ADU Design & Construction in California

Ataman Studio is a full-service ADU company based in California, offering design, drafting, and permitting for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). From backyard cottages and garage conversions to fully detached dwellings, we help you transform underused property into livable, rentable space—with maximum value and minimum stress.

What Is an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a residential property. Popularly known as granny flats, backyard homes, or in-law suites, ADUs are self-contained and legally recognized as habitable living spaces. They can be detached, attached, over-garage, garage conversions, or basement units.

Custom Attached ADU Plans & Design

Why Build an ADU in California?

California has relaxed regulations to encourage homeowners to build ADUs in response to the housing shortage. With the right ADU company, the process—from ADU permit to move-in—can be smooth and efficient. ADUs are ideal for:

  • Rental income
  • Housing family members
  • Increasing property value
  • Expanding personal space without buying new property

Types of Accessory Dwelling Units We Offer​

Services

Accessory Dwelling Units

Offering versatile ADU solutions across California, we design floor plans for secondary dwelling units tailored to diverse needs. Whether you need granny flats to provide aging family members with their own comfortable space,  in-law suites to keep extended family close, a guest house for friends, or a backyard cottage for additional rental income, we provide detailed, functional designs.

Attached ADU design connected to a two-story home

Attached ADU

Seamlessly extend your home with an integrated living space that connects directly to your existing home or garage structure, providing convenience and flexibility without compromising your yard.

Attached ADU design

Detached ADU

Create a separate housing in your backyard with a DADU house that offers a private area ideal for various uses—guests, rental income, or a home office—while boosting your property’s overall value.

Junior ADU Design

Junior ADU

Transform part of your home into a Junior ADU, featuring a self-contained unit that offers a private dwelling within your existing structure. Perfect for guests or rental income.

Garage ADU

Turn your garage into a functional living space. We’ll bring to life any of your design ideas and transform a detached/attached 1-2-3 cars garage into a bedroom, kitchen, office, gym, game room or even man cave.

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Basement ADU Design

Basement ADU

Unlock the potential of your basement by converting it into an inviting in-law suite. This conversion enhances your home’s functionality while providing a private space for family or guests.

2nd-Story Addition Design

2nd-story Addition

Enhance your property by adding a second story to your house or garage, creating a living area without sacrificing outdoor areas. This partial expansion is ideal for extra bedrooms or a home office.

Attached ADU​​

An Attached ADU is a fully equipped living space connected to your main home. It offers a private entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living area—perfect for guests, extended family, or rental opportunities, while making the most of your existing property.

Attached ADU design connected to a two-story home
Attached ADU design

Detached ADU

A Detached ADU is a separate, self-contained living unit located on the same property as the main home. With its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living area, it offers privacy and flexibility—ideal for guests, tenants, or multigenerational living.

Junior ADU

A Junior ADU is a compact, self-contained living space created within the existing walls of your home. It typically includes a small kitchen, a separate entrance, and shared or private bathroom access—perfect for extended family, guests, or additional income.

Junior ADU Design
Garage ADU design

Garage ADU

A Garage ADU is a fully functional living space created by converting an existing garage. It includes essentials like a kitchen, bathroom, and private entrance—ideal for rentals, guest stays, or additional family housing while maximizing your property’s potential.

Basement ADU

A Basement ADU is a self-contained living space located within the lower level of your home. With its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom, it offers privacy and flexibility—ideal for rental income, guests, or extended family living.

Basement ADU Design
2nd-Story Addition Design

2nd-Story Addition

A 2nd-Story Addition adds extra living space above your existing home. It provides additional rooms, such as bedrooms or offices, maximizing your property’s footprint without expanding the ground-level area.

Our ADU Design & Construction Process

Step 1: Consultation & Feasibility Study

We start by having an in-depth discussion to understand your unique needs, lifestyle, and goals for the additional space. Whether you’re planning a detached ADU, garage conversion, or junior unit, we tailor every solution to match your vision.

We assess your property’s layout, zoning restrictions, and California ADU requirements to determine what options are available. This includes reviewing local laws for accessory dwelling unit permits, understanding setbacks, and checking utility access.

This stage helps us identify any potential challenges and provides a clear picture of feasibility, costs, and the overall ADU building permit process. 

Based on the initial consultation, we develop a personalized accessory dwelling unit design plan tailored to your preferences and property characteristics. This includes creating detailed layouts of living spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways to ensure functionality and comfort. We also consider energy efficiency, accessibility, and style preferences to make sure the new space integrates seamlessly with your existing home environment.

Navigating local rules and obtaining permits for your ADU can be complex. We take care of all necessary paperwork, submitting plans to the relevant authorities and coordinating inspections as needed. Our team ensures compliance with zoning laws, safety codes, and any community guidelines, reducing delays and simplifying the approval process for you.

Once approvals are secured, we move forward with transforming your accessory dwelling unit plans into reality. We oversee the entire ADU construction process, coordinating specialists and trades to deliver quality craftsmanship. Throughout this phase, we monitor progress closely, manage timelines, and communicate regularly with you to ensure everything meets expectations. Finally, we conduct a thorough walkthrough to confirm the space is complete and ready for comfortable living.

 

Why Choose Ataman Studio as Your ADU Company?

Ataman Studio is your trusted ADU company in California, offering full-service solutions from concept to construction. Whether you’re planning a backyard cottage in Los Angeles or a garage conversion in San Jose, we make the accessory dwelling unit process simple and stress-free.

  • Complete support for ADU design, drafting, building permits, and contractor coordination
  • In-depth knowledge of California ADU laws, zoning regulations, and permit requirements
  • Streamlined ADU permitting process to avoid costly delays
  • Custom, energy-efficient ADU plans that fit your needs and increase property value
  • Reliable partner trusted by homeowners, real estate investors, and developers across the state

We proudly serve clients throughout California, including: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Long Beach, and surrounding areas.

No matter where you’re located, we simplify the ADU construction journey—from concept to completion.

Homeowner Questions, Answered

How Much Does It Cost to Build an ADU?

The cost to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit in California can vary widely based on size, design, location, and whether it’s detached, attached, or a garage conversion. On average, homeowners can expect to invest $40,000 to $300,000 for a complete, permitted ADU build.

At Ataman Studio, we provide transparent cost guidance and design solutions tailored to your budget. From the initial feasibility study to full construction coordination, we ensure your ADU investment brings long-term value and functionality to your property.

Building an ADU typically takes 4 to 9 months, depending on the complexity, permitting timeline, and construction scope. At Ataman Studio, we streamline every phase—from ADU design and permits to final inspections—to ensure your project stays on schedule.

Yes, accessory dwelling units are ideal for generating passive income as long-term or short-term rentals. We help you navigate local rental laws and design your ADU to meet tenant needs while maximizing property value.

California ADU permit requirements vary by city, but generally include zoning compliance, building codes, and utility access. Ataman Studio manages the full permitting process, including drawings, submittals, and revisions, so you can avoid delays and focus on your goals.

Got a design idea? Let's turn it into reality!

Start Your ADU Project Today

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