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.

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.

Local ADU Contractor in Santa Fe Springs, CA

Your neighbors are quietly adding property value and rental income to their lives, and a well-built ADU might be the smartest investment your Santa Fe Springs property ever sees.

Santa Fe Springs’ Trusted ADU Contractor

We started Cornejo’s Builders with a simple idea: homeowners in Southern California deserve an ADU contractor who shows up on time, communicates clearly, and builds something worth being proud of.

We’ve completed 24 accessory dwelling units over the last four years across LA County, from garage conversion ADUs to detached ADUs to full new construction builds with custom design.

Every project came with its own property constraints, homeowner concerns, and city requirements. And every single one was wrapped up with a finished space that added real value to someone’s life and property.

Santa Fe Springs falls within LA County jurisdiction, which brings specific permitting steps, setback rules, and ADU regulations that contractors unfamiliar with the area tend to underestimate.

We’ve been through this process enough times to spot those friction points early and work around them before they become your problem.

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.

ADU Projects We've Built Across Santa Fe Springs and the Greater LA Area

When a team builds 24 ADUs in four years, the work starts to speak louder than any sales pitch. Browse our completed projects below and get a real feel for the level of craft and care we put into every square foot.

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!

What Homeowners in Santa Fe Springs Say About Building Their ADU With Us

Read the reviews below for an honest picture of what working with Cornejo’s Builders is like from the homeowner’s perspective.

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.

Walter Salcedo

Rated 5 out of 5

Working with Cornejo’s Builders was an excellent experience! They specialize in ADU projects and truly know their craft—from planning to final inspection.

Professional, responsive, and detail-oriented throughout the entire process. Highly recommend them for anyone looking to build an ADU the right way!

How Much Does an ADU Cost in Santa Fe Springs, CA?

ADU construction in Southern California typically ranges from $80,000 to $250,000, depending on size, scope, finish level, and site conditions.

To give you a realistic sense of what that range actually looks like, here are three past project estimates:

New 735 sq. ft. Two-Story ADU in Alhambra, CA: This project included a new foundation, new plumbing, new electrical, new HVAC, Spanish-style finishes, custom kitchen cabinets, and separate utility connections. Total project estimate: $250,000. The biggest single line item was the architectural plans, which came in at $15,000.
New 535 sq. ft. ADU in Whittier, CA: This build featured central AC, an open-concept kitchen and living room, a new rental income property setup, custom bathroom tile, vinyl engineered flooring, and a level 5 drywall finish. Total: $150,000. The custom kitchen cabinets with marble countertops ran $12,550.
New 798 sq. ft. ADU in Downey, CA: Highlights included vaulted ceilings, a level 5 smooth finish, smooth exterior stucco, a customized smart home electrical system, a curbless walk-in shower, and central AC. Total: $200,000. The bathroom tile alone came to $8,000.

These are based on past project estimates and are not a guaranteed price for your build. Every property in Santa Fe Springs is different, and so is every ADU project.

Visit our contact page with your specifics, and we’ll put together a much more accurate number for you.

Five Factors That Affect Your ADU Cost in Santa Fe Springs:

A 400 sq. ft. junior ADU and a 1,000 sq. ft. two-bedroom detached ADU are two completely different builds in terms of materials, labor, and time. The larger the footprint, the higher the base cost.

A garage conversion costs considerably less than new construction because the structure already exists. Attached ADUs, above-garage ADUs, and detached ADUs each carry different complexity levels and labor costs.

Standard countertops, stock cabinets, and basic fixtures keep costs manageable. Custom tile, custom kitchen cabinets, smart home systems, or premium finishes push the budget up. This is where homeowners have the most direct control over the final number.

In LA County, ADU permits require architectural plans and, in some cases, engineering reports and plan check fees that vary by city and project scope.

A flat, accessible lot with straightforward utility access is a simpler and cheaper project than one requiring significant site preparation or rerouting.

Your ADU Budget and Timeline, Handled With Care

Building an ADU is a meaningful investment, and we take both the cost and the timeline as seriously as you do.

Think of it this way: an ADU generating $1,500 to $2,500 per month in rental income pays for itself within a few years, then keeps producing after that. We use transparent pricing from the first quote, with no hidden fees and no vague estimates that balloon later.

Construction next door to your daily life can feel bigger than it is. We plan timelines carefully before breaking ground, communicate them clearly, and hold ourselves to them as a point of professional pride. Delays happen sometimes, usually tied to inspections or materials, but we manage those as they arise and keep you in the loop the whole way through.

How an ADU Build Works With Cornejo's Builders

An ADU build has more moving parts than most homeowners expect. Here’s how we manage all of them from the first conversation to the day you get the keys.

Collaborate

We review your property, listen to your goals, and build a custom plan.

Build

Our team handles permits, construction, and all coordination.

Enjoy

Your rental unit, guest house, or extra space for family members is ready.

Common Questions About ADU Construction in Santa Fe Springs, CA

How long does it take to build an ADU in Santa Fe Springs?

Most ADU projects in LA County take between 6 and 12 months from permit approval to final inspection, depending on size and complexity. Permitting alone can take 2 to 4 months. We handle all of that on your behalf and keep you updated throughout.

Can I build an ADU in my backyard in Santa Fe Springs?

In most cases, yes. California’s ADU laws have been updated in recent years to be quite homeowner-friendly, allowing most single-family properties to add at least one ADU. Santa Fe Springs follows LA County guidelines on setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage. We review your property’s specific constraints during the consultation.

Will an ADU increase my property value in Southern California?

Generally, yes. A finished, permitted ADU adds livable square footage and a potential rental income stream, both of which matter to appraisers and buyers alike. In a housing market like LA County, where demand for additional living space stays consistently high, a well-built ADU can meaningfully increase what your property commands. You can read more about what goes into a successful ADU project on our ADU contractor services page.

How do homeowners typically finance an ADU build?

Most homeowners use a HELOC, home equity loan, construction loan, or cash savings to fund their ADU project. Some factor the expected rental income into financing costs over time, which makes the numbers work more comfortably.

Your ADU Is Closer to Reality Than You Think

Alexsander Cornejos

California’s ADU laws have never been more homeowner-friendly. Lot sizes in Santa Fe Springs have real potential. And rental demand across LA County shows no signs of letting up.

Call us at (562) 319-3178 or visit our contact page here to start the conversation.

The space you’ve been imagining, whether it becomes rental income, a home for family members, or something entirely your own, is worth building right. Let’s do this together.

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Santa Fe Springs sits between Los Angeles and Orange counties, shaped by oil and ranch history that still defines the city’s identity today. Heritage Park preserves a beautifully restored 1800s estate on six acres, and the Hathaway Ranch and Oil Museum keeps the city’s industrial past alive. Cornejo’s Builders is proud to serve as your local ADU contractor in Santa Fe Springs, CA.