Building an ADU means learning a construction trade and a permit process you may only deal with once. This Research Center exists to explain both, in plain language, using California's actual statewide ADU framework — not sales copy.
Why we built this instead of just a services page
Most homeowner-facing ADU sites lead with sales copy and save real information for a phone call. We built this Research Center the other way around: the governing question behind every guide here is what does a homeowner need to understand before they trust a contractor, not what keyword we are trying to rank for. If a page reads like it could belong to any construction company in any state, it does not belong here.
How to use this hub
If you are brand new to the topic, start with what is an ADU and our glossary. If you already know you want to build and are trying to plan a budget, go to ADU cost factors and the regional cost guides below. If you are close to hiring, our contractor question checklist is built specifically for that stage. Every guide links back to the tools you need once you are ready: a match request or a call to (877) 300-2747.
This hub keeps growing
We add new guides as real, distinct questions come up from homeowners moving through the ADU process, rather than publishing filler pages to inflate the count. If a topic you need is not covered yet, ask us directly through our contact page and we will consider it for a future guide.
A note on sourcing
Where this hub references California law — primarily Government Code §65852.2, the state's core ADU statute — it is describing the general framework at a homeowner-education level, not providing legal advice. Local jurisdictions implement that framework differently, and the law itself has been amended multiple times in recent years, so always confirm current requirements with your local building department before making a final decision.
We update these guides as our own understanding improves and as the underlying law changes, rather than treating them as a one-time publish. If you spot something that seems out of date, we would rather hear about it through our contact page than leave it stale.
Ready to talk to a contractor?
Once you understand the basics, request a match with a licensed contractor in our network.