Renovation costs · Los Angeles County · 2026
What does a adu (accessory dwelling unit) cost in Los Angeles County?
Most adu (accessory dwelling unit) projects in Los Angeles County land between $180,000 and $260,000 (medium size, mid-range finishes). The full spread runs $90,000 to $550,000 depending on size, finish level, and scope.
Cost by size and finish level
| Finish level | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget-Friendly | $90k–$130k | $130k–$180k | $180k–$260k |
| Mid-Range | $130k–$180k | $180k–$260k | $260k–$380k |
| High-End | $180k–$250k | $260k–$360k | $380k–$550k |
Sizes: Small — under 400 sq ft (studio) · Medium — 400–600 sq ft (one-bedroom) · Large — 600–1,200 sq ft (two-bedroom)
Where the money goes
Share of total cost, with dollar bands for a typical medium-size, mid-range project ($180,000–$260,000).
- Design, Engineering & Permits10% · $18k–$26k
- Foundation & Framing20% · $36k–$52k
- Plumbing Rough-In & Sewer Tie-In10% · $18k–$26k
- Electrical & Panel Upgrade8% · $14k–$21k
- Mini-Split HVAC6% · $11k–$16k
- Insulation & Drywall (Title 24)8% · $14k–$21k
- Kitchen, Bath & Finishes22% · $40k–$57k
- Labor & Site Work16% · $29k–$42k
What moves the number
What you're building (a garage conversion reuses the existing structure and runs well below a detached new build), utility hookup distance from the main house, and permit/impact fees, which vary a lot by city. An attached unit also has to tie into and match the existing roof, which is where attached builds surprise people.
Get the number for your project
These are the ranges. Your project has a number. Our free budget builder asks a few questions and gives you a line-item estimate from the same model — no sign-up to see it.
Common questions
How much does a adu (accessory dwelling unit) cost in Los Angeles County?
Most projects land between $180,000 and $260,000 for a medium-size, mid-range job. The full range runs from about $90,000 for a small, budget-tier project to $550,000 and up for a large, high-end one.
What is the most expensive part of a adu (accessory dwelling unit)?
Kitchen, Bath & Finishes — typically about 22% of the total project cost. What you're building (a garage conversion reuses the existing structure and runs well below a detached new build), utility hookup distance from the main house, and permit/impact fees, which vary a lot by city. An attached unit also has to tie into and match the existing roof, which is where attached builds surprise people.
Do these prices include permits?
Yes — every range here includes design and permitting, which typically runs 10% of the project. Across LA County, permit costs and timelines vary by city, which is one reason quotes for identical work can differ.
How do I get a real number for my project?
Use our free budget builder: answer a few questions about size, finish level, and scope, and it produces a line-item estimate for your specific project — the same model these ranges come from. No sign-up required to see your number.
Find the pros who do this work
ADU Specialists in Sherman OaksADU Specialists in EncinoADU Specialists in BurbankArchitects in Sherman OaksArchitects in EncinoArchitects in BurbankAll trades & cities
How these numbers are built
Ranges come from Vera Home’s line-item renovation cost model, calibrated to Los Angeles–area pricing for labor, materials, and permitting, and reviewed against real LA project quotes. They are planning ranges, not bids: your contractor’s quote reflects your exact site, selections, and city permitting. Last reviewed 2026-08-03.