--- title: "ADU Builder in California | EcoStar Remodeling" description: "ADU builder for the Bay Area, Los Angeles and Sacramento (CSLB 1034806): detached, attached and garage ADUs, design and permits. Free quote." url: "https://ecosremodeling.com/services/adu/" --- # ADU Builder in California EcoStar Remodeling & Construction is an ADU builder for homeowners in the Bay Area, Los Angeles and our other California offices. As a licensed general contractor (CSLB 1034806), we design, permit and build detached, attached and garage-conversion ADUs under one contract. [Let’s Remodel](tel:%20+18007647130) ## What is an ADU? California HCD calls ADUs and JADUs an innovative and effective option for adding much-needed housing in California, and state ADU and JADU law sets the rules cities apply when you add one. An ADU is a smaller, secondary living structure built on the same single-family lot as the primary living structure. ADUs can range anywhere from 150 to 1200 square feet, giving homeowners plenty of flexibility in how they approach their projects. These structures feature their own living area, kitchen, bathroom, a sometimes more than one bedroom. They may even have their own private entrance and parking space. Building requirements vary depending on the type of ADU you choose to build. That is why hiring an experienced ADU builder like EcoStar Remodeling & Construction is so important. ## What ADU clients say [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/eco-star-remodeling-and-construction-pfvwus-pf~942667219#reviews) > "Our ADU build with EcoStar Remodeling went smoothly from start to finish. Foster kept us informed, answered every question, and made sure the space was exactly what we wanted." Read the full review → C**Catherine Gibson** [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/eco-star-remodeling-and-construction-pfvwus-pf~942667219#reviews) > "We needed extra space for my in laws, so we decided to turn our old garage into an ADU and EcoStar Remodeling was the only company that made us feel at ease from the very first meeting." Read the full review → R**Rainbow Heights** [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/ecostar-remodeling-and-construction-encino) > "If you are looking for a renovation of your home or an ADU garage conversion don't just hire a company, create a team that will be patient with you to bring your vision into reality and that is ECO STAR." Read the full review → D**Darryl P.**Los Angeles [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25kVk5XWk9UVkJST0ZGWWVYUklRVXQwVVdsSWFXYxAB!2m1!1s0x808fcb7c4471db43:0xbcdbccec03de0d76) > "We couldn’t believe the transformation after the garage conversion. EcoStar Remodeling & Construction turned it into a home office and gym." Read the full review → W**Will Presley**San Jose ## Why hire an ADU builder instead of buying a prefab unit? There are a few ways to obtain an ADU on your property, such as buying a prefabricated ADU or hiring a contractor for the job. Many choose to hire an ADU builder like EcoStar because a custom design fits the lot, the main house and the way the unit will be used. Each ADU we build is designed for its lot and its use, whether that is a rental, a home office or a place for family. You can implement an ADU on your property in many ways, which our team is happy to help you with. Many homeowners approach us with some idea, but we assist in refining those early concepts into long-lasting realities. ## Why Build an ADU? Why do homeowners choose to build an ADU? While not everyone is building an ADU because of the housing market, many are choosing so because of how beneficial it is to them. Building an accessory dwelling unit on your property is able to provide: - Increased property value - Potential passive income from renting - Additional living space - Eco-friendly and sustainable housing - Land conservation - Independence for senior family members In addition to the benefits above, State ADU and JADU law, published by California HCD, sets what cities may and may not require for ADUs, and some cities make it easier: Alameda, for example, preapproves detached ADU plans from qualified designers for a faster review. Sherman Oaks home front view ## What types of ADUs can you build? When it comes to ADUs, there are three primary types: - Interior ADUs - Attached ADUs - Detached ADUs Within each of these categories, you have methods in which you can incorporate an ADU into your property. ## Interior ADUs An interior ADU exists within the primary living structure. An interior ADU may also be a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU), but it must meet specific qualifications. In most cases, an interior ADU is a converted room. Basements, attics, lofts, or even the garage are all suitable options. Some homeowners choose a garage conversion for their ADU as it helps cut down on building costs. Our team can help you achieve this goal or convert another space into the interior ADU you want and need. Under state law, a junior ADU (JADU) sits within the existing house and can share some facilities with it, while a full ADU has its own kitchen and bathroom; the HCD ADU handbook sets out the exact