Building an ADU in Los Angeles usually takes 4 to 9 months from permit submission to final inspection. TAPS Construction, Inc. manages the whole process, including design, permits, construction, and the final walkthrough, so homeowners don’t have to juggle separate contractors or chase city paperwork on their own.
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is one of the smartest investments a Los Angeles homeowner can make. It adds living space, gives family members a place to stay, and boosts property value. But none of that matters if the unit isn’t built and permitted correctly. Here’s what the process actually looks like when TAPS handles it from start to finish.
What Does the ADU Process Look Like?
The journey has five main stages: design and feasibility, permit submission, plan check and approval, construction, and final inspection. Most cities in the South Bay and greater LA area (Hawthorne, Torrance, El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Lawndale) follow California’s streamlined ADU ordinance, which requires cities to approve compliant applications within 60 days. Actual timelines still depend on lot size, utility hookups, and whether you’re building attached, detached, or converting a garage.
1. Free Consultation and Site Visit
Every project starts with TAPS visiting your property to check lot size, setbacks, utility access, and zoning rules. This tells you upfront what type of ADU actually makes sense for your space.
2. Design and Detailed Estimate
You get a full written scope of work with an itemized cost breakdown and a realistic timeline. No vague numbers, no surprise change orders halfway through.
3. Permits and City Approvals
This is where most ADU projects get stuck when homeowners try to manage it themselves. TAPS handles plan submissions, city coordination, and inspection scheduling directly. Being a CSLB-licensed contractor (#1134278) means plans are more likely to meet current California ADU code the first time around, which cuts down on back-and-forth with the city.
4. Construction and Quality Checks
Once permits clear, construction moves forward on schedule: framing, electrical, plumbing, and finishes, all in sequence. The owner personally checks quality at each stage instead of leaving it to a rotating crew.
5. Final Walkthrough and Sign-Off
A project isn’t done just because construction wrapped up. It’s done when the city signs off and you’re happy with the result. TAPS walks the finished ADU with you, takes care of any punch-list items, and only closes the job once the final inspection passes and you’ve confirmed everything looks right.
How Long Does an ADU Take to Build?
Most ADUs in the LA area take 4 to 9 months total. That’s roughly 1 to 3 months for design and permitting, and 3 to 6 months for construction, depending on the size of the unit and whether it’s a ground-up build or a garage conversion. Garage conversions tend to move faster since the foundation and structure are already there.
How Much Does an ADU Cost in Los Angeles?
Costs vary a lot depending on the type of ADU and finish level. Garage conversions typically cost less than detached ground-up units since they reuse existing structure. TAPS gives you a full itemized estimate during the consultation so you can plan your budget before committing to a design.
Do I Need a Permit for an ADU?
Yes, every ADU in California needs a building permit, no matter the size. Skipping this step means you can’t legally rent the unit, insurance may not cover it, and it can cause serious problems when you try to sell the home later. TAPS manages the entire permit process, from submission to revisions to inspection scheduling, which is usually the biggest source of delays for homeowners going it alone.
Why Homeowners Choose TAPS for ADU Construction
TAPS Construction, Inc. is a licensed, insured, and bonded general contractor based in Lawndale, CA, serving Hawthorne, Torrance, El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and the wider Los Angeles and Orange County areas. Because it’s owner-operated, you work directly with the owner from the first site visit all the way through the final walkthrough, not a rotating cast of project managers.
Ready to Build Your ADU?
TAPS Construction, Inc. handles design, permitting, construction, and final sign-off as one smooth process from start to finish. Request a free estimate at tapsbuilders.com/contact-us or call (310) 480-4840 to schedule a site visit.
CSLB License #1134278. Fully Insured and Bonded.