Change In LA County LAW
Since the State of California signed a bill in September of 2016 that amended requirements for garage conversions on residential properties, it has become a real estate trend for homeowners to turn garage units into additional housing.
Senate Bill No.1069 allows cities to govern requirements for constructing second units in single-family and multifamily residential zones. These second units are now officially being recognized by The Planning and Zoning Law as Accessory dwelling units
While converting garages into living spaces, it also provides a solution that could benefit Los Angeles homeowners in several ways:
1. It allows homeowners to turn what could be large unused spaces into extra living areas. For homeowners, this is one of the best ways to raise property value in today’s market. Not only does it require minimal to no disruption in the current home, but these projects can easily add additional square footage to the home. Whether you have a one or two car garage, the right layout can maximize on space to creative a comfortable studio.
2. Adding an accessory dwelling unit in Los Angeles brings opportunity for additional income as the need for rental units increases. With the number of renters on the rise, it’s one of the best ways to create additional income opportunities and can quickly pay for itself and then some.
3. Converting a garage into an ADU can also allow for extended families to live together without compromising on privacy. Second dwellings can be a perfect in-laws quarters so you can help parents or grandparents and keep them close and keep on budget.
This bill has made the accessory dwelling unit permits more accessible than ever, and turning your garage into extra living space is only a phone call away.
If you’ve been sitting on the idea of expanding your home by converting a garage, now is the time- it’s not certain how long it will remain intact
EXCELLENT Based on 178 reviews Nora S.October 21, 2025Verified We've worked with Uzi and the Ground Up Builders team on a number of projects in our home -- from gut renovations of two bathrooms to opening up walls in our kitchen, installing new lighting and electrical, mold remediation, and refinishing all the floors in the house. Oh! And when we had an emergency plumbing situation a week after moving in having nothing to do with his work, Uzi sent his team immediately to help. While Uzi is incredibly capable with major renovations, he approaches even the smallest jobs with the same level of care. Truly, no job is too big or too small for him. Uzi is smart, thoughtful, patient, and deeply experienced-- he's like a walking encyclopedia -- he has answers to everything! He's also an amazing communicator -- always available, always willing to explain every step. We're not the easiest clients (we're very particular and even more indecisive!), but Uzi never once made us feel rushed or like we were a burden. He always walked us through every option and every choice. His team of painters, tile installers, plumbers, handymen, and more -- are all so kind, skilled, professional, and respectful-- always putting on booties before entering and cleaning up after themselves when they finished. We always felt comfortable with the Ground Up team in our home. We appreciate Uzi more than we ever thought it was possible to appreciate a contractor. In short, we recommend him and Ground Up without hesitation. KC B.September 26, 2025Verified I had the privilege of working with Jacob and his team. He is incredibly dedicated and personally invested in his work. He truly listens, communicates with care, and pays attention to every detail. He and his team are meticulous, thoughtful, and hardworking, while also being very respectful of the home and space. They're not only trustworthy but also genuinely kind and caring--it felt like a real personal and collaborative relationship throughout the process. I highly recommend. Heather C.September 25, 2025Verified We needed to remove a bath/shower tile surround to re-waterproof and retile, and replace the fixtures. We went with GUB after getting their name from a tile vendor and meeting with more than one alternative. GUB were the most expensive by far but also were the most responsive and had the most professional and comprehensive bid. All of the legal paperwork and their license information was included, along with a detailed scope of work and examples of past work. Adi Aiish was our Field Manager. He's friendly and very responsive and our overall impression was that the additional cost would be worth it to have a professional job. To be succinct, here are the pros and cons from the project: Pros: - Responsive field manager - Very fast demolition and quick work overall - Crew was hard working and polite, especially Antonio - Tiling work looks good Cons: - When a piece of plumbing broke and flooded the ceiling below, the response was that things like this happen. It took 5 days for the field manager to take a look and offer an apology. - During demolition, the mess was off the charts bad, leading to a lot of cleanup for us afterwards. During the project only the floor was covered (and on one day not at all). I've had other renovations done that were much cleaner. - The finishing was not as polished as I would have