Los Angeles ADU Companies Cover vs. United Dwellings vs. Mighty Buildings vs. Orbit Homes vs. Shilo vs. Modal Homes vs. Bay Modular vs. Studio Shed
With the recent increase in the number of companies offering prefab and modular ADUs (auxiliary dwelling units) in Los Angeles, you may find it hard to compare companies and figure out which are the best options for your ADU project in Los Angeles. You may find yourself with questions like, “How do I start the process of building an ADU in Los Angeles?” and “What is the best company to help me with my ADU project in Los Angeles?” While our Guide To Building and Buying an ADU in Los Angeles can help you better understand the entire process and how to start, this article will help you compare the best companies that build ADUs in Los Angeles.
To compare ADU builders in Los Angeles, we have highlighted important aspects of each company’s operations: years in operation, projects completed, 3rd party reviews, project cost estimates, and more ADU specific metrics like number of unique models available, ADU sizes, design aesthetic, and whether they offer project customization. Continue reading below to see our comparison of prefab and modular ADU builders in Los Angeles.
If you would like assistance with your own ADU project, connect with one of our prefab concierge representatives here.
Comparison of ADU Builders in Los Angeles
| Year Founded | Projects Completed | Project Cost Estimates | # of unique models | ADU sizes | Design Aesthetic | Project Customization | Full Service | 3rd Party Reviews | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cover (Gardena, CA) |
2014 | 6+ | $300 - $400+ per sqft | 4 | Office/Studio - 2 Beds | Modern | Yes | Yes | No |
| United Dwellings (Los Angeles, CA) |
2018 | 25+ | $290 - $530 per sqft | 3 | Studio - 2 Beds 332 sqft - 670 sqft |
Modern | No | Yes | Yelp: 4 Stars |
| Oasys (Los Angeles, CA) |
2019 | 2 | $210 - $365 per sqft | 4 | 1 - 2 Beds 400 sqft - 800 sqft |
Modern | No | Yes | No |
| Mighty Buildings (Oakland, CA) |
2017 | 2 | $300 - $685 per sqft | 6 | Studio - 2 Beds 350 sqft - 984 sqft |
Modern | No | Yes | Yelp: 2 Stars |
| Orbit Homes (Malibu, CA) |
2018 | 8 | $225 - $310 per sqft | 6 | 1 - 3 Beds 450 sqft - 1,200 sqft |
Modern | No | Yes | No |
| Shilo (San Francisco, CA) |
2018 | 4 | $325 - $455+ per sqft | Custom | Custom 200 - 1,000 sqft |
Modern | Yes | Yes | No |
| Modal Homes (Salt Lake City, UT) |
2019 | 10 | $270 - $337 per sqft | 3 | Studio - 2 Beds 338 sqft - 567 sqft |
Modern | No | Yes | No |
| Bay Modular (Oakland, CA) |
2018 | 3 | $275 - $335 per sqft | 3 | Office/Studio - 2 Beds 128 sqft - 583 sqft |
Modern | No | Yes | No |
| Studio Shed (Louisville, CO) |
2008 | 500 | $200 - $300 per sqft | 30+ | Office/Studio - 2 Beds 64 sqft - 1,000 sqft |
Modern | No | No | Yelp: 3 Stars Houzz: 4.7 Stars |
| LA DBS Standard Plan Program | 2021 | 26 (with 5 more pending approval) | Studio - 2 beds 309 sqft - 1,200 sqft |
Modern, Southwestern | No | Some Providers, Yes |
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Standard Plan Program was developed as a pilot program and was implemented in early March, 2021. The program was designed to reduce the time (and potentially cost) required to permit an ADU in Los Angeles. The program works by allowing licensed architects and engineers to submit ADU designs for building, residential, and green code compliance pre-approval. Interested buyers can then purchase the plans, which only require approval for site-specific conditions such as zoning code compliance and foundation requirements. Available, pre-approved plans include those from prefab companies like Abodu and Cover as well as custom architecture firms such as First Office, Taalman Architects, and Escher Gunewardena Architecture.
Cover (Gardena, CA)
Provide transparent, turn-key price estimates
United Dwellings (Los Angeles, CA)
Offer a unique financing program and property management services
Oasys (Los Angeles, CA)
Provide transparent turn-key cost estimates and allow for design personalization
Mighty Buildings (Oakland, CA)
Offer 3D printed, environmentally friendly ADUs
Orbit Homes ( Malibu, CA)
ADUs are considered manufactured units and are built to HUD code
Shilo (San Francisco, CA)
Can design and build ADUs to meet LEED and Passive House certifications
Modal Homes (Salt Lake City, UT)
Build modular ADUs that can be shipped 100% complete
Bay Modular (Oakland, CA)
Provide turn-key project services for their pre-designed ADU series
Studio Shed (Louisville, CO)
Allow for design and layout customization though ADUs are often delivered as a flat-packed, panelized kit
For more information related to building an ADU in Los Angeles, be sure to read our Guide To Building and Buying an ADU in Los Angeles and our Guide to Financing an ADU Using Home Equity Sharing Agreement. Or see our list of the Best Prefab ADUs for Sale in Los Angeles.
