If you live in Woodland Hills, you have probably noticed more backyard units, garage conversions, and construction fences popping up on quiet residential streets. Between high housing costs and California’s ADU-friendly laws, turning an existing garage into an accessory dwelling unit has become one of the most practical ways to create more living space or rental income.

The question everyone asks first is simple: how much does a garage conversion to ADU cost in Woodland Hills, CA?

The honest answer is that it depends, but not in a vague way. There are clear cost patterns once you break the project into its parts and consider how Woodland Hills and Los Angeles permitting and construction realities work.

What follows is the way I walk homeowners through the numbers, trade-offs, and pitfalls before they spend a dollar on design fees or permits.

Typical Cost Range for a Garage Conversion ADU in Woodland Hills

For a standard detached or attached garage conversion to a legal ADU in Woodland Hills, most homeowners fall in a range of about $110,000 to $220,000 all-in, including design, permits, and construction.

The spread is large because “garage conversion” can mean very different things:

A basic, code-compliant studio with modest finishes, using the existing footprint and structure, with no major utility upgrades.
A higher-end 1-bedroom with full kitchen, custom tile, upgraded windows, mini-split HVAC, and significant electrical or sewer work.

For planning purposes, I usually recommend that clients assume about $300 to $450 per square foot for a conversion, depending on finishes and site conditions. A 400 square foot garage that becomes a comfortable studio or 1-bedroom ADU will often land between $130,000 and $180,000 in Woodland Hills current market conditions.

If a contractor throws out a number like $60,000 for a “complete” ADU conversion, read the fine print. At that price level you are often not getting:

Full insulation and soundproofing
Proper foundation repairs or upgrades
New sewer line or sufficient electrical capacity
Legitimate permits and inspections
Decent quality kitchen and bath fixtures

Those shortcuts might work temporarily as an illegal guest room, but not as a legal ADU that adds value to the property and can be rented without constant worry.

Where the Money Actually Goes

Understanding where the cost comes from helps you see where you can economize and where you really should not.

Design, Plans, and Engineering

For a straightforward garage conversion, design and engineering usually cost between $6,000 and $15,000, depending on:

Whether you use a “pre-designed” ADU layout or a fully custom plan
How much structural work is required
Whether there are slope or drainage concerns on the lot

Some Woodland Hills general contractors either have in-house design or work closely with a designer who understands Los Angeles ADU standards. Others expect you to hire your own architect or designer first. There is no single right way, but you want clear coordination between whoever designs the ADU and whoever builds it.

Permits and City Fees

Is a permit required for home remodeling in Woodland Hills, CA, including a garage conversion to ADU? Yes, without question. An ADU is not a minor remodel. It is a separate dwelling unit, and Los Angeles has firm requirements around life safety, fire separation, parking, and utilities.

For garage conversions in Woodland Hills:

You will need building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.
Plan check and permit fees often land between $4,000 and $10,000 for a conversion ADU, depending on scope and valuation.
School fees can apply if the ADU is over a certain square footage, although these are less painful than on a full new house.

Be wary of any contractor who suggests “working around” full permits to “save time” or “save money.” It almost always comes back to bite you, especially when you go to refinance or sell.

Structural Work and Envelope

Existing garages in Woodland Hills range from solid, well built structures to barely standing sheds that were slapped together 40 years ago. That condition drives cost more than many people realize.

Typical work includes:

Upgrading or reinforcing the slab, especially if there are cracks, moisture issues, or inadequate thickness.
Framing in the old garage door opening with a new wall, windows, and entry door.
Adding proper insulation in the walls and ceiling to meet Title 24 energy codes.
Replacing or sistering roof framing if the existing structure does not meet current standards.
Seismic anchoring and hold downs, particularly important in our region.

Clients sometimes ask why a “simple conversion” can cost almost as much per square foot as new construction. The reason is that bringing an old garage up to current code involves more intricate labor. You are not just building fresh, you are also correcting old shortcuts and integrating new work with imperfect existing conditions.

Plumbing, Sewer, and Water

Bathrooms and kitchens in a garage are where costs can jump. If your existing sewer line is on the opposite side of the house, getting a proper tie-in across a driveway or under hardscape is not trivial. In Woodland Hills, I regularly see the following:

Short, straightforward sewer connections: $6,000 to $12,000
Longer runs, tricky access, or street work: $15,000 to $25,000+

Inside the ADU, you will need rough plumbing for a bathroom at minimum: toilet, shower, vanity, and often a full kitchen sink and possibly laundry. The more fixtures and the more spread out they are, the more labor and material you pay for.

Electrical and HVAC

Most original garages were wired for a light and maybe one outlet. A legal ADU requires:

A subpanel or upgraded main panel with sufficient amperage.
Dedicated circuits for kitchen appliances, HVAC, water heater, and lighting.
Hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

If your main panel is old or undersized, upgrading that can run $2,500 to $5,000, and sometimes more if service from the utility needs modification.

