The Los Feliz Detached ADU

Quick facts

• Location: Los Feliz, Los Angeles
• Scope: Detached studio ADU
• Size: 450 square feet
• Timeline: 16 weeks of construction
• Investment: $220,000 – $260,000
• Features: Kitchenette, full bath, washer/dryer, private patio, separate entrance

The challenge

The homeowners wanted rental income without disrupting their main house. Their Los Feliz backyard was modest and sloped, with limited access for construction equipment. The city required the ADU to match the character of the existing 1920s Spanish Revival home while meeting modern energy and setback requirements.

The design choices

We designed a compact studio that respected the main house's scale and materials. A private patio and landscaped path created separation from the main residence.

• Exterior: Stucco finish in a warm white with terracotta roof tile to match the main house.
• Layout: Open studio with a Murphy bed, built-in desk, kitchenette, and full bath.
• Kitchenette: Two-burner induction cooktop, under-counter refrigerator, quartz counter, and open shelving.
• Bath: Walk-in shower with subway tile, floating vanity, and stacked washer/dryer.
• Energy: Mini-split heat pump, LED lighting, and solar-ready electrical panel.
• Access: Stepped concrete path with native landscaping and a private patio.

The friction (and the fix)

The sloped lot required a stepped foundation, which added site-work complexity. We also discovered an aging sewer lateral with root intrusion during the utility investigation. Rather than patch it, we replaced the section from the main house to the city connection, ensuring both the primary home and ADU had reliable sewer service for decades. The work was planned into the rough-in phase and did not delay construction.

The result

The ADU rents for $2,200 per month and was leased within two weeks of completion. The main house's yard remains functional, and the ADU reads as a natural extension of the property rather than a prefabricated box.

Before and after narrative

Before: An underused sloped backyard with aging landscaping and no functional outbuildings.

After: A 450-square-foot rental studio with a kitchenette, bath, private patio, and utility independence, generating consistent monthly income.

Begin the conversation

Interested in adding an ADU to your Los Angeles property? CaliFirst Remodel will prepare a site-specific feasibility and budget review.