The Journal
Everything you need to know, before you build. ADU Guides
Honest, practical answers about ADU cost, financing, permits, and how to choose a builder in California, written by the family that builds them.
Start Here
Start with the big questions.
Pricing
ADU Cost in California (2026): Prices From $199K to $599K
What an ADU costs in California in 2026: 14 all-inclusive prefab prices from $199K to $599K, what is included, and what changes the total for your lot.
Financing
How to Finance an ADU in California: HELOC, Loans and More
How to finance an ADU in California: HELOCs, construction-to-permanent loans and cash-out refinancing compared, and how most homeowners fund their build.
Permits
California ADU Laws and Regulations: The 2026 Guide
A plain-English guide to California ADU laws in 2026: size, setbacks, 60-day approval, parking, owner-occupancy, JADUs, impact fees, and how many you can build.
Process
How Long Does It Take to Build an ADU in California? (2026)
Framework First ADUs take about 4 to 9 months by model, with permit timing set by your city. Site-built ADUs often take 16 to 24 months. See each step.
Buying Guide
What Is a Granny Flat? Meaning, Size and Cost in California
A granny flat is a small second home on the same lot as a house, called an ADU in California. See what the term means, size rules and costs from $199K.
Comparisons
Prefab vs Site-Built ADU: Modular vs Stick-Built Compared
Prefab (modular) vs site-built (stick-built) ADUs compared on cost, build time, weather risk, permits and quality, so you can pick the right method.
Pricing
All 16 guides →Financing
All 19 guides →
Permits
All 53 guides →
Process
All 16 guides →
Buying Guide
All 39 guides →
Local Guides
All 53 guides →Comparisons
All 8 guides →
Latest guides
204 guides in all
See every guide by topic: Pricing, Financing, Permits, Process, Buying Guide, Local Guides, Comparisons.
From Reading to Building
Ready to see what's possible on your lot?
You've read the guides. Now let's talk about your property. Tell us a bit about your lot below, and a real person on our team will follow up with honest answers, not a sales pitch.
- A shortlist of which models actually fit your lot
- Honest flags on anything property-specific, like slope or septic
- A clear next step, whether that is a factory tour or a feasibility study
- No pressure, and no obligation
Building more than one? If you're a real estate developer or investor planning multiple units, let us know in the form. We offer better pricing at volume.
“My first telephone conversation with Cathy (Owner) was one of the best, positive and kind discussions. She was thinking outside of the box and provided a possible solution like a family member. Thank you.”
Vijay Kumar
on Google
We respect your inbox and your phone. Message and data rates may apply, message frequency varies, reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help. See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.