ADU construction in the South Bay, Los Angeles. Detached, attached, and JADU. Design-build with full permits and Title 24 compliance. Paragon Home Services serves Redondo Beach, Torrance, Manhattan Beach, and all South Bay cities.
California's ADU laws make it possible to add a 750–1,200 square foot rentable unit on most South Bay residential lots — with reduced setbacks, no owner-occupancy requirement, and streamlined permitting. Paragon designs and builds detached ADUs, attached ADUs, JADUs, and conversions of existing space. We handle architectural drawings, structural engineering, Title 24, sewer and electrical capacity verification, and the full construction — from foundation through final certificate of occupancy.
II.WHY IT MATTERS
South Bay ADU Realities
What State Law Allows
Under current California ADU law, qualifying lots can build an ADU up to 1,200 sq ft (or 50% of primary dwelling, whichever is greater for attached) with 4-foot rear and side setbacks. JADUs of up to 500 sq ft can be carved out of existing space. Most South Bay cities cannot block these by-right ADUs and must approve them within 60 days of complete application.
Where Cities Still Have Latitude
Cities can apply objective design standards — height limits (often 16-25 feet), parking requirements where applicable, and setback exceptions for fire access. Palos Verdes Estates and Rolling Hills have HOA design review on top. We know each city's local rules cold.
Sewer, Electrical, and Permits
ADU construction often hits capacity issues with the existing sewer lateral, electrical panel, and water service. Verifying capacity and budgeting for upgrades is part of the design phase — not a surprise mid-construction. We do this verification before quoting the project.
III.PROCESS
Our ADU Process
01Initial site visit and feasibility — we walk the lot, identify the best ADU placement, verify setbacks, and confirm code feasibility.
02Design and pricing — architectural floor plans and elevations, fixed-price proposal, and a realistic timeline.
03Engineering and Title 24 — structural engineering, energy compliance documentation, and MEP coordination.
04Permit submission — full plan set submitted to the city; we manage plan check responses.
05Site preparation — utility locating, demolition (if needed), grading, and foundation excavation.
06Foundation and framing — engineered foundation poured, framing erected to plan, sheathed and dried-in.
07MEP rough-in — plumbing, electrical, and mechanical rough-in with city inspections at each phase.
08Insulation, drywall, and finishes — exterior siding/stucco, interior finishes, kitchen and bath fit-out.
09Final inspections and certificate of occupancy — city signs off, you receive the C of O, and the unit is rentable or occupiable.
IV.CAPABILITIES
ADU Capabilities
Detached new-construction ADUs (up to 1,200 sq ft)
Attached ADUs (additions to primary dwelling)
JADUs (junior ADUs within existing space, up to 500 sq ft)
Garage-to-ADU conversions
Two-story detached ADUs (where allowed)
Architectural design and 3D renderings
Structural engineering
Title 24 energy compliance
Sewer and electrical capacity verification and upgrades
Full permit management
HOA design review (PVPOA, Rolling Hills, etc.)
Final certificate of occupancy
V.FAQ
ADU Construction — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my lot?
Almost certainly, yes — California state law requires nearly all single-family lots to allow at least one ADU. The question is what size and configuration. We do a free feasibility walk and tell you exactly what's possible on your specific parcel.
How long does an ADU project take?
From design start to certificate of occupancy, a typical detached ADU runs 9–14 months: 2–3 months design and engineering, 2–4 months permitting, and 5–7 months construction. Conversions and JADUs are faster. We give you a documented timeline at proposal.
Do I have to live on the property to rent the ADU?
No. Owner-occupancy requirements were largely removed by AB 671 and follow-on legislation. You can build an ADU and rent both the primary house and the ADU separately, subject to local rent control rules where applicable.
What does an ADU typically cost in the South Bay?
South Bay ADU pricing has settled into roughly $400–$650 per square foot turnkey for detached new construction, depending on finishes and site conditions. Conversions of existing garages run lower per-square-foot but vary widely based on existing structure quality. We quote fixed-price after a complete design.
VI.THE PARAGON DIFFERENCE
The Work
Detached ADUs, attached ADUs, JADUs, and ADU conversions — designed, permitted, and built.
The Paragon Difference
We know each South Bay city's ADU rules — setback, height, lot coverage, and parking — and design to maximize unit size within them.
VII.SERVICE AREAS
ADU Construction (Detached & Attached) — Service Areas
