Junior Accessory Dwelling Units — small build, major impact, big California incentives.
Overview
A JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, attached dwelling up to 500 sqft created within the walls of an existing single-family home. California HCD rules make JADUs one of the fastest and cheapest ways to add a rental unit: minimal new construction, no separate utility connections required, and ministerial approval timelines.
Common JADU conversions take a bedroom or attached garage and add an efficiency kitchen, a bathroom (or shared with the main house), and a separate exterior entrance.
What's included
Our process
01
Confirm single-family zoning, owner-occupancy, and 500 sqft maximum.
02
Floor plan that meets HCD and local ordinance.
03
Ministerial review under SB 9 / state ADU law; 60-day review window.
04
Most JADUs complete in 2–4 months on site.
05
We can help with leasing and ongoing management.
Pricing
JADUs typically run $60,000–$130,000 in California depending on whether plumbing already exists in the wall, how much demolition is required, and finish level.
Timeline
Permit: 60 days under California's ministerial review. Build: 2–4 months on site.
FAQs
A JADU is up to 500 sqft, created within the walls of an existing single-family home, with at minimum an efficiency kitchen and either its own bathroom or one shared with the main house. An ADU can be up to 1,200 sqft, can be detached, and has stricter independent-utility requirements. JADUs require owner-occupancy of either the main house or the JADU.
Yes. California requires owner-occupancy of either the JADU or the main residence (HCD JADU statute). This is one of the key differences from a regular ADU.
Local agencies must ministerially approve or deny within 60 days under state law. We see most JADUs through plan check in 4–8 weeks.
No. JADUs can share utilities with the main house — that's a big part of why they're cheaper than full ADUs.
Depends on the local jurisdiction. Many California cities prohibit short-term rentals of ADUs and JADUs (under 30 days). We check your local rules before you commit.
Typical 350–500 sqft JADUs in the LA / Long Beach area rent for $1,500–$2,400/month depending on neighborhood, finish, and parking.
Related services
Construction
Attached, detached, above-garage, garage conversions, and interior ADUs across California.
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Construction
Additions, bump-outs, and conversions that expand without the stress.
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Management Services
On-time rent collection, ledgers, late notices, and reconciliation across your portfolio.
Learn moreTell us about the property and the work you need. We'll respond within one business day.
