Tag: ADU construction services

When Lisa, one of our lovely clients, decided to convert her old garage into a one-bedroom ADU, it was not just a construction project for her. It was about rethinking what home means because it was the place where she had spent a lot of time.

Lisa has lived in her Altadena house for over 15 years. It is the same home her family has lived in for generations. But lately, things started to feel different. The house was too large (1,600 square feet) to keep up on her own, and it no longer fit her lifestyle.

So, she and her niece had a talk.

They realized that the main house made more sense for the growing family with young kids. And what Lisa needed was a smaller, easier space she could love and maintain for years to come. That is where the idea came up: the detached garage conversion to a custom ADU. A space just for her.

We Started with a Thoughtful Chat

When Lisa and her family reached out to us, they had already spoken with other contractors. But once we met, it was clear this was going to be a great partnership. What stood out to them and what we always focus was our commitment to listening first.

She had a clear vision. She wanted the ADU to feel like a real home, not a downsized afterthought. And our remodeling company never offers cookie-cutter solutions, so we planned to build around their needs.

We also showed her some of our garage conversion to ADU works. So she feels more confident about what she actually needs.

A Custom One-Bedroom ADU That Compliments Lisa’s Lifestyle

The ADU is 570 square feet, but it does not feel small. From the very beginning, we focused on maximizing every inch.

Lisa needed a full-size kitchen, not a scaled-down kitchenette. We made it happen! Cabinets, appliances, layout, and everything other minute things were chosen to fit her love of cooking. She even picked a bold, colorful backsplash that became the star of the kitchen. And she truly adored it!

“My backsplash was my inspiration for the entire kitchen. I’m still entirely in love with it.”

We also included a dedicated laundry room, a full utility closet, and a living space that opens up to garden views. The space feels open, bright, and modern, not like a garage at all.

In fact, this is an ideal example of how garage conversions to ADUs can maximize the space and feel like real homes when done right. All it takes is the right ADU design ideas that will double its functionalities.

Designing the ADU for Now and the Future

We also worked with Lisa to make sure her space would be easy to live in long-term. She asked for a zero-entry shower. No step-over, No tub. And we designed the bathroom with that in mind.

We also added more space beyond the original garage structure to create a full-sized primary bedroom with a focus wall. Lisa was surprised by how spacious it turned out. It is private, cozy, and truly hers.

“I am stunned and thrilled with how much room there is. I did not expect to have a primary bedroom with so much space.”

This kind of thoughtful planning is part of what makes a custom ADU different from a one-size-fits-all solution. And honestly, it is one of our expertise! Our team has the complete knowledge for a car garage conversion into 1 bedroom while meeting the unique needs and preferences of customers.

What We Did in the Front House

While we were building the ADU in the backyard, Lisa also asked us to remodel parts of the main house. This included a complete kitchen remodel with new cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, and a beautiful copper sink. Also, we replaced the older wooden floors with durable and modern vinyl flooring.

For Lisa, these changes were not just cosmetic. They were meaningful. She told us how special it was to see her grandmother’s old kitchen transformed into something fresh and still filled with memories.

“It was really lovely for me, who has been in and out of this house since I was born, to be able to watch this part of the rebirth and really see it from what had been my grandma’s kitchen to what is now a lovely, stunning, brand new kitchen.”

The Way We Worked

From start to finish, we kept it clear and consistent. We shared photos and updates every day, asked for feedback, and made sure everything was exactly how Lisa wanted it.

“I would not hesitate to recommend them for any home remodel or any ADU build. They really have been great.”

She also told us how happy she still feels, even months after moving in:

“It still makes me so happy. I still love everything as much as I did the day I moved in.”

That is the kind of feedback that means the most to us.

If you are thinking about a garage conversion, Lisa’s story proves that it is possible and worth every penny. With the right planning and the right team, even an old garage can be a dream home.

Whether you are downsizing like Lisa, want extra space for family, or need rental income, a garage-to-ADU conversion is one of the smartest moves to add property value in LA.

Ready to Start Your Own Garage Conversion to ADU?

We’d love to help. We’ve helped homeowners across Los Angeles transform underused spaces into beautiful, functional, and long-lasting areas. Whether it is garage conversion, ADU building, or full-home remodeling, we treat every project with the same care.

So, contact us and schedule an appointment without wasting a single minute. We will listen, help you plan, and build something you love,  just like we did for Lisa.

Investing in Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is undoubtedly a great approach to increase the value of a property. In Los Angeles, most homeowners prefer converting their old garage space into an ADU. Are you sustaining the same thought? Then don’t wait for more! Hire a reliable ADU contractor to get it done. But as a homeowner, it’s prudent to be aware of ADU standard plans so that you can fully co-operate with your contractor. And keeping this in mind, we have brought out a few guidelines that will help you have a perfect ADU. So, let’s start exploring!

A Few Guidelines for ADU Standard Plans

Converting a garage into an ADU requires careful planning. After all, it’s a commitment of a massive investment! So, have a look at the following points first for ADU standard plans.

  1. Think Why You Want to Build an ADU

First of all, you need to understand why you have taken this decision. Do you want to build a living area for your parents so that they can be close to your grandkids? Or you may want to have a separate room to concentrate your office work. Besides, there are a lot of ways by which you can use this space. So, determine what you want and express your desire to the contractor. In this regard, consider visiting Yelp to get more ideas.