hoped. The caulking around fixtures was messy, the tile tilted slightly revealing the old seam around the floor, painting that was in the bid was only one coat until I asked for more. I think the M.O. is to work very quickly and fine tune the finishes only after being asked. Overall we're happy with the result but would have liked them to go a little slower to be more careful. Kristy K.September 16, 2025Verified Ground Up Builders have been amazing to work with!! They are professional, offer great suggestions, and produce sold work. Jacob is amazing!! He truly cares about the work that is put into your home as if it's his own home. He treats you like family. For us, Jacob went above and beyond. We live in El Monte and the city is not easy to work with. They kept giving us problems with permits, etc. Jacob didn't just email them and wait around. He drove over in person time and again to resolve the issues and speed up the process for us. If you want something done in your home, you can trust the team at Ground up Builders! Aaron F.September 10, 2025Verified I had an excellent experience with Jacob Hirschorn and Ground UpBuilders! They came out to inspect a problem I was dealing with after I had already received a quote from a big-name company. Right away, I noticed how professional and detailed they were. They carefully assessed the situation, explained everything clearly, and recommended addressing the issue in two stages to make sure it was done right. Thanks to their honesty and thoroughness, I discovered that the big company's quote was not only overpriced but also wouldn't have fully solved the problem. Jacob & his crew saved our family a lot of money and gave me peace of mind knowing the job was done correctly. I highly recommend Jacob & Ground Up Builders if you're looking for a contractor who is professional, trustworthy, committed to doing quality work & a long lasting relationship. Barbara O.September 2, 2025Verified Jacob Hirschorn and Ground Up Builders did a high quality job on a residential apartment unit that needed mold remediation and tile abatement, followed by replacement of very old bathroom materials and fixtures with new of same. The finish product looks very professional. Jacob managed the field crew with Ground Up's long-standing pool of workers, including Manny and Cesar. Jacob did not over-promise anything and stayed on schedule. The office team was very helpful as well, including Mary Jane and Tish. It is best to determine ahead of time if you may need a THP with the City of LA and establish who will purchase materials. Thank you Ground Up Builders. You delivered. John F.August 26, 2025Verified We have now used Uzi and his team for three jobs: When a car crashed into a front bedroom, for a bedroom & den with flood damage, and a recent remodel including repairing hundred year old hardwood floors, windows, etc. He gets all 5 stars from us. He does what he says he will, and he does it on time. He has a fine crew that really came through for us. Absolutely 5 of 5 stars. Thanks for everything, Uzi!! Angelo D.August 19, 2025Verified I've worked with Ground Up Builders for many years, and Jacob has always been my go-to person. He is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and takes the time to share creative ideas--he recently spent a long time helping me plan my kitchen remodel. His estimates are fair, right in line with other general contractors, but what sets him apart is his honesty, integrity, and the value he brings to every project. Over the years, Jacob has replaced carpeting with LVT flooring (and even secured me a great discount with the flooring company) and corrected the poor work of a previous contractor on a decorative window. Every experience has been positive, and I truly trust his judgment and workmanship. Ground Up Builders is always the first company I call, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for quality work and a contractor they can rely on. Hank C.August 18, 2025Verified Huge fan of Ground Up's work. Jacob and Uzi have guided us through planning and permitting for several residential projects with amazing know-how, attention to detail and professionalism. Certainly the most attentive and thorough contractors we've dealt with. And when we lost our home in the January 2025 Eaton Fire, they went above and beyond to help us navigate our insurance claim and to help prepare for our possible ground-up rebuild. Highly recommend them for any design or construction needs, big and small. Hector H.August 13, 2025Verified I purchased my first home with my dad last year and really wanted a pool in my small backyard. I was worried it wouldn't be possible just due to the huge dirt hill we had taking up half of the space. Adi Aiish at Ground Up Builders and Marcos Rojas took on this challenge and let me tell you, they absolutely did not disappoint. They took my plain backyard and turned it into an oasis, equipped with a heater for the pool AND the spa, as well as a built-in, natural-gas grill and countertop and tied it all together with a stunning planter and moody lighting that really brought the set up to life at night. I highly HIGHLY recommend these guys for anybody's future home upgrades and projects. Thank you so much for also getting this done quickly and safely!!
