ADU builder · Pasadena, CA
ADU builder in Pasadena.
Design, permits, financing and construction from one local team. 5 ADUs completed in Pasadena, 600+ across greater LA.
Licensed & insured · Construction from $275/sq ft · 5.0★ rated
Building an ADU in Pasadena
Pasadena is one of the places we build most. Homeowners here add ADUs to bring parents closer, to house adult kids, or for steady rental income near Caltech, Old Town and the 210. Many Pasadena homes are historic, so the ADU has to look like it belongs.
ADU Resource Center designs, permits and builds ADUs in Pasadena with one in-house team. We've completed five Pasadena ADUs, including a terracotta-roof detached unit, a wood-panelled garage replacement and an 800 sq ft three-bedroom, and several of those homeowners walk you through their project on video.
We also build next door in South Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre, and in Glendale. You get a fixed, itemized price, weekly updates and financing options.
Real Pasadena projects
ADUs we've built in Pasadena.
4 of these include a video walkthrough with the homeowner.
Detached Terracotta ADU in Pasadena
Video
Wood-Panelled Detached ADU in Pasadena
Video
Two-Bedroom Modern ADU in Pasadena
Video
Modern Cottage-Style ADU in Pasadena
Video
White-Oak Modern ADU in Pasadena
Nearby: South Pasadena, Sierra Madre & Altadena
Local know-how
What to know before building in Pasadena.
Historic and landmark districts
Pasadena has many historic and landmark districts. An ADU there may need design review, so we match roof lines, materials and details to the main house from the first sketch.
Replacing an old garage
Many Pasadena homes have aging detached garages. Converting or replacing one is often the simplest path, and our Pasadena clients have done exactly that.
Room for family
Several Pasadena homeowners built for parents or grown kids. Two-bedroom, two-bath layouts let family live independently right in the backyard.
State rules work in your favor
California guarantees at least an 800 sq ft ADU with 4-foot side and rear setbacks, allows up to 1,200 sq ft detached, and requires a decision on a complete application within 60 days.
What it costs
ADU cost in Pasadena
We build at a flat rate per square foot: $275 (basic), $300 (mid-range) and $325 (luxury) finishes. Here's what that means for common sizes. Construction only; design, permits and city fees are quoted separately on your consultation.
| ADU size | Basic | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 sq ft studio | ~$110K | ~$120K | ~$130K |
| 600 sq ft 1-bedroom | ~$165K | ~$180K | ~$195K |
| 800 sq ft 2-bedroom | ~$220K | ~$240K | ~$260K |
| 1,000 sq ft 2–3 bedroom | ~$275K | ~$300K | ~$325K |
Get a number for your exact size: ADU cost calculator · Browse ADU floor plans · Converting a garage? See garage conversion cost.
Free consultation
Start your Pasadena ADU.
Tell us about your property. We'll confirm what's buildable, give you a real price range and walk through financing within 1 business day.
Questions
Pasadena ADU questions, answered.
Still have a question? Ask us during your free consultation.
Can I build an ADU in Pasadena?
Yes. Most single-family lots in Pasadena can add a detached ADU, an attached ADU or a garage conversion, plus a junior ADU inside the house. State law guarantees at least an 800 sq ft ADU with 4-foot side and rear setbacks. Lots in landmark or historic districts may need extra design review, which we handle.
How big can an ADU be in Pasadena?
Under California law a detached ADU can be up to 1,200 sq ft and a junior ADU up to 500 sq ft. Our Pasadena projects range from cottage-style units to an 800 sq ft three-bedroom, two-bath ADU. We confirm your exact maximum before design starts.
How long does it take to build an ADU in Pasadena?
Design and permitting usually take 2–4 months; state law requires the city to act on a complete application within 60 days. Construction takes about 4–8 months, so most homeowners go from first call to move-in in 6–12 months.
How much does an ADU cost in Pasadena?
We build at $275, $300 or $325 per sq ft for basic, mid-range or luxury finishes. An 800 sq ft two-bedroom is roughly $220K–$260K in construction. Design, permits and city fees are quoted separately on your consultation.
Will an ADU fit a historic Pasadena home?
It can. Many of our Pasadena ADUs match the main house, from terracotta roofs to cottage and craftsman details. When a lot is in a historic or landmark district, we design to the district's guidelines so review goes smoothly.
Can you build from plans I already have?
Yes. One of our Pasadena projects was designed elsewhere and built by us. You can use our in-house design team or bring your own plans.
Free consultation
Ready to build your ADU in Pasadena?
Tell us about your property and we'll confirm what's buildable, give you a real price range and lay out financing on one free call.