For heating and cooling, mini-split systems are common in Woodland Hills ADUs: quiet, energy efficient, and do not require full ductwork. A quality mini-split supply and install for a small ADU often runs $4,000 to $8,000, depending on capacity and number of heads.

Interior Finishes

Here is where your personal taste, budget, and long-term plans matter most.

A rental-oriented ADU can work very well with:

Durable LVP or laminate flooring instead of solid hardwood
Prefab shaker cabinets instead of fully custom millwork
Good quality porcelain tile instead of designer stone

Finish choices can swing the budget by $20,000 or more between entry-level and high-end selections.

For investors, I often recommend midrange finishes that look clean and modern but can handle tenant wear. For families building an ADU for a parent or adult child, they sometimes choose to spend more on touches like better soundproofing, nicer cabinetry, or heated bathroom floors because it is essentially part of their home.

What Does a Woodland Hills General Contractor Charge?

People often try to break this down into a simple percentage or a standard “per square foot” markup. In reality, how much a Woodland Hills general contractor charges depends on:

How complex the project is
How much of the process they manage (design, permits, utilities)
Their overhead, staffing, and warranty standards

For ADUs, kitchens, and full remodels, most reputable contractors in Woodland Hills make their money in two ways: a markup on labor and materials, and potentially a project management fee for coordination.

Construction for an ADU garage conversion is usually bid as a lump sum number based on a detailed scope of work. Instead of focusing on the contractor’s internal margin, pay attention to:

Whether similar scope bids are coming in somewhat close from multiple reputable contractors.
How detailed the proposal is: specific materials, allowances, and exclusions.
Whether the contractor is including permit running, engineering coordination, and dealing with LADWP or gas upgrades.

If one contractor is 25 or 30 percent cheaper than the others, that is a red flag, not a bargain.

How Much to Pay Upfront for a Woodland Hills Contractor

“How much should I pay upfront to a Woodland Hills general contractor?” comes up in nearly every first meeting, and with good reason. You want to protect yourself but also understand what is normal.

For projects like garage conversions, kitchens, and home remodels in California, it is both typical and legally regulated:

For home improvement contracts, the initial deposit is generally limited by state law to $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less, unless the contractor has specific exceptions.
After the initial deposit, progress payments are tied to completed milestones, such as “rough framing and rough plumbing complete” or “insulation and drywall installed.”

If a contractor asks for 30 or 40 percent of the entire project cost before permits are even pulled, that is not standard practice and you should question it. A trustworthy Woodland Hills general contractor will structure payments to keep both parties aligned and will not expect you to finance the whole job before they deliver work.

Hiring the Right Contractor for a Garage Conversion ADU

You are not just buying a structure, you are buying a process. The best contractor for you may not be the cheapest or the most expensive, but the one whose way of working aligns with your expectations.

What should you look for when hiring a Woodland Hills general contractor for an ADU?

Here is a short checklist that genuinely helps narrow the field:

Active California contractor license in the appropriate classification, with solid insurance and no alarming complaint history.
Real, recent experience with ADUs in Los Angeles, not just “we can figure it out.”
Clear, written scope of work and cost breakdown, including what is excluded.
Willingness to pull all necessary permits and meet inspectors on-site.
Strong references from clients in Woodland Hills or nearby neighborhoods.

When people ask, “How do I choose the best Woodland Hills general contractor?” I usually encourage them to meet at least two or three in person, not just on the phone. Pay attention to how each one talks about problems. ADUs always hit a few snags: an unexpected pipe in the wall, a slab that needs more work, an inspector who wants extra anchoring. The contractor who speaks candidly about those realities is usually safer than the one who promises a perfectly smooth ride.

Key Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Many homeowners know they should ask about price and schedule, then stop there. A few more targeted questions can reveal a lot about how a contractor operates.

Consider asking:

Who will actually be on site daily, and who is my point of contact?
How many other projects will you be running while working on my ADU?
Can I see an example of a recent ADU garage conversion you completed, ideally in Woodland Hills or nearby?
How do you handle change orders if we discover something unexpected or I decide to upgrade finishes?
What parts of the work, if any, do you subcontract out, and how do you vet those trades?

You are listening less for perfect answers and more for consistency and transparency. Signs of a trustworthy Woodland Hills general contractor include detailed, written documentation; realistic timelines; and willingness to explain both the good and the bad news without sugarcoating.

How Long Does a Garage Conversion ADU Take in Woodland Hills?

“How long does a home remodel take in Woodland Hills, CA?” and “How long will my ADU conversion take?” are closely related questions. Timelines vary, but there are patterns.

For a garage conversion ADU:

Design and engineering: usually 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how decisive you are and how complex the existing structure is.
Plan check and permits with the city: often 2 to 4 months in Los Angeles, sometimes quicker, sometimes slower depending on workload and corrections.
Construction: typically 3 to 6 months for a conversion, depending on scope, inspection scheduling, and whether there are major utility upgrades.

