ADU Builders in Santa Monica, California
With about 91,000 residents and housing costs that keep climbing, Santa Monica homeowners are turning backyards into income. Our Santa Monica ADU builders handle design, Los Angeles County-area permitting and construction under one contract, built for the mild Mediterranean climate with hot inland summers.
Typical cost
$178k–$416k
Permit time
6–10 weeks
Est. rent
$2,200+/mo
Population
91,000
Popular ADU types in Santa Monica
Our most requested projects in Santa Monica are attached ADUs and prefab and modular ADUs. Corner lots and alley-access lots in Santa Monica are ideal for ADUs with their own street entrance and separate address.
Design-wise, Santa Monica homeowners in the LA Basin tend to favor Spanish revival, mid-century modern and Craftsman details that match existing streetscapes.
Building an ADU in Los Angeles County
Every Santa Monica ADU we build is engineered around local conditions — especially hillside grading, alley access and tight setbacks on older lots. We prepare complete plan sets so the city can approve within the state's 60-day review window, typically 6–10 weeks here.
At $2,200–$3,550 per month in rent, a new ADU in Santa Monica can pay for itself in roughly 8.6 years.
Santa Monica ADU FAQs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Santa Monica?
Most Santa Monica ADUs we build land between $178k and $416k, depending on size, site work and finishes. Garage conversions sit at the low end; custom two-story units at the high end.
How long does ADU permitting take in Santa Monica?
State law requires cities to act on complete ADU applications within 60 days. In practice, Santa Monica permits typically take 6–10 weeks when plans are submitted complete — which is what our in-house drafting team focuses on.
What can I rent an ADU for in Santa Monica?
Based on LA Basin rental trends, a new 1-bedroom ADU in Santa Monica commonly rents for $2,200–$3,550 per month, putting typical payback around 8.6 years.
What are the biggest challenges for ADUs in Santa Monica?
In Santa Monica and the wider LA Basin, the issues we plan around most are hillside grading, alley access and tight setbacks on older lots. We review these during a free feasibility check before you commit.
Is attached ADUs a good option in Santa Monica?
Yes — attached ADUs are among the most popular projects we build in Santa Monica. Across Santa Monica, we see strong demand for 1-bedroom units around 600 sq ft — the sweet spot for build cost versus rental income.
ADU builders near Santa Monica
Get a free ADU feasibility check in Santa Monica
Tell us about your lot. We'll review zoning, setbacks and utilities and send a ballpark budget — no obligation.