An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a secondary dwelling on your lot—like a detached cottage, attached unit, or converted garage. It gives you flexibility (rental income, guest house, housing for family) and often boosts your property’s value.

In Orange County, construction costs usually fall between $250 to $450 per square foot, depending on site conditions, finishes, and utility work.

State law aims to speed up approval, but real-world timing varies by city. Generally, plan check + city approval takes weeks to several months

While some jurisdictions may allow you to use standard plans, a licensed architect or designer ensures your ADU meets building, energy (Title 24), structural, and code rules. We coordinate with engineers and energy consultants to reduce redos and speed approvals.

Start with a property review: we review your lot’s zoning, setbacks, existing structures, slope, utilities, and aerials. That lets us pre-check feasibility before investing in full plans.

Our focus is design and permit-ready plans. But we partner with experienced ADU builders who know how to navigate construction and inspections. We help vet and transition to builders post-permit.

Yes — as of 2025, cities in California are required to offer pre-approved ADU plans according to new state law (AB 434). We can adapt those plans to your property (structural, grading, utilities) and handle local submittal.