Design, permits, and construction - handled by one team, start to finish.
A complete backyard structure designed and built as an extension of the main home - from planning and permits to construction and final finish details.
For most Los Angeles homeowners, the decision comes down to monthly income, added property value, and whether the project is managed by a team they can trust.
In many LA neighborhoods, a permitted ADU can become a long-term income-producing asset.
A permitted ADU in greater Los Angeles typically adds 40–80% to a home's appraised value — often $200,000–$550,000+ depending on size and neighborhood.
Every property is different. During your consultation, we'll provide realistic numbers based on your lot, zoning, and goals.
Building an ADU is a major investment. The right team should make the process clear, managed, and predictable from the first walkthrough to final inspection.
Design, permits, construction, and final details are managed under one process.
You work with a team that knows the property, the timeline, and the decisions that matter.
Clear scopes, itemized estimates, and realistic expectations before construction begins.
CSLB licensed, fully insured, and built for homeowners who want the job done right.
Every property is different. Costs depend on size, type, finishes, and site conditions. After a free consultation, you'll receive a detailed, itemized proposal - no vague estimates, no surprises.
Request My ADU Budget ReviewMost affordable, fastest path to a permitted unit and rental income. Typical timeline: 3–5 months.
400–800 sq ft, solid finishes, strong ROI. The most common ADU we build.
800–1,200+ sq ft, custom design, high-end finishes. Built to the same standard as the main house.
"Every project starts with me. I walk the property, review the constraints, and make sure the plan works before construction begins."
Garage conversion: 3–5 months. Detached ADU: 8–12 months. One team, clear timeline, no handoffs.
Tom walks your property in person - setbacks, lot coverage, utility access. You leave with a clear picture of what's buildable and what it costs.
Our architect produces plans, elevations, and material selections - built to pass LADBS plan check the first time.
We submit to LADBS, track every correction, and manage construction end-to-end - foundation through finishes.
Certificate of Occupancy, full walkthrough with Tom, and a 1-year workmanship warranty on every Arterra ADU.
Foundation & Framing
Mid-Construction
CompletedArterra works with homeowners across the Westside, Valley, and surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Total timeline from signed contract to Certificate of Occupancy: 8–12 months is typical. Roughly half is design and permits; the other half is active construction. Garage conversions can be done in 3–5 months. Detached ground-up ADUs run 8–12 months. The permit phase is the least predictable part - which is why working with a contractor who knows LADBS's ADU process makes a real difference.
It depends heavily on type, size, finish level, and your specific lot. We give you a real, written estimate after an in-home consultation - free, about an hour, no obligation.
Almost certainly yes. California state law allows ADUs on virtually any single-family residential lot, and HOAs cannot prohibit them. Setbacks, lot coverage, and height limits still apply - but the question we answer at the consultation isn't whether you can build, it's exactly what you can build and which type makes the most sense for your property.
As of 2026, owner-occupancy is no longer required by California state law for ADUs built before 2025. Check with your specific jurisdiction for any remaining local rules - we can help clarify this for your city.
In premium areas - Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood - a 1-bedroom detached ADU typically rents for $3,500–$5,500/month. In mid-tier areas like Culver City, Mar Vista, and Sherman Oaks: $2,800–$4,500. Studios and JADUs run $1,800–$3,200. These aren't projections - they're what we see our clients collecting.
Yes - but only on the value added by the ADU, not your entire property. California's Prop 13 protections still apply to your primary structure. The increase is typically modest relative to the rental income the ADU generates.
Financing options are available. Arterra Design & Build offers lender-friendly pathways and partnered financing programs to help support project affordability. All financing is subject to lender approval and may require separate documentation.
Yes - permitted ADU construction requires plans drawn by a licensed architect and stamped by a structural engineer. We handle this in-house. You don't hire an architect separately and hope they know LADBS. One team, one timeline, one point of contact throughout.
One hour with Tom. We walk the lot, talk through what's possible, and give you a real number - no obligation, no pitch.
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