Matt Knigge

Best Prefab ADUs in Los Angeles & The Los Angeles ADU Builders Behind Them

Matt Knigge
 Best Prefab ADUs in Los Angeles & The Los Angeles ADU Builders Behind Them

Building a prefab ADU in Los Angeles can seem like a straightforward decision. Select a model, choose a Los Angeles ADU builder, complete the ADU, and have a move-in ready unit for friends & family or start earning revenue on a rental unit. 

While that is true on a surface level, the actuality of building an ADU in Los Angeles, California is slightly more complex. Though it should be noted that both at the local and state level, changes are being made to reduce the barriers to building an ADU.

To help you navigate one of the first big decisions in the process, choosing a home and builder, we have created a list of the 7 best prefab ADUs for sale in Los Angeles. The ADUs on our list have been chosen due to their unique designs, construction type (modular, panelized kits, manufactured), and companies’ backgrounds as reputable ADU builders.

Best Prefab ADUs in Los Angeles

Two Bedroom ADU by United Dwelling

Two Bedroom by United Dwelling (Los Angeles, CA)

United Dwelling’s Two Bedroom ADU is one of three models available for purchase. It has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a total square footage of 647 square feet. United Dwelling lists a turn-key price for this model starting at $256,900. This model features an open living area/kitchen, two small porches, all-electric appliances, solid surface countertops, LED lighting, and solar panels.

As a company, United Dwelling is a Los Angeles ADU builder that offers turn-key building services, handling all stages of a project from design and permitting to manufacturing and on-site finishes. In addition to their two bedroom ADU, they also sell one-bedroom and multi-unit models. Interestingly, they also host a platform whereby ADU owners can list their ADU for rent which will be managed by United Dwelling. United Dwelling is transparent about pricing but our turn-Key cost estimate for an ADU from United Dwelling ranges from $390 - $585 per square foot. Or, see our list of United Dwelling ADUs with cost info.

ADU 960 by Oasys

ADU 960 by Oasys  (Los Angeles, CA)

Oyasys’ ADU 960 is a large, modern, one-bedroom ADU. It has one bedroom, one bathroom, 960 square feet of living space is designed around a central courtyard. Oasys lists a turn-key cost estimate for this model starting at $382,000. The 960 features modern designs and architecture and includes elements such as 11’ ceilings, 8’ windows, LED lighting, and opportunities for smart home upgrades.

In addition to the 960, Oasys sells 4 other models of ADUs which range in size from 400 square foot studios to 1,200 square foot living spaces with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Oasys offers turn-key project services which helps them provide transparent, turn-key cost estimates for their ADUs. For all of their ADUs turn-Key cost estimates for an ADU from Oasys range from $360 - $540 per square foot. Or, see our list of Oasys ADUs with cost info.

H450 by Villa Homes

H450 by Villa Homes  (San Francisco, CA)

Villa Homes’ H450 is one of over a dozen pre-designed prefab ADUs for sale in Los Angeles. It has one bedroom, one bathroom, and 450 square feet of living space. Like all other ADUs from Villa Homes, the H450 includes high-end finishes like designer fixtures and faucets, stainless steel appliances, and energy-efficient windows and lights. While the model cost for the H450 starts at $119,000, a turn-key project in Los Angeles will likely have a starting cost of around $270,000.

While Villa Homes (formerly Habitat Homes) is based in the Bay Area, they operate in Los Angeles and Orange Counties and are part of the growing list of prefab ADU builders in Los Angeles. Other ADUs in their series include both budget-oriented ADUs and their line of luxury-oriented “M Series” ADUs. Their accessory dwelling units range in size from smaller studios to 3-bedroom detached ADUs. They offer turn-key project services and handle both the sales and construction of their modular ADUs as well as site work. They are transparent on their home costs, with starting costs typically for an ADU from Villa Homes in LA costing between $322 - $920 per square foot. Or, see our full list of Villa Homes ADUs with cost info.

Comet by Orbit Homes

Comet by Orbit Homes - Malibu, CA

Orbit Homes’ Comet ADU is a large, modern, manufactured residence. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 930 square feet of interior living space, and is designed to integrate with a back deck. The home has a modern style and features a shed-style roof, sliding glass doors, and tall windows. The Comet has a base price starting at $305,000 which does not include site work, delivery, or installation. Depending on your location and lot type, a turn-key project estimate can be around $385,000. Like other ADUs built by Orbit Homes, it shipped in a highly-finished state, with fixtures, electrical, plumbing, and appliances already installed. This limits the amount of on-site work that is needed to finish the ADU.

