ADU Construction in Pasadena — Built to Last
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is one of the highest-return investments a Southern California homeowner can make. Whether the goal is rental income, housing for family members, or a flexible long-term asset, a well-built ADU adds real, lasting value to your property.
Cunningham Construction has been building ADUs throughout Pasadena, Altadena, North Hollywood, Glendale, Burbank, and greater Los Angeles for over 25 years — before ADUs were a mainstream conversation in California. We treat every ADU as a complete residence, not a secondary structure, and hold it to the same standards of craftsmanship, durability, and safety as a primary home.
Dustin Cunningham personally oversees every ADU project. You always have a direct line to the owner and will see Dustin on the job site.
Types of ADUs We Build
Detached ADU
A fully separate structure built on the same parcel as the primary home. Detached ADUs offer the most flexibility in design, layout, and use — and typically provide the highest rental value. We build detached ADUs from the ground up on existing lots throughout our service area, including on challenging hillside and sloped sites.
Garage Conversion ADU
Converting an existing attached or detached garage into a livable ADU is often the most cost-effective path to adding square footage. We handle the full conversion — from structural changes and insulation to plumbing, electrical, and finishes — and manage all permits with the relevant city or county authority.
Attached ADU
An addition to the primary home that creates a separate living unit with its own entrance. Attached ADUs work well on lots where a detached structure isn't feasible or desirable. We design and build attached ADUs to integrate seamlessly with the existing home, both structurally and aesthetically.
Junior ADU (JADU)
A Junior ADU is created within the existing footprint of the primary home — typically from a bedroom, bonus room, or interior garage space. JADUs have specific size and design requirements under California law. We are familiar with these rules and can help you determine whether your home qualifies and what the conversion would involve.
Our ADU Construction Process
1. Site Assessment & Feasibility
We start by reviewing your lot, your existing structures, and your goals. Not every lot is equally suited to every ADU type — setback requirements, utility access, lot coverage limits, and neighborhood design guidelines all play a role. We give you a clear picture of what's possible before any design work begins.
2. Design & Permitting
We work with your architect or designer, or refer you to trusted design partners we have collaborated with on ADU projects throughout our service area. Once drawings are complete, we manage the full permit process with the relevant authority — City of Pasadena, LA County (Altadena), City of Los Angeles (LADBS), City of Burbank, or City of Glendale.
3. Construction
Our ADU builds are managed with the same rigor as any other project — regular communication, a clean and organized site, and consistent quality at every stage. We coordinate all trades and handle all inspections through certificate of occupancy.
4. Finish & Handover
We guide finish selections to ensure the ADU is both durable and livable — flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and appliances that make sense for the intended use and budget. Every ADU we hand over is move-in ready.
ADU Permitting by City
Permitting rules for ADUs vary significantly by city and county jurisdiction. Short Term Rentals (STR) like AirBnb may not be an option for a newly built ADU in all parts of the LA greater area, so make sure you are understanding how you can rent your ADU before you build. Here is how they break down across our primary service area:
Pasadena
ADUs in Pasadena are permitted through the City of Pasadena Building & Safety Division. Pasadena has its own ADU ordinance that aligns with California state law but includes local design and setback requirements. We know this process well and handle all plan check submissions and inspections.
Altadena
Altadena is unincorporated Los Angeles County, so ADU permits go through LA County's Department of Regional Planning and Building & Safety — not the City of Pasadena. This is a common source of confusion for Altadena homeowners. We are fully experienced with the county process and can manage it on your behalf.
Glendale & Burbank
Both Glendale and Burbank have their own independent Building & Safety Divisions separate from the City of LA or LA County. We regularly permit ADU projects through both cities and are familiar with their specific timelines and requirements.
Eagle Rock, Studio City & Sherman Oaks
These neighborhoods fall under the City of Los Angeles (LADBS) permitting system. LADBS has a streamlined ADU permitting pathway under the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance. We can manage all LADBS filings, and will be onsite for all plan checks, and inspections.
What ADU Construction Includes
Full collaboration with your architect, structural engineer, and design team
Permit management with City of Pasadena, LA County, LADBS, City of Burbank, and City of Glendale
Site preparation, grading, foundation, and framing
MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) rough and finish
Custom millwork, cabinetry, and architectural detailing
Guidance on material and finish selections at varying budget levels
Hillside and sloped lot construction, retaining walls, and drainage
Full construction management with on-site oversight
Final inspections, punch list, and certificate of occupancy
Why Homeowners Choose Cunningham Construction
25+ years of custom ADU construction experience in the San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, Westside, and greater Los Angeles
Dustin Cunningham personally oversees every project — you always have a direct line to the owner
Deep local knowledge — we know the permit offices, the inspectors, and the conditions specific to each neighborhood
CSLB Licensed (#786113), bonded, and fully insured
Trusted by past clients who use us for multiple projects and refer us to friends and family — the most meaningful endorsement in residential construction
ADU FAQ — Pasadena & Greater Los Angeles
How much does an ADU cost in Pasadena?
ADU costs in the Pasadena area typically range from $150,000–$400,000+ depending on the type, size, and finish level. Detached ADUs cost more than garage conversions. Hillside sites, premium finishes, and complex utility connections push costs higher. We provide a detailed, itemized estimate before any work begins.
How long does an ADU take to build in Pasadena?
Most ADU projects run 9–14 months from initial design to certificate of occupancy, including plan check time. Garage conversions are typically faster. The biggest variable is the permit timeline, which we account for in our project schedule.
Can I rent out my ADU?
Yes. ADUs built as separate dwelling units with their own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom can be rented as independent units. California law specifically allows this but it may not qualify to rent out for short-term-rental (STR - less than 30 days). Make sure you check out how you can rent your ADU before you start the process. We build all ADUs to meet the requirements for legal rental occupancy.
Does my HOA affect whether I can build an ADU?
California law limits HOA authority to restrict ADU construction. Even if your HOA CC&Rs say otherwise, state law generally prevails. We recommend confirming this with your attorney, but in most cases, HOA restrictions on ADUs are not enforceable.
What permits are required for an ADU in Altadena?
Altadena ADU permits go through LA County Building & Safety — not the City of Pasadena. The process involves plan check with the county, structural review, and multiple inspections through certificate of occupancy. We handle all of this for you.
Can I build an ADU on a hillside lot?
Yes. We have significant experience building ADUs on sloped lots throughout Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Glendale, North Hollywood, Valley Village, and Burbank, including sites that require retaining walls, grading, and specialized foundation design.
