ADU CONSTRUCTION

THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED AND BUILT ADUS, GUIDED BY CLEAR PLANNING, SMART DESIGN, AND A PROCESS CENTERED AROUND HOW YOU WANT TO LIVE.

More space. More possibility. Built with intention.

An ADU isn’t just extra square footage it’s possibility. It’s the quiet separation that brings families closer, the private space that lets creativity breathe, the rental unit that supports your long-term plans, or the retreat that makes your home feel bigger without ever leaving the neighborhood.

At Heart Construction, we approach ADUs the same way we approach custom homes: with intention, clarity, and a genuine understanding of the lifestyle behind the project. We listen to why this space matters family, income, flexibility, future planning and we shape the design and build around it. The result is an ADU that feels natural, connected, and purpose-built for the way you want to live.

Cost is one of the biggest questions homeowners have when considering an ADU. We explain typical budgets and what affects pricing in our guide to ADU cost in Los Angeles.

ADU DESIGN & BUILD IN LOS ANGELES

New home framing in Westwood with exposed lumber walls, roof trusses, and foundation work in progress, showcasing Heart Construction’s craftsmanship and structural precision in Los Angeles residential builds

ADUs in California: One of the Smartest Investments You Can Make

California and Los Angeles in particular have become the epicenter of the ADU movement, driven by new statewide laws designed to support homeowners. ADUs are now one of the highest-ROI improvements you can make to a property in Los Angeles, offering:

  • Fast-track permitting in many cities

  • By-right approvals with fewer obstacles

  • Reduced or eliminated impact fees for many ADUs

  • Flexible rental opportunities

  • Significant increases in property value

  • A long-term solution for multigenerational living

For many homeowners, an ADU becomes a lifelong asset — a space that evolves with your needs. Whether you're creating a rental, a workspace, a private suite, or a calm retreat for family, an ADU adds both function and value in a way few home improvements can.

Before moving forward, it’s worth understanding what your property actually supports — and how those factors shape cost, feasibility, and design. We break that down in our ADU decision guide for Los Angeles homeowners.

Culver City ADU construction showing new framing and exterior sheathing during early building stages, highlighting Heart Construction’s expertise in designing and building accessory dwelling units that modernize existing properties.

Our ADU Process Simple, Thoughtful, Predictable

A detailed, transparent roadmap from dream to reality.

Below is our full process, broken down clearly so you always know what happens long before it happens.

We begin by understanding how you intend to use the ADU a guest suite, a rental unit, creative studio, workspace, or multigenerational living. Then we evaluate zoning, setbacks, property layout, access, and feasibility to confirm what is possible — the same factors we outline in our ADU decision guide for Los Angeles properties.

Discovery & Planning

1

Design, Budget & Timeline Alignment

2

We collaborate with your architect or bring in one of our trusted design partners to create a plan that fits your goals and budget. During this phase, we also outline milestone-based payments, keeping the financial process clear, structured, and predictable.

Permits & Engineering

3

We manage all permitting, engineering, Title 24 compliance, and ADU-specific requirements. LA permitting can be complex but our experience keeps the process moving smoothly while keeping you fully informed.

4

This is where intention meets execution. We maintain a clean job site, communicate weekly, and work with transparency so there are no surprises. When changes come up, we review the cost, timing, and implications with you before any work proceeds.

Construction

Living Through the Build

5

Because most ADUs are detached or converted from existing structures, homeowners can continue living comfortably during construction. We coordinate work hours, deliveries, materials, and parking to keep disruption to a minimum.

Finishing, Walkthrough & Turnover

6

We walk the completed ADU together, refine the details, and make sure everything aligns with the original vision. The result is a space that feels intentional, functional, and seamlessly integrated into your property.

Types of ADUs We Build

  • Detached ADUs

  • Attached ADUs

  • Two-story ADUs

  • ADUs built above existing structures

  • Garage-conversion ADUs

  • Backyard guest houses

  • Rental-focused ADUs

  • Multi-generational ADUs

  • JADUs (Junior ADUs)

Whether you're starting with an idea or already have plans, we bring clarity, craftsmanship, and intention to every step of the process.

Ready to explore your ADU?

How these ADUs came together

Every ADU project follows a process, but no two properties start from the same conditions.

Lot configuration, existing structures, zoning, and how the space will be used all shape the decisions along the way.

HANCOCK PARK

Hancock Park Historical Home + ADU Integration

In this project, the challenge was integrating new living space without compromising the character of a historic home. The ADU and garage were designed to feel like a natural extension of the property, balancing preservation, functionality, and modern living within a highly sensitive architectural context.

read case study →

CULVER CITY

Culver City Home Remodel + ADU Conversion

This project approached the ADU as part of a larger strategy. By restructuring the main home and converting existing space, the property gained flexibility for guests, rental potential, and long-term use without expanding the footprint.

read case study →

RECENT PROJECTS

Frequently Asked Questions About ADUs in California

Everything homeowners ask when building an ADU in Los Angeles.

 Why Heart Construction Is a Top Choice for ADUs in Los Angeles

A personal process not a template

Every ADU has a different reason behind it. We build around your specific lifestyle and long-term needs.

Clear communication & predictable payments

Milestone-based payments, weekly updates, and transparent planning mean fewer surprises and a smoother overall experience.

Deep experience with Los Angeles zoning & regulations

We’ve built ADUs in Venice, Pacific Palisades, Culver City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Hancock Park, Westwood, Malibu, Woodland Hills, and many more areas each with its own requirements.

Collaboration with designers & architects

We protect the integrity of the design while ensuring buildability, comfort, and long-term durability.

High ROI, rental-ready, lifestyle-enhancing spaces

Our ADUs don’t just add space they expand what’s possible for the property and your future.