Orbit Homes is uniquely positioned as a Los Angeles prefab ADU builder, as they build homes to the HUD manufactured standard. While this does not have any significant impact on the home itself, it may be affected by your town’s zoning or HOA requirements and may impact your ability to finance the project. In addition to the Comet, Orbit Homes builds 7 other pre-designed ADUs and single-family homes. For other projects, our turn-key cost estimate for an ADU from Orbit Home starts at $375 - $415 per square foot. Alternatively, see our list of Orbit Homes ADUs with cost info .

Full by Plus Hus

Full by Plús Hús - Santa Monica, CA

The Full by Plus Hus is a studio-version prefabricated ADU that is built using structural insulated panels (SIPs). It is the same size, 320 square feet, as their other two spaces (Open & Open+), except it includes a bathroom and kitchenette. It has a modern look and has features like a sliding-glass door, floor-to-ceiling windows, and unique wood-panel walls. While the kit for the Full starts at $79,000, a turn-key estimate for a completed ADU is likely to range in cost from $174,000 - $229,000.

Plus Hus is a modern ADU concept designed by the architectural firm Minarc. Within Los Angeles, they offer complete contracting and building services. For projects outside of that area, they can ship the panelized ADU kit which can be assembled on site.

Connect 3 by Connect Homes

Connect 3 by Connect Homes - Los Angeles, CA

The Connect 3 by Connect Homes is a prefabricated, steel-framed ADU. Designed for use either as an ADU for your LA home or as a smaller vacation home, the Connect 3 has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 960 square feet and an open layout. Like other Connect Homes models, the 3 can be configured to the site as buyers can select exterior cladding materials, select interior finishes, and edit or remove glass. The home features a modern design aesthetic and has an estimated turn-key cost of $394,000.

Connect Homes is not only builds ADUs in Los Angeles but also a builds larger, single family prefab homes in LA. They offer 15 models of pre-designed homes ranging from the 460 square foot Connect 1 to the 3,200 square foot Connect 10. For other models from Connect Homes, our turn-key cost estimate for a home or ADU from Connect Homes ranges from $330 - $545+ per square foot. Altentatively, see our list of Connect Homes ADUs with cost info.

Custom ADU by Cover

Custom ADU by Cover - Gardena, CA

Cover is a Los Angeles Prefab ADU builder that specializes in modern, custom ADUs. Based on factors such as location, lot, budget, and wants, they are able to build semi-custom ADUs designed for your specific situation. They offer turn-key building services, handling zoning research, design, permitting, manufacturing, project management, and installation. Their design aesthetic is quite modern and often features floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary exteriors.

ADU Builders in Los Angeles

In addition to finding the best prefab ADU for your situation, there are also company-specific factors that may influence which Los Angeles ADU builder to work with. To help you compare companies, we have created a table that allows you to compare, side-by-side, the builders listed above. Some of the factors that you might want to consider when choosing an ADU builder includes: location, cost, can they build custom ADUs, and do they offer turn-key building solutions or will you have to work with a local contractor.

United Dwelling
(Los Angeles, CA)
Oasys
(Los Angeles, CA)
Villa Homes
(San Francisco, CA)
Orbit Homes
(Malibu, CA)
Plús Hús
(Santa Monica, CA)
Connect Homes
(Los Angeles, CA)
Cover
(Gardena, CA)
Cost
(per sqft)
$390 - $585 $360 - $540 $322 - $920 $375 - $415 $550 - $715 $330 - $545 $500
Custom No Yes No No No No Yes
Turn-Key Builder Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes

It is also important to know that with prefab construction, you are not limited to companies that are based in Los Angeles. Because components or even entire modules can be manufactured off-site and shipped to your lot, you can work with companies as far away as San Francisco, Seattle, or even Colorado. In those cases it is important to consider the cost of shipping and the need to find local labor. When shipping an ADU, you should estimate to pay up to $15 per mile. And when working with a non-local company, you should be prepared to find and work with a company to prepare your building site, install the module, and complete any necessary finishes.

If you would like to consider ADU builders that are based outside of LA but can still ship their products to Southern California, some companies to look into include:

Other resources to help you find and build the best prefab ADU in Los Angeles or select an ADU builder in Los Angeles include: