General Garage Building

Can you build a brand-new garage on my property?

• Yes. We handle custom detached and attached garage construction from the ground up, including architectural design, foundation pouring, framing, and final roofing.

Do I need a permit to build a new garage in Los Angeles?

• Yes. All new garage construction in Los Angeles requires a building permit from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). We manage the entire plan check and permitting process for you.

How long does it take to build a new garage?

• 3 to 5 months. The exact timeline depends on design complexity, grading requirements, and the speed of LADBS permit approvals.

Garage Conversions & ADUs

Can I legally convert my existing garage into a living space?

• Yes, in almost all cases. California and Los Angeles laws heavily protect your right to convert an existing, legally permitted garage into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). 

What is the difference between a garage conversion and an ADU?

• Garage Conversion: A general term for turning a garage into any usable space, like a home office, gym, or rec room.
• ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit): A formal, legal apartment that includes its own private entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and utility connections. ADUs can legally be rented out.

Will I lose my required parking spaces if I convert my garage?

• No. Current California law eliminates the requirement to replace parking spaces when you convert a garage into a legal ADU. You do not have to build a new carport or driveway space.

Are fire sprinklers required in a garage-to-ADU conversion?

• Only if the main house has them. If your primary residence does not currently have fire sprinklers, the city cannot require them in your new ADU conversion.

What is a JADU (Junior ADU)?

• A Junior ADU is a smaller living space under 500 square feet. It must be built entirely within an existing structure (like an attached garage), can share a bathroom with the main house, and only requires an efficiency kitchen.

Size, Zoning & Restrictions

What is the maximum size allowed for an ADU in LA?

• Up to 1,200 square feet. State and city laws allow detached ADUs to reach up to 1,200 square feet, depending on your specific lot size and zoning limitations.
  

Do I have to follow strict setback rules for a garage conversion?

No setbacks are required for existing footprints. If you are converting a legally built, existing garage, you are exempt from modern setback rules. If you are building a brand-new detached ADU, it generally requires a 4-foot side and rear setback.

Can my Homeowners Association (HOA) stop me from building an ADU?

• No. California law explicitly prevents HOAs from banning ADUs or imposing rules that make building one financially impossible. They can only enforce reasonable aesthetic and design standards. 

Timelines & Process

How long does the entire ADU process take?

• 6 to 12 months total. The breakdown typically includes:
• Design & Engineering: 4 to 8 weeks
• LADBS City Permitting: 8 to 12 weeks
• Construction: 4 to 7 months
  

•  Step 1: On-Site Feasibility. We physically inspect your garage, foundation, ceiling height, and utility connection points.
• Step 2: Architecture & Engineering. We draw custom plans tailored to your goals and structural needs.
• Step 3: Permitting. We submit the plans and secure approvals from LADBS.
• Step 4: Construction. We handle everything from framing and plumbing to insulation and final finishes.
• Step 5: Final Inspection. We pass all city inspections and hand over your ready-to-use space.

Costs & Value

How much does it cost to convert a garage in Los Angeles?

• $60,000 to $150,000+. Simple room conversions (offices/gyms) sit on the lower end, while full-scale, permitted ADU living spaces with kitchens and bathrooms sit on the higher end due to plumbing and structural upgrades.

Will an ADU or garage conversion increase my property value?

• Yes, significantly. Adding livable square footage and potential rental income is one of the most reliable ways to maximize residential home value in Southern California.