rules. Systems such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical are often shared with the main house. ## Attached ADUs Attached ADUs are directly connected to the primary structure by at least one wall, often more. Your attached ADU could be a converted attached garage if you so choose. However, many choose to build them from the ground up at the side or back of the home. Unlike interior dwellings, attached ADUs will have everything they need for independent living: bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, HVAC system, etc. These types of structures may or may not have a private entrance. In some cases, they may share them with the primary structure. ## Detached ADUs This type of ADU is completely independent and built away from the primary living structure. It will have its own utilities, living areas, entrance, and more. These ADUs are almost always new construction unless homeowners have a detached garage they wish to convert. ## How does an ADU project run? **1. Feasibility.** We look at the lot, setbacks, utilities and access, and tell you which ADU types fit. **2. Design.** We draw the floor plan and elevations and help you choose finishes. **3. Permits.** We prepare the plan set with engineering and file it with your city; in Los Angeles that is the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), in the Bay Area each city's permit center. **4. Build.** Foundation or slab, framing, roof, utilities, insulation, drywall and finishes, with an inspection at each stage. **5. Final.** The final inspection signs off the unit, and we walk it with you before you move family in or list it for rent. Exterior project by EcoStar Remodeling & Construction Kitchen built by EcoStar Remodeling & Construction ## What drives the cost of an ADU? The type matters most: a converted garage reuses walls, a slab and a roof, while a detached unit starts from a new foundation. Then come size, the number of bathrooms, how far water, sewer, gas and electrical lines have to run from the main house, whether the electrical panel needs an upgrade, site access for equipment, and the finish level inside. Plan check, engineering and permit fees are part of the budget. We price each line in a written estimate, and in the Bay Area our [Bay Area ADU builder](https://ecosremodeling.com/bay-area/adu-builders/) page covers local permit centers in detail. ## Who builds your ADU? EcoStar Remodeling & Construction has more than a decade of experience remodeling and building residential properties. Taking on your ADU project, in Los Angeles, the Bay Area or Sacramento, is something we are thrilled to start. Get in touch with our team by calling us at 1-800-764-7130 or filling out the form on our free quote page. Exterior of New Construction Home Two-Story Home Remodel Outdoor Kitchen Luxury Home with Pool and Hardscaping Outdoor Kitchen ## FAQs Do You Offer Free Quotes? Yes, we do. We are happy to give you a free quote for your project. You can expect a response within 48 hours! Will You Help Me Attain Permits For My ADU Project? We will absolutely help you attain permits for your project. You can rely on us to work with the local government to ensure we have the green light to move forward with our plans. How Much Does an ADU Cost? Unfortunately, we can’t give you a specific number without knowing more about your project. The price depends on the ADU type and size, how far the utilities run, the finishes you pick and the site; you get a line-by-line estimate after our walkthrough. Can I turn my garage into an ADU? Yes. A garage conversion is a common way to add an ADU: we add insulation, windows, a bathroom and a kitchenette where the plan calls for them, and the conversion is permitted as an ADU. Our garage conversion page covers it step by step. ## An ADU customer story Testimonial 2 **Testimonial 2**Maisha Hudson: garage and in-law unit rebuilt as an ADUWatch the video → ## Where do we build ADUs? Our crews work out of offices across California. In Northern California, see our [Bay Area remodeling offices](https://ecosremodeling.com/bay-area/) in Alameda, Concord, San Jose and San Mateo, plus Sacramento; in Southern California, our [Los Angeles general contractor page](https://ecosremodeling.com/ecostar-remodeling-and-construction-los-angeles-ca/) covers Encino, Long Beach, Irvine and Rancho Cucamonga. Converting a garage? See [garage conversions](https://ecosremodeling.com/services/garage-conversion/); adding space to the main house instead? See [home additions](https://ecosremodeling.com/services/home-additions/). ## Service Areas: Los Angeles County - Encino, CA - Los Angeles, CA - Long Beach, CA - Glendale, CA - Santa Clarita, CA - Lancaster, CA - Palmdale, CA - Pomona, CA - Torrance, CA - Pasadena, CA - El Monte, CA - Inglewood, CA - Downey, CA - Sherman Oaks, CA - West Covina, CA - Norwalk, CA - Burbank, CA - Compton, CA - South Gate, CA - Encino, CA - West Covina, CA ## EcoStar Remodeling & Construction Specializing in bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels, roofing, and foundation services. Visit us at 2381 Mariner Square Dr Suite 275. Use the map below to get directions and explore our services.