How long does it typically take to build an ADU in La Habra?

Most ADU projects run between six and twelve months from permit approval to final inspection, depending on the type and scope of the build. Garage conversions tend to move faster than new detached ADUs built from the ground up. During your consultation, we'll give you a realistic timeline specific to your project so you're not left guessing.

Do I need permits to build an ADU in La Habra?

Yes, every ADU project in La Habra requires permits, and the city has specific rules around setbacks, height, and allowable square footage. We manage the entire permit process for our clients, so this is handled, not handed off to you.

Will an ADU increase my property value?

Absolutely. Additional living space on the same property is one of the more reliable ways to raise a home's market value, particularly in LA County, where housing demand holds steady. A well-built ADU adds square footage, rental income potential, and real estate development value that both appraisers and future buyers respond to.

Can I build an ADU on a smaller lot?

Usually, yes. ADU types, such as junior ADUs and attached ADUs, are specifically designed for properties with limited yard space. The best way to understand your options is to have us take a look and tell you honestly what your lot can support.

Top ADU Contractor Long Beach, CA

If you’ve ever looked at your backyard or that empty spot above the garage and wondered what it could become, you’re already halfway to your next ADU.

Long Beach Homeowners Choose Us for Their ADU Builds

We’ve built 24 ADUs across the Long Beach area in the last four years, and every one of them started the same way this conversation might: a homeowner with an idea, a piece of land, and a lot of questions.

Long Beach lots come in all shapes, some tight and narrow near the waterfront, others with more room to work with further inland, and we’ve learned to read a property fast so we can tell you what’s actually possible before we ever draw a single line.

Our crews handle granny flats, garage conversions, second-story additions, bump-outs, and full detached builds, and we keep the same team on your project from the first site visit to the final walkthrough.

Southern California’s permitting process trips up a lot of homeowners who try to go it alone, and Long Beach has its own local wrinkles on top of that.

We handle the paperwork, the inspections, and the back and forth with the city so your project stays on track without you having to become an expert in zoning codes overnight.

Alexsander Cornejo – Owner of Cornejo Builders

Hi, I’m Alexsander Cornejo, the owner and founder of Cornejo’s Builders. I started working in the remodeling and construction industry right out of high school, in 2009.

With Cornejo’s Builders, the goal is to give back to the city I grew up in. I want to send a message of hope and inspiration: any dream can be achieved, no matter where you come from, if you put in enough work and dedication.

Real ADUs, Real Long Beach Backyards

Photos tell you more than we ever could in a paragraph. Take a look through some of the ADUs, garage conversions, and additions we’ve completed for families right here in Long Beach.

60+ projects done

100+ of families helped

1:1 approach to your project

Unsure about choosing us? Request a quote to get to know us better! Let’s discuss your project. Or, call us at (562) 319-3178 now!

Long Beach Homeowners Share Their Experience

We’d rather let the people we’ve worked with do the talking. Read through a few of their reviews below and get a feel for what it’s actually like to build with us.

shozib ikhtekhar

Rated 5 out of 5

Cornejos Builders was a great help for me and right choice for my ADU project in Anaheim. Alex, helped me to get the final inspection done with reasonable price. We recommend Cornejos Builders for any construction and ADU project.

Chris

Rated 5 out of 5

Alexsander did an amazing job for me, I hired him for my project in Downey. He was very professional, clean, responsive and got the job done in a timely manner.

As problems came up during construction, he presented solutions right away. He built from the ground a two-story apartment and converted a garage into an ADU.

The cost of the construction was decent and the quality in material and labor was great. I would hire him again and I have been looking for other projects to do with him already.

What Does an ADU Cost in Long Beach, CA

ADU projects in our area typically run from $80,000 to $250,000, depending on the size and scope of the work.

