adjustment. However, under California’s Prop 13, your main residence will retain its original assessment. As for insurance, we recommend updating your homeowner’s policy after the ADU is completed to ensure it’s fully covered.
What’s included in your turnkey ADU service — do you handle permits, utilities, and inspections?
Yes, our turnkey service includes everything from site evaluation and architectural planning to permitting, utility hookups, full construction, and final inspections. We manage the entire project on your behalf, so you don’t have to coordinate with multiple contractors or city departments.
Get Started with ADUSCALE Today
Ready to make the most of your property? Whether you're thinking about a small home ADU, a tiny home, or a fully detached ADU, we’re here to help.