ADU Construction in
Long Beach & South Bay

Custom ADU builders specializing in detached units, garage conversions, and rental income properties. Licensed general contractor with 17 years Long Beach experience.

17 Years Experience
$2M+ Projects Built
Licensed & Insured
Modern backyard ADU with large glass sliding doors, outdoor seating on wooden deck, and landscaped lawn with palm trees.

Adding an accessory dwelling unit to your Long Beach property creates rental income, housing for family members, and substantial property value—often $250,000 to $500,000 in increased home equity. Whether you're building a detached backyard cottage, converting your garage, or creating an attached in-law suite, Urban Construction brings the same attention to detail and craftsmanship we apply to our $2 million custom homes.

As a licensed general contractor with 17 years serving Long Beach, Palos Verdes, and South Bay communities, we've built our reputation on ground-up construction, major additions, and complex builds. We're not a prefab ADU kit installer—we're custom builders who understand Southern California construction, local permitting, and what it takes to create a quality rental unit that generates income for decades.

Modern small backyard house with large sliding glass doors, surrounded by a landscaped garden with greenery and flowers at sunset.
Modern two-story house with large windows, black front door, and minimalist landscaping with gravel and small plants.

Urban Construction & Design Solutions builds custom accessory dwelling units (ADUs) throughout Long Beach and South Bay communities. With 17 years of ground-up construction experience, we handle every aspect of ADU construction—from design and permitting to foundation, framing, and finish work.

Typical Investment: $400,000 - $600,000 (detached ADU)

Timeline: 8-12 months from permit to completion

Rental Income Potential: $2,500 - $3,200/month in Long Beach

Why Build an ADU in Long Beach?

ADUs have become one of the smartest investments for Long Beach homeowners, and California's streamlined ADU laws make the process faster than ever.

Generate $2,000-$3,500 monthly rental income.

Long Beach ADU rentals command premium rates due to strong demand from young professionals, students attending nearby universities, and families seeking affordable housing near the coast.

House aging parents while maintaining independence.

Many of our Long Beach ADU clients want their elderly parents close by but in their own private space. An attached or detached ADU provides comfort, safety, and dignity for multigenerational families.

Increase property value by $250,000-$500,000.

ADUs add significant equity to Long Beach properties. When you eventually sell, buyers pay premium prices for homes with income-generating ADUs or flexible living spaces.

Take advantage of simplified California ADU regulations.

State laws now require streamlined permitting, reduced fees, and faster approvals. In Long Beach, most ADU permits are approved within 60 days.

Our ADU Construction Process

We handle everything from concept to completion, managing the complex process so you don't have to navigate permits, subcontractors, and inspections alone.

1

Site Evaluation & Design Consultation

Elias personally meets at your Long Beach property to assess your lot, discuss your goals (rental income, family housing, home office), and review initial design concepts. We evaluate setbacks, utilities, access, and any site-specific challenges before moving forward.

Timeline: 1-2 weeks

2

Design & Engineering

We work with architects and structural engineers familiar with Long Beach building codes to create ADU plans optimized for your lot. Whether you want a modern minimalist studio or a traditional cottage-style two-bedroom, we design for both aesthetics and function.

Timeline: 4-6 weeks

3

Permitting & Approvals

Our team submits all applications to the Long Beach Planning Department and Building & Safety Division. We handle plan checks, address any city comments, and coordinate inspections. California's ADU laws mandate 60-day approval timelines for compliant plans.

Timeline: 1-2 months

4

Site Preparation & Foundation

Once permits are approved, we begin excavation, grading, and foundation work. Southern California's varied soil conditions require proper engineering—we test soil, install proper drainage, and pour foundations built to last.

Timeline: 2-3 weeks

5

Framing, Utilities & Systems

We frame your ADU structure, install electrical and plumbing systems, run HVAC, and coordinate with utility companies for separate meters if required. All work meets California Title 24 energy efficiency standards.

Timeline: 6-10 weeks

6

Interior & Exterior Finishes

From drywall and flooring to kitchen cabinets and bathroom tiles, we complete all finish work to your specifications. We use quality materials and experienced tradespeople to ensure your ADU looks and feels like a standalone home.

Timeline: 8-12 weeks

7

Final Inspections & Certificate of Occupancy

We coordinate all required inspections (framing, electrical, plumbing, final) with Long Beach Building & Safety. Once approved, we obtain your Certificate of Occupancy and hand you the keys to your completed ADU.

Timeline: 1-2 weeks

Types of ADUs We Build

Detached ADUs

Standalone structures built in your backyard offer maximum privacy and rental income potential. Ideal for long-term rentals, Airbnb income, or guest houses. We commonly build 600-850 square foot detached ADUs with full kitchens, bathrooms, and separate utility meters.

Best For: Rental income, maximum privacy, property value

Attached ADUs

Connected to your main house through a shared wall or breezeway, attached ADUs cost less than detached units while still providing separate living quarters. Perfect for aging parents or adult children who want independence while staying close to family.

