Kol & Co. is a licensed, insured, and bonded ADU builder providing custom accessory dwelling unit construction and design-build services in Laguna Beach, CA.
Licensed • Insured • Bonded • 15+ Years Experience • Design-Build Experts • Serving Southern California
Building an ADU in Laguna Beach takes more than a good floor plan. We’ve found that every property is different. Some homes sit on steep hillsides, others have limited backyard space, older utility systems, or access that’s difficult for construction. These are the kinds of details that can affect the design, engineering, permits, budget, and timeline, so it’s important to understand them before plans are drawn.
Whether you’re building a detached ADU, converting a garage, adding an attached ADU, or creating a guest house for family, we start by evaluating your property and learning what you want the space to do. From there, our design-build team handles everything, from planning and architectural drawings to permits, construction, and final inspections.
With more than 15 years of residential construction experience, we’ve learned that the best ADUs aren’t built from standard plans, they’re designed around the home, the property, and the people who will use them.
Schedule an in-home consultation with Kol & Co. today and let’s talk about what’s possible for your property.
Every homeowner has a different reason for building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Over the years, we’ve helped families create private spaces for aging parents, adult children, guests, rental income, and flexible living, all while making better use of their property.
Common reasons homeowners build an ADU include:
With Laguna Beach real estate in high demand, a well-designed ADU is often more than extra living space, it’s a long-term investment that adds flexibility, functionality, and lasting value to your property.
A detached ADU, often called a backyard ADU, backyard cottage, guest house, or standalone accessory dwelling unit, is one of the most popular choices for homeowners who want maximum privacy and flexibility.
Our detached ADU services include:
Converting an existing garage into a fully functional living space is often one of the most efficient ways to build an ADU while making better use of underutilized square footage.
Garage conversions can become:
Although the existing structure provides a starting point, most garage conversions still require structural improvements, insulation, plumbing, electrical upgrades, ventilation, waterproofing, and complete interior reconstruction to meet California residential building codes.
An attached ADU expands your existing home while creating a separate private residence with its own entrance. This option is often ideal for properties with limited backyard space or homeowners who prefer to maintain a connected architectural design.
Attached ADUs work well for:
Our design-build team carefully integrates the new living space with your existing home, creating a seamless transition that feels intentional rather than like a later addition.
For properties where backyard space is limited, building above an existing garage can provide additional living space while preserving valuable outdoor areas.
Above-garage ADUs are an excellent solution for:
These projects require careful structural evaluation to ensure the existing garage can safely support the additional load, along with thoughtful planning for stairs, utilities, insulation, sound control, and access.
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much will my ADU cost?“
From experience, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer because every property is different. A simple garage conversion isn’t priced the same as building a detached ADU on a sloped lot overlooking the ocean.
Most custom ADUs in Laguna Beach that we have completed typically range from $200,000 to $500,000+, with the entire process usually taking about 12 months from planning through final completion.
The biggest factors are often the property itself, not just the size of the ADU.
Every property is unique, but some of the biggest factors include:
Detached, attached, garage conversion, or above-garage ADU
Size and floor plan
Hillside grading or foundation requirements
Structural engineering
Utility connections and upgrades
Kitchen and bathroom finishes
Custom cabinetry and built-ins
Windows, doors, and exterior materials
Site accessibility and construction logistics
Permit and engineering requirements
Coastal design considerations
Because many Laguna Beach properties have sloped lots, narrow access, or older utility systems, construction costs can vary more than in other Orange County cities.
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your property, discuss your goals, and provide realistic budget guidance before design begins, so you understand what’s possible and where your investment is going.
ADU rules in Laguna Beach depend on the type of unit, number of bedrooms, existing home, lot conditions and whether the property is within the Coastal Zone. The City regulates ADUs through California state law, Laguna Beach Municipal Code Chapter 25.17 and the City’s certified Local Coastal Program. The City most recently replaced its local ADU ordinance in March 2025 to reflect changes in state law.
Under Laguna Beach’s current ordinance:
The final allowable size may still be affected by the proposed location, height, front-yard limitations, coastal resources, utility capacity and site-specific safety requirements.
New detached and attached ADUs generally require minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks. Garage conversions and ADUs created within an existing legally permitted structure typically do not require new side or rear setbacks, provided they meet current building and fire codes.
Detached ADUs are generally permitted up to 16 feet in height, while some attached, above-garage, or qualifying ADUs may be allowed additional height under California law and local regulations.
Yes. Building a detached ADU, attached ADU, or garage conversion in Laguna Beach requires permits and must comply with California building codes and City of Laguna Beach regulations. Depending on your property’s location, especially within the Coastal Zone, additional reviews or approvals may be required.
As your design-build contractor, Kol & Co. manages the entire permitting process, including:
Property feasibility review
Architectural plans and structural engineering
Permit application and plan submission
City plan review coordination
Required revisions and approvals
Building inspections and final approval
We evaluate your property, discuss your goals, and recommend the best ADU solution based on your lot, budget, and long-term plans.
Our team creates a custom ADU design, prepares architectural plans, and coordinates engineering to ensure your project is ready for permitting.
We handle plan submissions, permit coordination, and city approvals, helping keep your project moving forward as smoothly as possible.
Once permits are approved, we manage every phase of construction—from site preparation and framing to utilities, finishes, and final details.
We complete final inspections, perform a detailed walkthrough, and ensure every aspect of your new ADU meets our quality standards before project completion.
Many homeowners assume they can or can’t build an ADU without understanding what’s actually possible. The best way to find out is with a professional property evaluation.
During your consultation, we’ll assess your property and explain the options available based on your lot, existing home, and local requirements.
Some of the factors we evaluate include:
Every property is unique. Our goal is to help you choose the ADU solution that makes the most sense for your home, budget, and long-term goals.
Kol & Co. builds custom ADUs throughout Laguna Beach, including North Laguna, South Laguna, Laguna Village, Arch Beach Heights, Laguna Canyon, Emerald Bay, Three Arch Bay, and Top of the World, as well as nearby communities including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Newport Coast, Corona del Mar, and surrounding Orange County.
Whether you’re planning a detached backyard ADU, garage conversion, attached ADU, or guest house, choosing the right builder is the first step toward a successful project.
Schedule your in-home consultation with Kol & Co. We’ll evaluate your property, discuss your goals, explain your options, and provide honest, expert guidance to help you move forward with confidence.
Let’s build an ADU that’s designed for the way you live today and adds lasting value for years to come.
Most custom ADUs range from $200,000 to $500,000+, depending on the size, site conditions, design complexity, engineering requirements, and interior finishes.
Most projects take approximately 12 months from initial design through final completion, including architectural plans, permits, and construction.
Yes. Garage conversions are a popular option for homeowners who want to create additional living space without building a separate structure. We’ll evaluate your existing garage to determine whether it’s a good candidate.
Yes. Many Laguna Beach homes are located on sloped lots. These projects often require additional engineering, grading, drainage planning, or retaining walls, which we’ll evaluate during your consultation.
Yes. ADU construction requires plans, permits, inspections, and compliance with California and local building requirements. Our team manages the permitting process from start to finish.
The maximum size depends on your property, zoning, and applicable regulations. We’ll evaluate your lot and discuss the options available during your consultation.
