Instant ADU Calculator
Get a real, itemized estimate based on your lot size, ADU type, square footage, and finish level.
Takes 30 seconds · No credit pull · No commitment
500+
California Builds
100+
Project Data Points
98%
Estimate Accuracy
The Problem
Why ADU Costs Are So Hard To Pin Down
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained living space built on the same lot as your primary home. The cost can range from under $150K to over $400K, and online "average" numbers are useless because they don't account for your lot, your city's permit fees, your soil, your utility connections, or the finish level you actually want.
The calculator solves this. It pulls from our database of recent California ADU builds and matches your inputs to projects that actually look like yours. You get an itemized estimate, not a generic range, and you see it on screen in under a minute.
What You Get
What The Calculator Tells You
- Total project cost, itemized by phase
- Design and architecture costs
- Permit and city fees for your address
- Construction cost by finish level (standard, mid, high-end)
The Comparison
Calculator vs. Calling Contractors
Instant ADU Calculator
- Real estimate in 30 seconds
- Pricing pulled from recent California builds
- Itemized breakdown, not a vague range
- No phone calls, no sales pressure
- Free, with no commitment to build
Calling Contractors
- Days of phone tag for a single number
- "Ballpark" quotes that shift later
- Pushy follow-up calls for weeks
- Each contractor quotes a different scope
- No itemization, just one big number
Ready To See Your Real ADU Cost?
Takes 30 seconds, no commitment.
How It Works
How The Calculator Works
Enter Your Address
We pull lot size, zoning, and city permit data automatically.
Pick Your ADU Type
Detached, attached, or garage conversion.
Choose Size And Finish
Square footage, bedrooms, and finish level.
See Your Itemized Estimate
Total cost broken down by phase, on screen instantly.
Compare Build Options
Adjust size or finish to see how the cost moves.
Talk To A Builder
If the numbers work, we can connect you with our build team. No pressure either way.
Get Your Estimate Right Now
Why Our Pricing Is Accurate
Licensed Builders
Pricing from CA license #1234567 actual builds
Recent Project Data
100+ California ADUs in the last 24 months
Updated Monthly
Material and labor costs refreshed regularly
Homeowner Stories
What Homeowners Said After Building
"The calculator estimate came in at $247K. Final cost was $251K. I've never seen a contractor get within 2% of their quote before."
Maria Gonzalez
Long Beach, CA
"I had three other contractors quote me wildly different numbers. The calculator gave me a real benchmark in 30 seconds. Saved me weeks of back-and-forth."
David Chen
Pasadena, CA
"I wasn't even sure I could afford an ADU. The calculator broke down every cost line so I could see exactly where the money went. Made the decision easy."
Rachel Thompson
Encino, CA
Used By Hundreds Of Southern California Homeowners
Free estimate. No commitment.
ADU Types
Every ADU Type The Calculator Covers
Detached ADU
A standalone unit built on your lot. Typically the highest cost per square foot.
Garage Conversion
Convert an existing garage into permitted living space. Usually the lowest cost option.
Attached ADU
An addition that shares a wall with your main home. Mid-range cost, faster to build.
Real Builds
The Builds Behind The Numbers
The actual California ADU projects the calculator pulls pricing from.
4218 Tujunga Ave
4218 Tujunga Ave, Studio City, CA 91604
8721 Cedros Ave
8721 Cedros Ave, Panorama City, CA 91402
1532 N Sierra Bonita
1532 N Sierra Bonita Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
2417 Glyndon Ave
2417 Glyndon Ave, Venice, CA 90291
2417 Glyndon Ave
2417 Glyndon Ave, Venice, CA 90291
2415 Glyndon Ave
2415 Glyndon Ave, Venice, CA 90291
2415 Glyndon Ave
2415 Glyndon Ave, Venice, CA 90291
6128 Bonner Ave
6128 Bonner Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91606
11920 Mayfield Ave
11920 Mayfield Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049
847 N Mansfield Ave
847 N Mansfield Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
5326 Cartwright Ave
5326 Cartwright Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601
3942 Beverly Glen Blvd
3942 Beverly Glen Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
4218 Tujunga Ave
4218 Tujunga Ave, Studio City, CA 91604
8721 Cedros Ave
8721 Cedros Ave, Panorama City, CA 91402
1532 N Sierra Bonita
1532 N Sierra Bonita Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
2417 Glyndon Ave
2417 Glyndon Ave, Venice, CA 90291
2417 Glyndon Ave
2417 Glyndon Ave, Venice, CA 90291
2415 Glyndon Ave
2415 Glyndon Ave, Venice, CA 90291