10/26/2026
ADUs Explained: More Than Just Extra Space 🏡
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a separate living space on the same property as a main home, with its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.
Common options include:
• Detached ADUs — a separate backyard home.
• Attached ADUs — connected to the main house.
• Garage conversions — transforming an existing garage into living space.
For Los Angeles homeowners, an ADU can provide independence for aging parents, space for adult children, or an opportunity for rental income.
Before choosing a floor plan, consider how the space will be used. Privacy, natural light, storage, and outdoor access can make a compact home feel much more comfortable.
It’s also important to evaluate the existing structure, utility connections, site access, and local permit requirements. A garage conversion may need foundation or structural upgrades, so an existing building doesn’t automatically mean a simpler project.
Thoughtful planning is the foundation of a successful ADU—whether in Woodland Hills, Calabasas, or elsewhere in the San Fernando Valley.
ADU planning insights from Executive Design & Construction Inc.