Expect the whole process, from first design meeting to final inspection and occupancy, to fall somewhere around 7 to 12 months in real life. Anyone promising design, permits, and construction in 90 days for a legal ADU is either cutting serious corners or is not familiar with local departments.

Common Remodeling Mistakes Woodland Hills Homeowners Make

After years of working on ADUs, kitchens, and whole-home renovations, certain mistakes keep repeating. They apply directly to garage conversions and more generally to any larger remodel.

A few of the biggest ones:

First, underestimating the non-construction costs. Homeowners budget only for the physical work, then get surprised by design fees, permit costs, mitigation requirements, or utility upgrades. Build a 10 to 15 percent contingency into your budget from the outset.

Second, choosing a contractor purely on price without comparing scope. One contractor includes full insulation, upgraded panel, and quality windows; another omits half of that but shows a lower number. On paper the cheaper bid “wins,” but you are not comparing apples to apples.

Third, designing the ADU or remodel in a vacuum, without understanding construction cost realities. Good Woodland Hills general contractors can look at an early design and warn you, “That extra bathroom on the far side of the unit will add $15,000 in plumbing,” before you submit for permits.

Fourth, starting construction without a clear plan for how to live during the work. Even though a garage conversion is outside the main house, your driveway, yard, and sometimes parts of your interior (for utilities) will be affected for months.

Can the Same Contractor Handle Kitchen, Bath, and ADU Work?

Most homeowners do more than one project over a few years. They may convert a garage to an ADU now, then remodel the kitchen or primary bathroom later. Many ask if the same Woodland Hills general contractor can handle kitchen and bathroom remodeling as well as the ADU.

In many cases, yes. A contractor who successfully delivers a complex ADU is typically more than capable of handling kitchens and baths, which are smaller in scale but intense in coordination. The key is to confirm that they have a track record in the specific type of work you are planning.

As a rough idea for planning:

How much does a kitchen remodel cost with a Woodland Hills general contractor? A typical full kitchen remodel, including new cabinets, counters, appliances, and some layout changes, often falls in the $60,000 to $120,000 range, depending on size and finishes.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Woodland Hills, CA? Hall bathrooms land frequently around $25,000 to $45,000, while larger primary baths with custom tile and upgraded plumbing can push into the $50,000+ range.

Those numbers can fluctuate with material choices and structural changes, just as with Woodland Hills kitchen Remodeling an ADU.

How ADUs Compare With Other Big Projects

When homeowners explore ADUs, they sometimes are also considering broader changes: a full renovation or even a brand-new home.

For context:

How much does a whole-home renovation cost in Woodland Hills, CA? For a typical 2,000 square foot house, full interior renovation with new kitchen, baths, flooring, lighting, and some layout changes can easily reach $300,000 to $600,000 or more, depending on scope.
How much does it cost to build a custom home in Woodland Hills, CA? Given current construction and permitting costs, it is not unusual to see $400 to $700 per square foot or higher for a custom build, especially on hillside or view lots.

Compared with those numbers, a garage conversion ADU often represents a relatively efficient way to add functional square footage and potential rental income without touching the main house.

Do ADUs and Remodels Add Value in Woodland Hills?

People also ask, “What home renovations add the most value in Woodland Hills, CA?” Very generally, the strongest returns tend to come from:

Creating additional legal living space, especially independent space like an ADU.
Updating kitchens and bathrooms from dated to current looking, without going to extreme luxury.
Improving curb appeal, flooring, and lighting, which influence first impressions.

A legal ADU with its own address, permitted and built to code, behaves differently on an appraisal than a quick “bonus room” conversion. It can support higher valuations and, perhaps more importantly, stronger buyer interest when you eventually sell.

If you are treating the ADU partly as an investment, it is worth running the numbers: expected rent, probable vacancy, maintenance costs, property tax implications, and your financing terms. In Woodland Hills, a well designed 1-bedroom ADU can often rent for a meaningful amount each month, which can offset a good portion of the construction cost over time.

Bringing It All Together

A garage conversion to an ADU in Woodland Hills is not a small undertaking, but when approached with clear eyes, it can be one of the smartest upgrades you make.

Expect, realistically, $110,000 to $220,000 for a permitted conversion, depending on size, existing conditions, and your finish level. Plan for 7 to 12 months from first sketches to final inspection. Hire a Woodland Hills general contractor who is open about costs, timelines, and code requirements, not one who only tells you what you want to hear.

If you treat the process as a serious construction project rather than a quick remodel, and if you surround yourself with professionals who know local codes and departments, your old garage can turn into a safe, comfortable, and valuable part of your property for decades.

Joel & Co. Construction
22241 Dolorosa St, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
3107286181

How Much Does a Garage Conversion to ADU Cost in Woodland Hills, CA?