How to Plan a Remodel or ADU in Los Angeles

If you’re considering improving your home in Los Angeles, you may find yourself weighing two common options: remodeling your existing space or building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). While both can add value and functionality, they follow different planning paths—and understanding those differences early can save time, stress, and costly missteps.

This guide is designed to help homeowners get oriented before making major decisions. Rather than focusing on finishes or design trends, it focuses on planning: timelines, feasibility, and what to think through first.

Start With the Right Question

Many homeowners begin with what they want to build. A more helpful starting point is why.

Are you looking to:

• Create more space for your household?

• Add long-term flexibility for family or guests?

• Generate rental income?

• Improve how your existing home functions day to day?

Your goals play a major role in determining whether a remodel or an ADU makes the most sense.

Understanding the Difference Between Remodel and ADU

A remodel improves or reconfigures your existing home. This can range from a kitchen or bathroom renovation to a whole-home remodel.

An ADU is a separate, self-contained living unit built on the same property as your primary residence. ADUs have their own planning considerations related to zoning, utilities, and permitting. While both involve construction, they differ significantly in scope, timeline, and complexity.

When a Remodel May Be the Right Path

A remodel is often a good fit if you want to:

• Improve flow, layout, or functionality within your existing home

• Upgrade finishes, systems, or aging infrastructure

• Expand living areas without creating a separate dwelling

• Maintain a single-household layout

Remodels typically focus more on integration with the existing structure and may involve living in the home during construction. For homeowners considering this path, our Planning a Remodel hub walks through timelines, costs, and common planning considerations.

When an ADU May Make More Sense

An ADU may be a better option if you want:

• A separate living space for family members or guests

• Rental income or long-term flexibility

• Additional square footage without altering the main home

• A project that can be planned independently from your existing living space

ADUs come with their own set of regulations and permitting requirements, which makes early planning especially important. Our Planning an ADU hub brings together resources on feasibility, timelines, and real project considerations.

Planning Considerations That Apply to Both

Regardless of which path you choose, several planning realities apply across the board in Los Angeles:

Timelines Are Longer Than Many Expect

Planning, permitting, and coordination often take months before construction begins. Understanding this early helps set realistic expectations.

Costs Vary Based on Conditions and Scope

There is no standard price for a remodel or an ADU. Site conditions, design complexity, utilities, and material selections all influence cost.

Permitting Is Part of the Process

Approvals and inspections are a normal part of building in Los Angeles. Factoring them into your timeline reduces frustration later.

Early Decisions Have Long-Term Impact

Choices made during planning often have a greater effect on outcomes than decisions made during construction.

A Practical Way to Get Started

If you’re still deciding between a remodel and an ADU, the most productive next step is gaining clarity—not committing to design or construction.

Helpful starting points include:

• Reviewing feasibility and property constraints

• Understanding realistic timelines

• Clarifying budget range and priorities

• Learning what planning path fits your goals

Our Resources page organizes planning guides, timelines, and checklists to help homeowners move forward thoughtfully.

Choosing the Right Path With Confidence

There’s no universal answer to whether a remodel or an ADU is the better choice. The right decision depends on your goals, property, timeline, and tolerance for complexity.

Homeowners who take the time to plan early—before locking in designs or assumptions—tend to experience smoother projects and better outcomes.

If you’d like help talking through which path may be a better fit for your home, a planning call can help clarify next steps.

Schedule a Planning Call

Good projects don’t start with construction. They start with clarity.