Turn-key Garage Conversions and ADUs with no money out of pocket

  • We handle everything: designs, permitting and construction.
  • We finance your project into low monthly payments.
  • Conversions & New Construction.
  • Accessory Dwelling Units. Attached or Detached. Single Story and Multistory.

BELA DEVELOPMENT IS A FULL-SERVICE DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY

SINCE 2014

Los Angeles-based residential design and build company. For years, we have provided exceptional contracting services to our clients, becoming the go-to construction company for Los Angeles residents.

Bela Development strives to make custom home design and construction efficient, affordable, and enjoyable. Our focus is on long-lasting relationships, with a high-end, personalized design-and-build process that keeps the client’s vision in mind.

We are a full service construction company

Bela Development is an award winning and published construction company.

Comprehensive Warranty

Personal manager

Easier then ever with us

The Best Technology

Discover our ADU floor plans

1BR/1BA 29×17 Long

2BR/1BA 28×27 Square

3BR/2BA 36×31 L-Shape

We can complete your ADU in only 3 steps

1

STEP 1

Architect and engineer plans until approval 2-4 weeks

2

STEP 2

Architect and engineer plans until approval 2-4 weeks

3

STEP 3

Construction build 3-5 months - can be longer in some cases

About Bela Development

Bela Development is a full-service design and build company providing Los Angeles homeowners with a one-stop shop for designing and building their new home or remodeling their current one.

We are the single source of renovations from the initial design to the final result. As general contractors, we specialize in custom home design and build services, apartment renovation and remodeling, room additions, kitchen restructuring, bathroom refurbishing, interior design, and landscape modeling. Whether you are looking for pre-construction planning services, new construction and remodel, or design services, no project is too big for our team of experts.

Have More ADU Questions? Schedule a Free Consultation

Awards

Our work

Testimonials

Frequently Asked ADU Questions

  • What is an ADU? A Garage conversion?

    ADU stands for “accessory dwelling unit”, which is an additional full living space on a single-family property. It can be connected or attached to the primary home, though of course there are pros and cons to both. Oftentimes, many homeowners choose to convert their garage to an ADU. There are several benefits to opting for a garage ADU conversion. For one, an ADU garage conversion can be less expensive since the structural components are pre-existing. Additionally, an ADU garage conversion allows you to keep the living space connected and close to the main house for instances like caring for an elderly family member. Of course, a detached garage can also work for an ADU garage conversion. A garage conversion is considered an ADU typically only if the space contains a separate kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, so not all garage conversions are ADUs. It is much better in the long run if you are going to do a garage conversion to ensure it qualifies as an ADU garage conversion because then you could use the space for rental income and in general it is a lot more versatile. Several states have loosened their regulations and permitting processes to promote homeowners to add a garage ADU conversion in an attempt to aid in the housing crisis. ADU garage conversions provide opportunities for renters who don’t want a roommate, students, and even tourists. If you didn’t want to utilize your garage for an ADU, several other creative options have come about as well. For instance, shipping containers and sheds have been converted into ADUs. The other option is to just start from scratch and build an ADU from the ground up, though it tends to be far more expensive. The benefit to a scratch-built ADU is that it offers far more customization. No matter which path you choose, here at Bela Development, we can help bring your vision to life.

  • Why are ADUs becoming so popular?

    ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, are becoming increasingly popular because of their benefits and changing demands. Benefits of ADUs include increasing property value, creating a potential rental income, utilizing existing space to accommodate changing needs, not requiring additional land, requiring less investment than building a single-family home, and are an eco-friendly alternative to building more single-family homes. Changing demands have also influenced the popularity of ADUs. Students, small families, the elderly, and low-income individuals have a lack of housing options due to rising rent and more previously long-term options being turned into short-term rentals. ADUs provide a great solution to the increasing demand for long-term rental solutions.

  • How much will it cost to convert my garage into an ADU?