Every property is different, so here’s a look at a few real projects we’ve completed, along with what drove the cost on each one:

New 735 Sq. Ft. Two-Story ADU in Alhambra, CA: This build included a new foundation, new plumbing, new electrical, new HVAC, Spanish-style finishes, custom kitchen cabinets, and separate utility connections. The project came to $250,000, with the architectural plans alone running $15,000.
New 535 Sq. Ft. ADU in Whittier, CA: This one included central AC, an open concept kitchen and living room, a rental-ready layout, custom finish bathroom tile, vinyl engineered flooring, and a level 5 drywall finish. This turnkey ADU came to $150,000, with the custom kitchen cabinets and marble countertops priced at $12,550.
New 798 Sq. Ft. ADU in Downey, CA: This project featured vaulted ceilings, a level 5 smooth finish, smooth stucco on the exterior, a customized smart home electrical setup, a curbless walk-in shower, and central AC. The total came to $200,000, and the bathroom tile alone was $8,000.

Reach out with your specifics, and we’ll put together numbers that actually apply to your property.

Five things that move the price up or down:

A studio junior ADU costs a lot less to build than a two-story detached unit with a full kitchen and separate utilities.

Standard finishes keep costs down. Custom cabinetry, tile, and smart home features add up fast.

Sloped lots, tight access, and older utility connections can add labor and time that flat, easy-access lots don’t need.

Some Long Beach parcels come with extra city requirements depending on zoning and setback rules, which can affect both cost and timeline.

A detached ADU needing brand new sewer, water, or electrical lines from the main home costs more than one that can tie into existing service.

No Surprises on Budget or Schedule

We know money and time are the two things homeowners worry about most before signing on for a construction project, and we build our whole process around protecting both.

An ADU is one of the few home projects that can actually pay you back. A rental unit generating steady income each month often covers its own cost within a few years, and after that, it’s building your property value and adding real equity on top. We set your budget up front and stick to it, so there’s nothing that shows up later to catch you off guard.

Construction can feel like a black hole if you’ve never gone through it before, but we’ve done this enough times to know how to keep a project moving. We plan the schedule before we break ground, communicate any changes as soon as we know about them, and leave your yard space clean at the end of each work day.

From Idea to Move In, Here's How We Build Your ADU

We handle the design, permits, and build, so your only job is picking out the paint color.

Design

We map out your ADU around your yard, budget, and goals.

Build

Our crew handles permits, construction, and every inspection.

Enjoy

You get a finished ADU ready for family, guests, or renters.

FAQs About Building an ADU in Long Beach, C

How long does an ADU project usually take from start to finish?

Most of our Long Beach ADU projects take 4 to 8 months once permits are approved, though the exact timeline depends on the project’s size and design complexity. Permitting itself can take a few weeks to a few months depending on the city’s current workload. We’ll walk you through a realistic schedule for your specific project before we start.

Can I rent out my ADU once it's built?

Yes, and a lot of our clients build for exactly that reason. We can help you think through layout choices that make the space more appealing to renters if that’s part of your plan.

Do I need to hire an architect separately, or does Cornejos Builders handle that?

We handle the entire design and permitting process in-house, so there’s no need to coordinate between separate architects, engineers, and contractors.

What's the difference between an attached and a detached ADU?

An attached ADU shares a wall with your main home, usually costing less since it can tie into existing utilities. A detached ADU stands alone on the property, giving you more privacy and flexibility but usually running a bit higher due to new foundation and utility work. We’ll walk through both options with you based on your yard space and goals.

Ready to Build Your ADU in Long Beach?

Alexsander Cornejos

Every backyard we’ve built in has its own story, and yours is no different.

Call us at (562) 319-3178 or reach out through our contact page, and let’s talk through what your property could become.

If you’d like to see the full scope of what we handle before you call, you can read more about our ADU contractor services here.

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Long Beach stretches along more than five miles of coastline in southern Los Angeles County, home to the historic Queen Mary docked in its harbor and the Aquarium of the Pacific, one of the largest aquariums on the West Coast. Between the beach access, the port, and the mix of older and newer neighborhoods, it’s a city where an ADU makes a lot of sense for a lot of families.