Best ADU Builders in Pasadena, CA
The average cost to build an ADU in Pasadena is $250–$400 per square foot. Top-rated builders include Eco Grizzly, NEO Builders ADU, Olympia Construction by Design.
Every builder below is CSLB license-verified, bonded, and insured — vetted before they ever reach a homeowner. Browse ratings and real reviews, compare starting prices, or let us match you with the best fit for your lot and budget. It's free; we're paid by the builders, not you.
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What kind of ADU are you planning?
11 builders in Pasadena, CA
Last updated June 26, 2026
License VerifiedEco Grizzly
Serving Pasadena, CA · Canoga Park, CA
“We had a great experience with the chimney repair team. They were professional, and explained everything clearly before starting the work. The repair was done e…”— Cecilia Adler
Pricing on request
Licensed Southern California design-build contractor for detached ADUs, garage conversions, and JADUs.
License VerifiedNEO Builders ADU
Serving Pasadena, CA · Studio City, CA
“The best, builders and people. As a disabled only parent to a special needs child, we are especially vulnerable to unscrupulous actors. I am beyond grateful to…”— S Cohen
Pricing on request
Locally owned LA ADU design-build team — detached units and garage conversions, fast.
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License VerifiedOlympia Construction by Design
Serving Pasadena, CA · Encino, CA
“We recently completed a full home remodel in Sherman Oaks with Olympia Construction, and the experience was excellent from start to finish. We received five dif…”— Sapir Adani
Pricing on request
Licensed Los Angeles general contractor building custom ADUs across the San Fernando Valley
License VerifiedQuality First Builders
Serving Pasadena, CA · Sherman Oaks, CA
“Before we started I honestly thought a garage ADU would feel like exactly that... a garage that someone tried to dress up. That was my biggest concern because t…”— Vicente Enriquez
Pricing on request
Design-build ADUs, additions and remodels across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.
License VerifiedGround Up Builders
Serving Pasadena, CA · Van Nuys, CA
“We cannot recommend Ground Up Builders enough! They converted our two-car garage into an ADU and did a truly amazing job. They finished ahead of schedule, commu…”— Lauren Worsham
Pricing on request
Family-owned LA design-build contractor for ADUs, garage conversions, and whole-home remodels
License VerifiedActon ADU
Serving Pasadena, CA · Campbell, CA
“Acton works across California and it shows — their process is dialed in. Standardized floor plan kept costs predictable and the build quality was excellent.”— Rachel P., Homeowner
Pricing on request
A California general building contractor licensed since 1992, serving the LA market statewide.
License VerifiedProgressive Builders
Serving Pasadena, CA · Canoga Park, CA
“Instead of replacing one thing at a time, we decided to do the bathroom remodel properly in one project. That choice saved us from having to redo the work later…”— Isaac Bailey
Pricing on request
Your Vision, Our Craft — transforming LA homes inside and out.
License VerifiedVilla Homes
Serving Pasadena, CA · San Francisco, CA
“Excellent job! The Villa crew from start to finish nothing short of professional. Foundation, home delivery, finish work etc top notch. I would recommend Vill…”— M Ferreira
Pricing on request
Tech-enabled prefab ADU builder delivering turnkey backyard homes across California.
License VerifiedOtto ADU
Serving Pasadena, CA · Los Angeles, CA
“We hired Otto ADU to design and supervise the building of our new ADU. They did a great job. The new ADU (which replaced our garage) is beautiful and, despite…”— ARP in LA
Pricing on request
Los Angeles ADU builders who make life easier — more space, more income, less stress.
License VerifiedPacific Point Builders
Serving Pasadena, CA · Encino, CA
“Steven and his team are a literal pond in the desert.I had spoken to COUNTLESS contractors about a garage conversion, the price differentials, general lack of k…”— seehbeeee
Pricing on request
Family-owned LA contractor building ADUs and garage conversions through all four stages
License VerifiedNestadu
Serving Pasadena, CA · Mill Valley, CA
“Nestadu did a great job on my backyard ADU. Their team was professional, and the final result looks fantastic—well-built and blends in nicely with my home. Pric…”— Stephen Reid
Pricing on request
Custom and prefab ADUs for California homeowners — design, permit, and build, turnkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to build an ADU in Pasadena, CA?
- In Pasadena, ADUs typically run $250–$400 per square foot all-in. A detached 800 sq ft unit commonly lands between $230k and $340k depending on finishes, site conditions, and utility connections. Garage conversions are the most affordable path, often under $180k.
- How long does it take to build an ADU in Pasadena?
- Plan to budget 6–12 months end to end. California law caps ADU plan check at 60 days for compliant designs, and construction usually takes 4–8 months after permits are issued.
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Pasadena?
- Yes. All ADUs require a building permit, but California mandates ministerial (non-discretionary) approval for compliant units, so there's no public hearing or design review. Your builder typically pulls the permit on your behalf.
- How do I choose a builder in Pasadena?
- Confirm the contractor holds an active CSLB license, is bonded and insured, and has built ADUs in Pasadena specifically. Every builder in this directory is license-verified. Use "Get a Quote" to be matched with the best fit for your lot and budget.
ADU costs in Pasadena: city vs. metro vs. state
Building an ADU in Pasadena runs roughly $250–$400 per square foot all-in. Here's how the city benchmarks against the broader metro and statewide averages.
| Area | Avg. cost / sq ft | Typical 800 sq ft ADU |
|---|---|---|
| Pasadena | $250–$400 | $200,000–$320,000 |
| Pasadena metro | ~$320 | ~$256,000 |
| California (CA) | ~$330 | ~$264,000 |
Cost by ADU type in Pasadena
| ADU type | Typical size | Project cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 600–1,200 sq ft | $180,000–$420,000 | 8–12 months |
| Attached ADU | 400–800 sq ft | $140,000–$300,000 | 6–10 months |
| Garage Conversion | 400–600 sq ft | $90,000–$180,000 | 4–7 months |
| JADU (Junior ADU) | ≤ 500 sq ft | $60,000–$140,000 | 3–6 months |
ADU rules & permits in Pasadena, CA
Local ADU permitting in Pasadena follows California state ADU law, which caps plan-check at 60 days for compliant units. Confirm setbacks, height, and parking rules with the local building department.
| Jurisdiction | Permit timeline | Permit fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Los Angeles | 60-day plan check (by law) | $3k–$8k | Pre-approved Standard Plan program available |
| Unincorporated LA County | 60–90 days | $4k–$10k | Ministerial approval for compliant ADUs |
| Statewide (CA) | 60 days max by statute | Varies | Owner-occupancy requirement waived through 2030 |
Financing your ADU in Pasadena
Common ADU funding paths include renovation and construction loans, a HELOC, or a cash-out refinance. ADU-specific lenders underwrite against after-build value, which often unlocks more than a standard HELOC.
Construction / renovation loan
Funds released in draws as the build hits milestones; underwritten against after-build value.
HELOC / home equity
Borrow against existing equity. Fast to set up if you have 20%+ equity.
Cash-out refinance
Replace your mortgage and pull equity as cash — best when rates are favorable.
ADU-specific lenders
RenoFi and similar lenders underwrite the projected value the ADU adds, often unlocking more.
Pre-ADU Checkup — $499 — Get finalized permits, a pre-ADU checklist, and an on-site feasibility visit. Homeowners save $1,000s by doing this before engaging a contractor.