Kavo ADU — Custom ADUs, built to a higher standard.
Now serving Los Angeles County

Custom ADUs, built to a higher standard.

A design-build firm for LA homeowners who want their ADU done right. We handle everything — from first sketch to final inspection — with high-end materials and craftsmanship most builders can't match.

Architectural design
Permits & approvals
Full construction
1-year warranty
Why Kavo

What custom should mean. And usually doesn't.

Most ADU builders are either prefab assemblers or chaotic custom shops. Kavo is neither. We're a small, deliberate design-build practice — same team, same standards, every project.

High-end materials, sourced carefully.

We source from the same suppliers used by custom luxury builders — hardware, tile, fixtures, doors, windows — and pass the relationships, and the savings, to you. What other builders treat as upgrades, we treat as standard.

A→Z

One team, every step.

Design, permits, structural engineering, construction, finishes, warranty — all handled by Kavo, including in-house architect and engineer. No coordinating multiple firms yourself. One contract. One number to call.

Built like a real home.

Permanent foundations. Real framing. Real California craftsmen. Inspected like a primary residence. Every Kavo is built to outlast — and to be valued like — the main house on the lot.

LA County expertise.

We've navigated setbacks, height limits, fire zones, and HPOZ overlays across LA County. We know what permits in 60 days vs. what stalls projects for a year. You won't learn this the hard way with us.

Real warranty, in writing.

One-year warranty covering structure, systems, and finishes — transferable to the next owner. Built into every contract, not an upsell. Plain language. A real number to call.

How It Works

From first call to keys in hand, every step handled.

A clear five-step process. We tell you what's happening, when it's happening, and what's next — at every stage.

STEP 01

Site visit

We walk your lot, listen to your vision, and confirm what's possible under LA County code. Free, no pressure.

Week 1
STEP 02

Design

Our in-house architect and engineer draft your ADU. We iterate together until the plan fits your lot, your needs, and your budget.

Weeks 2–6
STEP 03

Permits

We submit, follow up, and clear plan check with LA County. You don't talk to the city — we do.

Months 2–4
STEP 04

Build

Foundation, framing, systems, finishes. Weekly progress updates. One project lead from start to finish.

Months 4–9
STEP 05

Walkthrough & keys

Final inspection. Your punch list, completed. Warranty paperwork in hand. Move-in ready.

Month 10
ADU 101

New to ADUs? Start here.

California has some of the most homeowner-friendly ADU laws in the country. Permits clear in 60 days. No owner-occupancy required. Setbacks reduced to four feet. We put together a clear guide so you know what's possible before you call.

01

The 4 ADU types

Detached, attached, garage conversion, and JADU — what each one is, and when each one fits.

02

California ADU laws

60-day permit approval, no parking near transit, no impact fees under 750 sf, and other rules in your favor.

03

Financing your ADU

HELOC, cash-out refinance, ADU construction loans, and the CalHFA grant up to $40K — explained.

Read the full ADU 101 guide
Our Work

Every Kavo is one of one. No two are alike.

A look at recent and in-progress projects across Los Angeles. Each designed around the client, the lot, and the way they want to live.

A note on investment

Every project is priced individually, based on the lot and the scope.

Investment varies by site and scope. Schedule a visit and we'll give you a transparent, written quote tailored to your project — typically within seven days.

Schedule your site visit
About Kavo

Built in California, by Californians, for Californians.

Kavo was founded on a frustration with the LA ADU market. Prefab boxes that looked cheap and aged poorly on one side. Custom builders running 50% over budget and a year behind schedule on the other. Neither served the homeowner.

So we built a third option. A small, deliberate design-build practice that handles every step — from site visit to final inspection — with an in-house architect and engineer. We source high-end materials through direct supplier relationships. We build on real foundations with real California craftsmen. We price every project fairly, in writing, before we start. And we stand behind every build with a real warranty.

That's Kavo. Custom design. Premium build. No surprises.

CSLB Licensed General Contractor
Bonded & Fully Insured
LA County Expertise
In-House Architect & Engineer
Common Questions

Everything you'd want to know.

Do you design and build, or just build? +
Both. Kavo is a full design-build firm — our in-house architect and engineer design your ADU, we navigate permits with LA County, and our construction team builds it. One team, one contract, one accountable point of contact from sketch to keys.
How much does an ADU cost? +
Investment varies by site and scope — every project is priced individually based on lot conditions, size, finishes, and complexity. After a free site visit, we deliver a transparent written quote, typically within seven days. No vague estimates, no surprise change orders.
How long does the entire process take? +
From signed contract to keys, typically 8–10 months for a standard ADU. Design takes about 4–6 weeks. Permits average 2–3 months in LA County. Construction runs 5–6 months on site. Larger or more complex projects can extend this timeline — we tell you the realistic schedule before you sign, not after.
Can I see your completed work? +
Yes — we'd love to walk you through our completed and in-progress projects in person during your site visit, including talking with current clients who can speak to working with us.
What kind of warranty do you offer? +
A one-year warranty covering structure, systems, and finishes. Written into your contract and transferable to the next owner if you sell the property.
Do you finance? +
We don't lend directly, but we partner with lenders specializing in ADU financing. Most clients use a HELOC or cash-out refinance against the primary residence. We're happy to make introductions during your consultation.
What areas do you serve? +
All of LA County. We have particular expertise in the Westside, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and South Bay jurisdictions, including their specific design review and permitting nuances.
Start Here

Tell us about your project.

A free site visit. An honest feasibility review. A real conversation about what's possible — no pressure, no fine print, no automated follow-ups.

  • Same-week site visit availability
  • Written quote within 7 days of visit
  • No-obligation feasibility review
  • Direct line to a senior project lead
A to Z
Design, permits, build
1 yr
Warranty included
CSLB
Licensed & insured

Schedule your site visit

You'll hear back from a real human within one business day. No spam, no automated follow-ups, no fine print.