Best For: Multigenerational living, shared utility savings

Garage Conversions

Transform your existing garage into a livable ADU, the fastest and most affordable ADU option. We maintain structural integrity while adding insulation, utilities, and finishes to convert your garage into a comfortable living space.

Best For: Fastest ROI, existing structure, budget-conscious

Junior ADUs (Internal Conversions)

Convert interior space within your existing home (spare bedroom, bonus room) into a small independent unit with separate entrance and kitchenette. Limited to 500 square feet under California law.

Best For: Smallest footprint, interior conversion, lowest cost

Long Beach ADU Requirements

Long Beach follows California state ADU laws while maintaining some local specifications:

Size Limits:
Detached ADUs: Up to 850 sq ft or 50% of primary dwelling, whichever is greater
Attached ADUs: Same as detached
Junior ADUs: Maximum 500 sq ft
Setbacks:
Typically 4 feet from rear and side property lines
Front yard ADUs allowed in some zones with additional requirements
Height Restrictions:
Two stories permitted in most residential zones
Height not to exceed 16 feet for single story, 25 feet for two stories
Parking:
No additional parking required for ADUs near transit
Some locations may require one off-street parking space
Utilities:
Separate utility meters recommended for rental units
Connection to existing systems acceptable for family use

What Makes Urban Construction Different

We're General Contractors, Not ADU Kit Installers

Many ADU companies sell prefab units or modular buildings. We're licensed general contractors who build custom structures from the ground up. You get quality construction, not a factory-assembled box.

17 Years of Local Construction Experience

We've built ground-up homes, major additions, and commercial projects throughout Long Beach and South Bay. We understand local soil conditions, permitting processes, and the craftsmanship standards your neighborhood demands.

We Build $2M+ Custom Homes—ADUs Get the Same Quality

Our portfolio includes 5,000 square foot custom homes valued at $2.2 million. When we build your ADU, you get the same attention to detail, structural integrity, and finish quality we bring to luxury residential projects.

Family Business With Real Skin in the Game

Elias founded Urban Construction 17 years ago and built it to nearly $4 million annually through word-of-mouth alone. His sons work in the business. We're not a franchise or corporate builder—we're a local family company that lives and works in these communities.

We're Real Estate Investors Who Understand ROI

Elias owns 30 rental properties. He understands cap rates, cash flow, and what makes a property rent quickly at premium prices. Your ADU isn't just construction—it's an investment, and we build with rental income in mind.

You Work Directly With the Owner

Elias handles all estimates and project consultations personally. You're not passed to a sales team or project manager who doesn't know construction. You get direct access to the person who's built this business over 17 years.

ADU Investment ROI

Long Beach ADUs generate strong returns through rental income and property appreciation.

Rental Income Example:
750 sq ft detached ADU
Monthly rent: $2,500 - $3,200
Annual gross income: $30,000 - $38,400
Construction cost: $500,000
Cash-on-cash return: 6-7.6% (if paid cash)
Property Value Increase:
ADU construction cost: $500,000
Added property value: $400,000 - $600,000
Net equity gain: ($100,000) to $100,000+ (varies by market conditions)
Long-term Wealth Building:
Rental income pays down mortgage (if financed)
Property appreciates over time in Southern California market
Tax benefits from depreciation and expense deductions
Exit strategy: Sell with ADU premium or continue cash flow

Financing Your ADU

Most Long Beach homeowners finance ADU construction through:

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
Borrow against your home equity
Pay interest only on amounts used
Flexible draw schedule matches construction timeline
Cash-Out Refinance
Refinance existing mortgage and pull out cash
Fixed interest rate
Single monthly payment
Construction Loan
Short-term financing during construction
Convert to permanent mortgage after completion
Good option if you lack sufficient home equity
Personal Investment
Use savings or investment accounts
No interest costs
Faster equity building through rental income

We can connect you with lenders experienced in ADU financing and help you understand how rental income affects loan qualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ADU and why should I consider building one?

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a secondary housing unit on a residential property. ADUs are an excellent way to add rental income, house family members, or increase your property value. California has made ADU construction easier with streamlined permitting, and Long Beach is particularly ADU-friendly.

How long does it take to build an ADU?

Typically, ADU construction takes 4-8 months from permit approval to completion. The permitting process can add 2-4 months depending on your jurisdiction. We handle all permit coordination to streamline the timeline as much as possible.

What are the size restrictions for ADUs in Long Beach?

In Long Beach, detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet. Attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area. Junior ADUs (JADUs) are limited to 500 square feet. We'll help you understand what's possible on your specific lot.

Can I build an ADU on any property?

Most residential properties in Long Beach are eligible for ADUs, though specific requirements vary. Factors include lot size, setbacks, and existing structures. We provide free consultations to assess your property's ADU potential.

READY TO START YOUR PROJECT?

Ready to Build Your ADU?

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your ADU goals, review your property, and get a detailed estimate. Elias personally handles all initial meetings and project quotes.

Serving Long Beach, Palos Verdes, Torrance, and the entire South Bay area