ADU cost calculator

What will my LA ADU cost?

Adjust the inputs to see permit, design, construction, and soft costs for your specific scenario. Coefficients are LA-market averages — actual contractor bids vary by ±20%.

Your project

ADU type

Square footage: 800 sqft

Range for Detached ADU: 200–1200 sqft.

Finish level

Mid-range (quartz, mid-tier appliances)

Plan / drawings path

YOU-ADU (free City of LA plan)Paid LADBS designer plan ($2K–$8K license)HCD-approved prefab (factory-certified)Prefab without HCD certificationCustom architect-drawn plan

Lot conditionsHillside lotRequires grading workHas an open / unfinaled permit to clean up

Estimated total

$203,332 – $310,832

Permits + design + construction + soft costs

Breakdown

Permits & fees: $8,332 – $13,332
Design / plans: $0 – $500
Construction: $192,000 – $288,000
Soft costs (engineering, surveys, utilities): $3,000 – $9,000

How we calculated this

•Sqft over 750 triggers LAUSD school fee ($4.79/sqft = $3,832).

Approximations only — real contractor bids vary ±20% based on site conditions, finishes, and contractor pricing. Always get 3 bids before signing anything.