Local vacancy rates hover near historic lows while Pasadena’s job centers keep attracting talent. That demand supports premium rents for well-designed ADUs within walking distance of Lake Avenue shops, Gold Line stations, and award-winning schools. A detached unit also drives resale value because buyers view the permitted structure as a ready-made mortgage helper. Add Pasadena’s forward-thinking zoning rules,no owner-occupancy requirement and relaxed parking minimums, and it is clear why your spare square footage is more valuable than ever.
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!!
Even a small construction project can feel overwhelming once permits, utility upgrades, and structural codes enter the picture. Our design-build method removes the stress. First, we meet on site, measure setbacks, review sewer lines, and listen to your goals. Our architects draft a concept that blends your wish list with Pasadena’s architectural heritage, then hand the plan to in-house engineers for structural and Title 24 energy calculations. A dedicated permit specialist submits the packet to the Pasadena Department of Planning and monitors every revision so you never wait in line at City Hall. During construction, a project manager sends weekly progress photos, keeps neighbors informed about work hours, and ties every payment to completed milestones. Because we control the entire workflow, ADU construction Pasadena stays on schedule and on budget.
A great accessory unit respects the main house and the neighborhood. If your primary home features clinker-brick accents and low-sloped gables, the ADU might echo those lines with board-and-batten siding and exposed rafter tails. If mid-century modern is your passion, we can frame expansive clerestory windows that capture afternoon light while shielding interior privacy. Inside, vaulted ceilings, strategic skylights, and custom storage make modest footprints feel expansive. High-performance insulation and low-e windows keep electric bills low during hot San Gabriel Valley summers.
Quality starts beneath the surface. We pour steel-reinforced footings, anchor framing with seismic-rated hardware, and specify premium kiln-dried lumber to prevent warping. Roof assemblies use class-A shingles rated for 30 years or standing-seam metal that deflects radiant heat. All plumbing runs in PEX-A to eliminate corrosion and future leaks while electrical wiring meets the newest arc-fault safety standards. Our crews complete OSHA-10 training and follow Pasadena’s strict erosion-control rules that protect the Arroyo Seco watershed. These details safeguard your investment and demonstrate our commitment to responsible building.
Many clients discover us through an ADU project but stay for whole-house remodels, gourmet kitchen makeovers, spa-inspired bathrooms, garage conversions, seismic retrofits, window replacements, and commercial tenant improvements for Colorado Boulevard storefronts. Working with one trusted partner across multiple upgrades guarantees design cohesion, transparent budgeting, and a familiar face who already understands your property quirks.
An accessory dwelling often pays for itself through rent, but upfront capital is still required. We partner with local credit unions and national lenders that offer construction-to-permanent loans, home-equity lines, and cash-out refinance packages tailored to ADUs. Our finance coordinator clarifies points, fees, and draw schedules and can even connect you with programs offering up to forty thousand dollars in state grant funds for qualifying homeowners. Accurate cost projections paired with realistic rent estimates help you decide whether short-term cash flow or long-term equity growth best fits your goals.
Ground Up Builders holds an A-rating with the Better Business Bureau, maintains current licensing and bonding, and carries comprehensive liability and compensation insurance. Our portfolio spans more than fifteen years of Southern California projects from South Pasadena to Altadena. We are active members of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and sponsor local Habitat for Humanity build days because craftsmanship and community go hand in hand.
Your lot already has the space. Let us unlock its potential. Call us to schedule a free site assessment. Mention this page and receive a complimentary 3D exterior rendering at your design meeting. Whether you need extra income, multigenerational housing, or a sleek backyard studio, ADU construction Pasadena is easier when you build from the ground up with a team you can trust.
| Zip Code | Area Code | City | County | State |
| 91030 | 323 |562 |626 |818 | South Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91031 | 626 | South Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91101 | 213 |310 |323 |626 |805 |818 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91102 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91103 | 323 |626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91104 | 310 |323 |626 |818 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91105 | 310 |323 |626 |818 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91106 | 310 |323 |626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91107 | 323 |626 |818 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91109 | 626 |818 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91110 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91114 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91115 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91116 | 323 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91117 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91121 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91123 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91124 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91125 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91126 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91129 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91182 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91184 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91185 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91188 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91189 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
| 91199 | 626 | Pasadena | Los Angeles | CA |
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