  1. Make a Realistic Budget

Budgeting is one of the most vital aspects of a construction project, including an ADU. Hence, it’s wise to consult with the people in your area, who have recently invested in building an ADU. In addition, you can also conduct thorough research to know the overall cost of it. Then make a realistic budget depending on the information you gather. But never compromise building materials to save cost. You can also visit the Facebook pages of ADU contractors to make a budget.

  1. Educate Yourself about the Building Codes

Do you know about the ADU building codes and permitting process in your area? If not, familiarize yourself with these as early as possible. Otherwise, your project may come to a halt. And be ready to pay a high amount of penalty. And as a homeowner, there is nothing more frustrating than this. Hence, make a deal with an ADU contractor who provides city permit service. And ensure the professional you hire offers a 3D model before starting their work.

  1. Consider Privacy

How you integrate privacy in the ADU actually depends on the future occupants. If it’s for your parents, less privacy can be acceptable in the design. The front door should face the backyard entrance. You can also add window blinds. 

If you are planning to rent this unit, privacy could be a deal-breaker. In this regard, consider adding a back entrance with plenty of shrubberies, which can create seclusion. And while discussing ADU standard plans, don’t forget to ask about space-saving ideas.

  1. Be Aware of Fire Regulations

Fire regulation is also a crucial factor you need to take into consideration. However, it may require a sprinkler system. So, while planning your unit, consult with your local fire department to know the regulations for your area. It’s always better to be safe than regret it later.

  1. Use Existing Utility Connections

When it comes to creating ADU standard plans, the primary thing that people are concerned about is the utility connection. Well, in this regard, you need not require a separate meter. You can draw water from pipes. If you are planning to install a stove, heater, or gas furnace, it’s better to tap into your home gas line. But if your existing septic tank doesn’t have the capacity to handle sewage from the additional bathroom, add an extra one. You can visit Pinterest to see how people in Los Angeles use existing utility connections for their ADU.

We, MDM Custom Remodeling Inc, have earned a reputation as a renowned ADU contractor. We will build a perfect ADU with standard ADU plans. The design we suggest can create a functional ADU. So, deliver this responsibility to us without any hesitation.

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a great home improvement project. It can enhance the value of a home to a great extent. In Los Angeles, most homeowners prefer converting their old garage into an ADU. And you are sustaining the same thought, right? But to get it done accurately, one must resort to the best ADU construction services in LA. It’s a big investment, after all!

Well, in this blog, we have highlighted a few smart strategies to find the right ADU builder. Therefore, if you are planning to transform your garage into an ADU, dive into the following passage first.

Tips to Choose the Best ADU Construction Services in LA

Building an ADU requires careful planning. Besides, there are a lot of factors that one needs to consider for converting a garage into an ADU. Hence, it’s wise to entrust this task to a trusted ADU builder who is quite famous for ADU construction services in LA. Well, the below tips can help you find the right one.

Ask for Recommendations

At first, it’s prudent to consult with your relatives, friends to know whether they are familiar with an ADU builder. If your neighbors have recently built an ADU, you can have a discussion with them. And know their working experience. It means you will have a list of ADU builders in LA. Now, it’s time to narrow down your list. You can also conduct thorough research find an ADU expert. In this regard, Facebook will also help.

Do They Have License and Insurance?

It’s one of the most crucial parts of finding the best ADU construction services in LA. However, before making the deal, ask for a copy of the license and insurance from the ADU contractor. A licensed ADU contractor is aware of the ins and outs of the building codes in your area. And holding insurance means, you need not pay a single penny to recover the damage taken place during the work. But before hiring the one, it’s wise to have a close look at Yelp reviews.

 

Consider The Number of Projects They Have Handled

Experience says a lot about ADU contractors. An experienced contractor has the ability to build an ADU according to your wishes and requirements. Hence, before entrusting this task, verify how many projects they have handled till now. With their answer, you can have an idea about the quality of services they offer.

Verify Whether They Offer City Permit Service

In Los Angeles, there are some rules and regulations one needs to abide by for building an ADU. In this city, one has to obtain a city permit, which can be a hassle for a homeowner. And if you violate the rules, you may be penalized with a high amount. Hence, to avoid this intricacy, entrust this task to an ADU general contractor who provides a city permit service.

Do They Provide a 3D Model?

When it comes to converting a garage into an ADU, a 3D model plays a pivotal role. It will help you visualize how the ADU would look like. With a 3D model, you can imagine yourself in the space and determine what should and shouldn’t be included in this space. On Pinterest, you will find many 3D designs of an ADU created by ADU builders. So, choose the ADU construction services in LA, which prioritize 3D designs.

 

Visit Ther Projects

To verify the expertise of an ADU contractor, it’s best to visit their past projects. And consult with their clients. Their feedback will allow you to know the ins and outs of the expert. Most importantly, if you like their work, you can rest assured that your project will proceed on the right track. And this is what will give you peace of mind. You can also follow their Instagram page to witness their work samples.

If you want to convert your garage into an ADU, deliver this responsibility to us. We, MDM Custom Remodeling Inc, have years of experience in offering ADU construction services in LA. Continue reading our blogs for more updates.