WHY Choose Ground Up Builders for your Garage Conversion
For over a decade, Ground Up Builders has been the premier garage conversion, building and garage-remodeling specialist. We utilize only the highest quality materials and advanced technologies to when we take on any garage remodeling or garage conversion project. Whether you are looking to convert your garage into a living room, convert your garage into a bedroom, build a garage addition or do a complete garage makeover.
Your Satisfaction is our TOP priority. Choosing us for all of your garage project needs is one decision you will enjoy for a lifetime!
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) protects California consumers by licensing and regulating the state’s construction industry. CSLB was established in 1929 and today licenses about 290,000 contractors in 44 different license classifications.
At Ground Builders we make sure not just the company is licensed and inspected by the CSLB , also the crew member and the Company consultants as well
Yelp uses User Reviews and Recommendations of Best Restaurants, Shopping, Nightlife, Food, Entertainment, Things to Do, Services and More in order to determined how good a business is , rating can go from 1 ( being the worse ) to 5 stars ( being the best ) Ground Up builders hold a 4.5 star rating for well over 10 years
ADU - Accessory Dwelling Units
A secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot is known as an Accessory dwelling unit, or simply an ADU. For example, it could be an apartment over the garage, a basement apartment, or a stand-alone house in the backyard. An ADU can be used to house a family member or for additional income through rent. Ground Up Builders offers the best ADU construction services in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura.
To solve the affordable housing shortage, new state regulations allow property owners and landlords to construct one or more Accessory Dwelling Units on their residential zoned property.
Your ADU may feature a separate living room, kitchen, and entrance. It can be erected as a standalone apartment or linked to the main house, using the main house’s energy and water connections. This is a great way to improve the aesthetics and comfort of your living space while increasing the value of your current home.
There are numerous possibilities for the types of ADUs that are feasible and suitable for your property. ADUs can be designed and built from the ground up by Ground Up Builders. ADU garage conversions can also be designed and built by us.
Do Accessory Dwelling Units add value to homes?
ADUs are well-liked since they frequently increase a property’s value. The amount of value they add, however, is difficult to estimate and depends on the market. Before selling their home, a property owner might not be able to tell whether an ADU is a wise investment.
An ADU, however, offers value in additional ways that should be taken into account. Elderly family members who reside in ADUs can value their independence greatly and would prefer to live at home rather than in an assisted living facility. A younger family member, on the other hand, might value staying in an ADU until they are more financially independent.
Room addition vs Accessory Dwelling Unit
ADU homes, sometimes known as granny flats or mother-in-law houses, are modern structures that can be joined or detached from the main house. It functions as a self-contained home, complete with its kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living space. A guest home, rental unit, separate living or workspace, or pool house can all be used as an Accessory Dwelling Unit.
In contrast, a room addition enlarges the primary structure of a single-family house to add more square footage. These renovations are frequently carried out to add a new bedroom and/or bathroom, as well as to enlarge the kitchen, family room, or master bedroom. The addition of a second or third floor is another option for this project.
How much do Accessory Dwelling Units cost?
Whether an ADU will be attached to or separated from the main house, as well as the materials and contractors needed, will all affect the cost of construction. We at Ground Up Builders ensure that our clients have the most affordable yet quality service. Per your instructions, we will make sure to construct the ADU of your choice while saving you from unnecessary costs.








