Pasadena Master ADU Builder

Detached ADUs are standalone units built separate from the primary residence, offering maximum privacy and excellent rental potential. These units range from 400 to 1,200 square feet—the maximum allowed in Pasadena—and can be designed as studios, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom layouts. With their own entrances and outdoor spaces, detached ADUs provide complete separation from the main home and allow for design flexibility, whether you want a distinct architectural style or a seamless match with your existing residence.



Their independence makes them ideal for long-term rentals, housing adult children or elderly parents who value privacy, or serving as home offices and creative studios that require client visits. Construction costs typically range from $300 to $400 per square foot, making them a smart investment that balances livability, flexibility, and long-term value.

Attached ADUs are additions to the primary residence that share at least one wall, making them an excellent option for keeping family members close while still maintaining separate living quarters. These units typically range from 300 to 1,200 square feet and can be designed as efficiency units, one-bedroom layouts, or even expanded primary suites. Their connection to the main home allows for easier utility hookups and, if desired, internal access between units, while maintaining privacy and functionality.



Because they share walls and systems with the main residence, attached ADUs are typically 10–15% more cost-efficient than detached units, with construction costs averaging $250 to $350 per square foot. They integrate seamlessly with the home’s architecture and are ideal for multigenerational families, caregiver accommodations, or semi-independent living arrangements.

Garage conversions transform existing garages into comfortable, habitable living spaces and are often the most cost-effective type of ADU. Single-car garages typically allow for 240–400 square feet of living space, while two-car garages can provide 400–500 square feet. These units are usually designed as studios or efficient one-bedroom layouts, making the most of the existing footprint while offering practical, private housing options.



Because they use the existing foundation and structure, garage conversions are generally 30–40% less expensive than new construction, with costs averaging $200 to $300 per square foot. They can also be completed 2–3 months faster than building a new unit, making them a smart solution for budget-conscious homeowners, shorter-term housing needs, or properties with limited space for new construction. With thoughtful design, these conversions can range from simple upgrades to high-end living spaces.

Junior ADUs are compact units of up to 500 square feet created entirely within the existing footprint of the primary home. They require an owner-occupancy clause and are designed for efficiency, often featuring compact layouts that maximize functionality in a small space. These units can include an efficiency kitchen or kitchenette and may have either a dedicated bathroom or share facilities with the main house, depending on the design.



As the most affordable ADU option, Junior ADUs typically cost $100 to $200 per square foot to build. They are ideal for housing a single family member, providing a cost-effective rental unit with minimal construction, or serving properties with limited lot space where new construction isn’t possible. Despite their smaller size, Junior ADUs offer flexible, practical living solutions that integrate seamlessly with the existing home.