Ground Up ADU Build
in Greater Los Angeles
A detached, ground-up ADU is a brand-new home in your backyard — designed from scratch around how it will be used, whether that's rental income, family, or the office you always wanted.
Ground Up ADU Build done properly, start to finish
A ground-up ADU is true new construction: its own foundation, framing, roof, and systems, designed around your lot instead of squeezed into an existing garage. That freedom is the point — you choose the size, the layout, the ceiling height, and where the light comes from. Under California law a detached ADU of up to 1,200 square feet is possible on most single-family lots, which is enough for a genuine two-bedroom home.
We handle the whole arc as one design-build team: feasibility and siting, architectural design, structural and Title 24 engineering, city permits, utility connections, and construction through final certificate of occupancy. One contract, one itemized budget, one project manager.
From Backyard to Brand-New Home
Feasibility & siting
Setbacks, lot coverage, utility routing, and placement for privacy and light — resolved before design money is spent.
Design & 3D concepts
Studio, one-, and two-bedroom layouts designed for how the unit will actually be used, visualized before construction.
Permits & engineering
Structural calculations, Title 24 energy compliance, and full plan check with the City or County of Los Angeles.
Foundation & structure
New slab, framing, roofing, windows, and a fully weatherproofed envelope — real new construction.
Full systems
Independent electrical, plumbing, and HVAC sized for the unit, with panel upgrades on the main house where required.
Finishes & landscape tie-in
Complete interior finish-out plus paths, privacy screening, and yard restoration so the ADU feels intentional, not dropped in.
Why Build Your ADU With Us
Purpose-built layouts
A unit designed from scratch for renters, family, or work — not a compromise forced by an existing structure.
Design-build under one roof
Architecture, engineering, permits, and construction with one accountable team, so nothing falls into the gaps.
Plan-check fluency
We've moved ADUs through LA City and County repeatedly and design to what approves quickly — which is how timelines hold.
Engineered for return
Unit size and finish level calibrated to what actually rents in your neighborhood, so the numbers work from day one.
A process built on clarity
Consultation
We walk the property, listen to your goals, and talk honestly about budget and timeline.
Design & Permits
Drawings, an itemized proposal, and the full city plan-check process handled for you.
Construction
Sequenced trades, a dedicated project manager, and a clean site at the end of every day.
The Reveal
Final inspection, a punch-list walkthrough, and a warranty that stands behind the work.
Projects like yours
Ground Up ADU Build FAQ
How long does a ground-up ADU take to build?
Design, engineering, and city permits typically take three to four months, and construction runs six to ten months depending on size and site conditions. We give you a stage-by-stage schedule with your proposal.
How big can a detached ADU be?
California law allows a detached ADU of up to 1,200 square feet on most single-family lots, subject to local standards — comfortably enough for a two-bedroom, two-bath home. We confirm the buildable envelope for your specific lot during feasibility.
Should I convert my garage or build from the ground up?
A garage conversion is faster and less expensive; a ground-up build gives you more space, better layouts, and usually higher rent. We build both, so the recommendation you get is based on your lot and goals — not on what we happen to sell.
Does a ground-up ADU need separate utilities?
The unit gets its own full electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, typically fed from upgraded main-house services. Separate metering is optional in most jurisdictions — we'll lay out the costs and benefits during design.
Is a ground-up ADU a good investment?
On most LA lots, yes — it's one of the strongest value plays in the market. A permitted new unit adds appraised value and a durable income stream that typically exceeds the construction cost, especially at one- and two-bedroom sizes.
Related services
Flip It Homes serves Woodland Hills, West Hills, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Valley Village, Van Nuys, North Hills, Northridge, Mission Hills, Burbank, Altadena, Beverly Hills, Beverlywood, Culver City, Santa Monica, and Venice. See our full service area map ›
Ready to start your project?
Book a free, no-pressure consultation. We'll walk your space, talk through options, and give you a clear, itemized proposal.