Custom ADU Builders in Orange County, CA
Design, permits, and construction handled start to finish — garage conversions, JADUs, and custom ADUs built for your property.
Why Homeowners Across Orange County Choose ADUs by Avatar
Orange County ADU projects require a deep understanding of local zoning, permitting departments, and city-specific interpretation of California’s ADU laws. Our team works across multiple Orange County jurisdictions, allowing us to navigate approvals efficiently while tailoring each ADU to the requirements of the specific city, neighborhood, and property.
Orange County ADU Specialists
We design and build ADUs across Orange County, navigating city-specific zoning, permitting, and plan check requirements to keep projects moving efficiently from approval to construction.
Local Experts That Save Time
Every Orange County city interprets California ADU laws differently. Our experience working with multiple jurisdictions helps reduce delays, revisions, and unexpected setbacks.Streamlined
Process
From feasibility and design to permits and construction, we manage the entire ADU process in-house—giving homeowners one team, one timeline, and clear accountability.ADU Services in Orange County
We provide full-service ADU design and construction across Orange County, guiding homeowners through every phase—from early feasibility to final build. Whether you’re planning a garage conversion, detached ADU, or JADU, our team ensures compliance with local codes and a smooth, transparent process.
• Detached ADUs• Garage Conversions to ADUs
• Junior ADUs (JADUs)
• Custom ADU Design
• Pre-Designed ADU Options
• ADU Permits & City Submittals
• ADA-Compliant & Aging-in-Place ADUs
Cities We Serve in Orange County
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Anaheim
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Brea
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Buena Park
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Costa Mesa
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Cypress
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Fountain Valley
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Fullerton
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Garden Grove
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Huntington Beach
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Irvine
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La Habra
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Laguna Hills
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Laguna Niguel
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Mission Viejo
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Orange
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Placentia
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Santa Ana
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Tustin
Our Orange County ADU Process
Every ADU project in Orange County follows a structured process designed to reduce delays, control costs, and keep homeowners informed at every step. Our in-house team manages the entire journey—from feasibility through construction—so you always know what comes next.
Step 1 - Feasibility & Site Review
We evaluate zoning, lot size, setbacks, utilities, and city-specific ADU requirements to confirm what’s possible on your property.
Choose between custom or pre-designed ADU plans. We tailor layouts to meet Orange County city codes while aligning with your goals.
We prepare and submit plans, respond to plan check comments, and coordinate with your city to secure approvals efficiently.
Step 4 – Construction & Completion
Our construction team builds your ADU with clear timelines, inspections, and quality control from start to finish.
Orange County ADU FAQs
Homeowners across Orange County often have similar questions about ADU costs, permits, timelines, and zoning. Below are answers to the most common questions we hear when starting an ADU project.- How much does it cost to build an ADU in Orange County?expand_more
- ADU costs in Orange County typically range based on size, design complexity, site conditions, and utility connections. Garage conversions and JADUs are generally more cost-effective, while detached ADUs involve higher construction and permitting costs. For a detailed breakdown of real-world pricing, timelines, and what impacts cost, homeowners can review our Orange County ADU Cost Guide. We also provide project-specific cost guidance during the feasibility stage.
- How long does an ADU take to build in Orange County?expand_more
- Most ADU projects in Orange County follow a phased timeline that includes feasibility, design, permitting, and construction. While timelines vary by city and project scope, garage conversions and JADUs typically move faster than ground-up detached ADUs. Our team manages coordination with local jurisdictions to reduce delays and keep projects moving efficiently from start to finish.
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Orange County?expand_more
- Yes. All ADUs in Orange County require permits and plan approval from the local city jurisdiction. Each city has its own zoning standards, plan review process, and documentation requirements. Our team prepares the full permit set, manages plan submittals, responds to plan check comments, and coordinates with city departments to keep approvals moving forward.
- Can I convert my garage into an ADU in Orange County?expand_more
- In many cases, yes. Garage conversions are one of the most popular ADU options in Orange County because they often reduce construction time and overall cost. Eligibility depends on zoning requirements, parking regulations, and the condition of the existing structure. During the feasibility phase, we evaluate your garage and local city standards to confirm whether a conversion is a viable option.
- What’s the difference between an ADU and a JADU in Orange County?expand_more
- An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a fully independent living unit with its own kitchen, bathroom, and separate entrance. A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is typically smaller, created within the primary residence, and may share certain systems with the main home. JADUs have specific size, owner-occupancy, and design requirements that vary by city, which is why it’s important to evaluate which option best fits your property and goals.
- Can an ADU be designed for accessibility or aging in place?expand_more
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Yes. ADUs can be thoughtfully designed to support accessibility, aging in place, and long-term livability. Features may include step-free entries, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and adaptable layouts. Our team regularly designs ADA-compliant and barrier-free ADUs in Orange County to help homeowners plan for comfort, mobility, and independence—both now and in the future.
START YOUR ORANGE COUNTY ADU PROJECT
Ready to explore ADU options for your Orange County property? Our team is here to guide you through feasibility, design, permitting, and construction. Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and next steps.
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