Build an ADU. Earn $2,800/mo.
Detached, attached, garage conversions. Fixed price. Free ROI analysis.
Free on-site consult includes rental income comps for your zip.
A 700 sq ft Detached ADU in LA = 10.5% Yield + Massive Equity
Numbers based on average LA detached ADU. Your project may exceed these.
The 7 Questions Every LA Homeowner Asks About ADUs. Answered Honestly.
You're paying $30+ per click to research ADUs. We're not going to waste it. Real answers, real numbers — no fishing for your phone before we tell you anything useful.
How much will this cost?
Detached ADU: $220k–$450k. Attached: $180k–$380k. Garage conversion: $140k–$240k. JADU: $80k–$160k. All-in — design, permits, build, finishes. The exact number for your lot comes in the free quote, itemized line by line.
Get my exact ADU priceCan I afford this?
Probably yes — and the rent often pays it back. Cash-out refis, HELOCs, and ADU-specific construction loans are the standard paths. Some lenders count projected rental income toward your DTI. A $320k ADU at $2,800/mo rent typically pays for itself in ~9 years and adds $150k–$250k in property value the day it's done.
Talk financingWho can I trust?
A licensed builder who's done this 100+ times — and shows you the receipts. We're a CSLB-licensed CA General Contractor, family-owned, 4.9★ from 137+ verified homeowners, with 100+ ADU builds across LA. We bring license, insurance docs, and references to every estimate.
Verify credentialsDo I need plans first?
No. Our in-house architect designs your ADU to match the main home — same roofline, materials, and color palette. Most of ours look like they were always there. Plus structural engineering, Title 24 compliance, and city submittals. One coordinated team, no architect-vs-builder finger-pointing.
Discuss designWhat about permits?
California's 2024 ADU laws make most ADUs by-right — cities must approve compliant designs in 60 days. We handle every permit in every LA city: submission, plan check, inspections, certificate of occupancy. All included in your fixed-price quote.
Check my cityWill I get ripped off?
Fixed-price ADU contracts. Itemized line-by-line quotes. 10-year written warranty. No allowance gotchas. No change-order ambush. No ghosting after deposit. Weekly photo updates of construction so you see exactly where every dollar goes. If we missed something on the estimate, we eat it.
Read our promiseAm I too early to call?
No — earlier is smarter. Free consult includes a lot screening, ROI analysis with rental comps for your zip code, and a financing roadmap. Many owners call us 6–12 months before they're ready to build, just to plan smart. Costs you nothing. Zero pressure.
Schedule free consult2024 Is the Best ADU Window LA Has Ever Had.
California streamlined ADU rules. LA rents are at record highs. Your property's untapped square footage is a financial asset waiting to be activated.
Streamlined Permits
2024 California rules cap city review at 60 days. ADUs by-right on most lots — no neighbor objections, no design review committees.
Record LA Rents
Average 1-bedroom rent in LA is $2,400–$3,200/mo. Detached ADUs rent like new construction — typically top-of-market for the neighborhood.
Massive Equity Boost
Appraisers recognize ADUs on resale. A $320k ADU typically adds $150k–$250k to property value the day it's done.
Financing Options
Cash-out refis, ADU-specific construction loans, and HELOCs are all available. Your existing equity can fund the build.
Pick the Right Type for Your Property.
Not sure which makes sense for your lot? In your free estimate, we walk your property and recommend the highest-ROI option.
Detached ADU
Standalone unit, built ground-up in your yard. Best rental ROI. Most privacy for tenant + main home.
Attached ADU
Built off the side or rear of the main home. Good for narrow lots. Shares a wall with the main house.
Garage Conversion
Convert your existing garage into a livable unit. Fastest, cheapest path. Works on most lots with existing structure.
JADU
Junior ADU — a smaller unit (max 500 sq ft) inside the existing home. Adds rental income without changing the footprint.
Cost ranges are LA-market averages including design, permits, build, and finishes. Your quote will be based on your specific lot, city, and finish level.
Every ADU Concern, Answered Honestly.
We've built 100+ ADUs across LA. Here's how we eliminate the things that stop most homeowners from pulling the trigger.