    When it comes to garage conversion cost, there are a lot of factors to consider. The first is whether you are looking at the cost to convert a garage to an ADU or just into an additional living space. Converting the garage into a living space costs less than the cost to convert a garage to an ADU because there are fewer finishings involved. A living space conversion doesn’t require plumbing access and can be done with easier remodeling like adding a mini split air conditioner and insulation for climate control, some flooring, drywall, and a coat of paint. However, the cost to convert the garage to an ADU includes more advanced construction like rerouting plumbing and electrical, dividing the space into separate areas, and more. This is because to be considered an ADU, it must have a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping space. Also, your starting canvas and your vision for the final look will determine garage conversion cost. For instance, if your current garage already has plumbing and electrical access as well as insulation, it will lower the cost since you don’t have to re-run those aspects. While if your current garage is bare bones, you’ll have to factor in more construction costs. The final look is where you can shave down or add to your budget depending on the finishings you choose. Going with top-of-the-line flooring, brand-new kitchen appliances, smart lighting, and crown molding will make a garage conversion cost much higher than if you opt for budget-friendly alternatives and make the final space more minimalist. Other garage conversion cost factors include the size of your garage, whether you are building a 2-story ADU to incorporate the garage and a second level above the garage, and architecture, permitting, and site fees. Bottom line is that the cost to convert a garage to an ADU is quite variable, but to give you a range, it typically costs between $300-$400 per square foot.

  • Can I convert my garage into living space?

    Yes! You can convert your garage into a living space. If you want to turn your garage into a living space, you just have to follow local building code requirements and permitting regulations. These often include set rules for sizing, safety inclusions, and inspections. Other than that, the sky is the limit if you are looking at converting a garage into a room. You can include anything your family needs when you turn a garage into a living space. Whether you go with a full accessory dwelling unit (ADU) which has a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping space, just an open, finished room, or something in between, there are a lot of ways to go about converting a garage into a room. Many people turn their garage into a living space to provide a playroom for the kids, a suite for guests, a private area for the in-laws, a den for entertaining, or a space for a quiet home office. Each of these conversion ideas will require different elements to be planned into the project. For example, you may want to include an ensuite bathroom for an in-law suite, while a den for entertaining could include a built-in wet bar. To get started on converting a garage into a room, you’ll first need to look up your local building codes and zoning regulations. Once you know what type of renovations you can do, it is time to come up with an idea. When you are laying out the details, you’ll want to list the features you want your garage conversion to have divided into “must have” and “would like to have” categories, your exact budget, inspiration for the finishings, and a thought about the timeline you are looking for. The next step is to reach out to us here at Bela Development so we can walk you through the rest of the process and bring your ideas to reality.

  • How long does it take to build an ADU?

    How long it takes to build an ADU depends on whether you are converting a garage or starting from scratch. An ADU garage conversion will take approximately 2-3 months, while a new ADU from the ground up can take anywhere from 3-9 months to complete. Other things that can affect the time it takes to build an ADU include how long the permitting takes, the schedule of your contractor, unexpected findings during construction, material delays, the intricacy of your design, and even simple things like the weather. To get a more specific estimate based on your individual circumstances, reach out to us directly so we can go over the particulars of your project.

  • How do I know what to build in my property?

    To know what to build on your property, you’ll need to know the zoning of your home. Each home resides in its own corresponding zone which regulates what regulations you have to follow. Zoning regulations include requirements for types of dwellings, number of families, yard size, parking, maximum heights, setbacks, and minimum building separation among other things. In most zones, at least in Los Angeles, you can build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) by doing an attached or detached garage conversion. Depending on your zone, you may or may not be able to build an additional freestanding dwelling unit. Reach out to us at Bela Development and we can help you navigate the building process. Additionally, if you want to get a head start, you can find zoning information on your local county website. Other things to consider when deciding what to build on your property include your budget, the current space, your family’s needs, and how any changes will affect the curb appeal of your property. Each of these things will be different from family to family and property to property but are important to think about prior to making any permanent changes. However, as long as you follow local regulations and requirements, you can build anything you would like on your property and we can help!

How do I get started?

Call Us, send a message, or request a free consultation. Our manager will contact you shortly.

 

Address

1023 1/2 Abbot Kinney Blvd Venice, CA 90291

Contacts

310-742-1261
info@beladevelopment.com