California's 2024 ADU rules force cities to approve compliant ADUs within 60 days. We've never had a properly-designed ADU rejected. We pre-screen your lot for any constraints during the free estimate.
Detached ADUs typically rent within 2–4 weeks of being listed. We share local rental comps for your specific neighborhood as part of the free quote — no guesswork.
Properties with permitted ADUs sell for $150k–$250k more on average. Buyers see it as built-in income or a multi-generational option. Just make sure it's permitted (we handle that).
Our in-house architect designs every ADU to complement your existing home — same roofline language, materials, color palette. Many of ours look like they were always there.
Prop 13 protects your existing home's assessed value. Only the ADU's added square footage is taxed at the new rate — typically $80–$200/mo of property tax against $2,800/mo of rent. The math is overwhelmingly positive.
Cash-out refis, HELOCs, and ADU-specific construction loans are all viable. We can refer you to local lenders who specialize in ADU financing — they understand the rental income offset.
Many of our clients build ADUs for aging parents, adult kids, or guests. The property value boost is the same. And if life changes, you can rent it later — it's a reversible decision.
Separate electrical/water/gas meters give the cleanest split for renting (tenant pays direct). Or sub-meter if you want to bundle. We discuss the tradeoffs in the free consult.
Detached ADUs are mostly built in your backyard — minimal impact on the main home. We coordinate site access, debris management, and noisy work hours with you. Most owners stay home through the whole build.
No Lowballs. No Upcharges. No Surprises.
Most ADU "specialists" lowball quotes to win the job, then hit you with change orders mid-build. Here's how we're built different.
| Typical LA ADU "Specialist" | Arka Builders | |
|---|---|---|
| Itemized line-item quote | ✗ Vague lump sum | ✓ Every line shown |
| Permit fees included | ✗ "Owner's responsibility" | ✓ Quoted & handled |
| Architect & engineering | ✗ Hire separately ($$) | ✓ In-house, included |
| Utility separation | ✗ Surprise add-on | ✓ Quoted upfront |
| Change-order surprises | ✗ 15–30% overruns | ✓ Fixed price, honored |
| Build timeline | ✗ "We'll see" | ✓ Contracted milestones |
| Warranty | ✗ 90-day verbal | ✓ 10-year written |
What's Included in Your ADU Quote
From Free Estimate to First Rent Check
Free On-Site Visit
We walk your lot, identify the right ADU type, run a rental ROI analysis. No pressure.
1–2 daysItemized Quote + Plans
Detailed quote, design concepts, financing referrals if needed.
5–10 daysPermits + Plan Check
We submit, expedite, and resolve city comments end-to-end.
2–4 monthsBuild + CO
Construction with weekly photo updates, final inspections, certificate of occupancy.
5–7 months
Real LA Homeowners. Real ADU ROI.
"Our ADU rented in 9 days for $3,100/mo. We picked Arka because they were the only ones who showed me a real itemized quote — everyone else was vague lump sums. No surprises during the build either."
"My garage conversion came in at exactly the quoted price. Permits took 11 weeks (within their estimate), build took 4 months. Property appraised $200k higher when we refi'd six months later."
"Built a detached ADU for my mom. The architect made it match our 1940s craftsman perfectly — neighbors thought it was a renovation. Mom moved in, we kept our equity, and the property went up $250k. Win all around."
Everything You're Wondering, Answered.
Still researching? These are the questions every smart LA homeowner asks before committing.
1. How much will an ADU in LA actually cost me?
2. Can I afford this? How do most owners finance an ADU?
3. Who can I trust? How do I know you're legit?
4. Do I need to hire an architect first?
5. What about permits? Will my city actually approve it?
6. Is this contractor going to rip me off?
7. Am I too early to call? I'm still researching ADUs.
How long does the entire ADU process take?
Can I rent it on Airbnb?
How do property taxes work with an ADU?
What if my lot is small or has a slope?
Turn Your Backyard Into a $33,600/Year Asset.
Free on-site visit. Real ROI analysis. Itemized quote. Zero pressure. We'll tell you honestly whether your lot, finances, and goals make ADU the right move.
- Free on-site ADU consultation
- Real rental income comps for your zip
- Itemized written quote (every line shown)
- Fixed-price contract — no upcharges
- 10-year warranty in writing