Skip to content
Vol. I ·California ADU Desk ·Licensed · Bonded · Insured ·CSLB #1098432 ·BBB A+ Accredited ·120+ ADUs Delivered ·Starting $250K ·10–16% ROI ·Los Angeles ·Bay Area ·Vol. I ·California ADU Desk ·Licensed · Bonded · Insured ·CSLB #1098432 ·BBB A+ Accredited ·120+ ADUs Delivered ·Starting $250K ·10–16% ROI ·Los Angeles ·Bay Area ·
GoldenStateADU

Process · 8 min read · February 18, 2026 · 364 words

How to vet any LA ADU contractor in 8 minutes

A repeatable protocol for verifying license, bond, insurance, and complaint history before you sign anything — using only free public databases.

Key takeaways

  • Search [BBB Los Angeles](https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-los-angeles-silicon-valley) for the business name and the owner's name separately.
  • Search the [LA Superior Court Civil Index](https://www.lacourt.org/casesummary/ui/) for civil complaints.
  • Check [LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs](https://dcba.lacounty.gov/) for unresolved disputes.

California requires anyone bidding on work over $500 to hold an active contractor's license issued by the Contractors State License Board. For ADU construction the relevant classifications are B (General Building) and, less commonly, C-47 (General Manufactured Housing). Before you sign, run the eight-minute check below.

Step 1: Look up the license

Use the official CSLB License Check tool. Confirm the license is active, the classification covers ADU work, and the business address on the license matches the address on the contract. Mismatches are the single most common red flag.

Step 2: Verify the contractor's bond

California requires a $25,000 surety bond. The CSLB record shows the bonding company and effective date. Bonds get cancelled — verify the date is current. The CSLB Disciplinary Actions page lists recent suspensions.

Step 3: Workers' comp and general liability

Workers' comp is required if the contractor has any employees. Even sole proprietors must show proof or a valid exemption. General liability isn't legally required but every reputable LA ADU builder carries at least $1M per occurrence. Ask for ACORD certificates listing you as additional insured for the project address.

Step 4: Complaint and lawsuit history

Step 5: References from the last 90 days

Ask for three references on projects that received their final inspection in the last 90 days. Anything older risks being a project where issues haven't surfaced yet. Drive past at least one of them.

Sources

  1. CSLB License Check · Contractors State License Board
  2. BBB Los Angeles · Better Business Bureau
  3. LA County Consumer & Business Affairs · LA County
  4. LA Superior Court Civil Index · LA Superior Court
  5. CSLB Disciplinary Actions · CSLB

FAQ · Process

Common questions on process

The questions readers send us most after this guide.

  1. How long does an ADU project take in Los Angeles?
    Most detached ADUs run 9–13 months from contract to certificate of occupancy. Garage conversions are typically 4–6 months. Permitting alone is usually 60–120 days at LADBS depending on whether we use a pre-approved standard plan or a custom design that needs full plan check.
  2. Can I move faster with a pre-approved standard plan?
    Yes — meaningfully. LADBS Standard Plan ADUs skip the design review portion of plan check and often clear permitting in 30–60 days instead of 90–120. We carry a curated library of standard plans from 480 to 1,200 sq ft.
  3. What slows projects down most often?
    Three things, in order: (1) utility upgrades — LADWP service upgrades can add 8–14 weeks; (2) sewer capacity studies in older neighborhoods; (3) owner-driven design changes after permit submittal. We flag all three at the feasibility call.
  4. What is the typical week-by-week breakdown?
    Weeks 1–3: feasibility, survey, schematic design. Weeks 4–8: construction documents and Title 24. Weeks 9–20: plan check at LADBS or your local department. Weeks 21–24: site mobilization and foundation. Weeks 25–40: framing, MEP rough-in, drywall, finishes, and inspections. Final two weeks are punch list and closeout.
  5. Are you licensed and insured?
    Yes — CSLB #1098432, fully bonded, $2M general liability, and workers' comp on every site. BBB A+ accredited, member of NAHB and the LA chapter of AIA.

Sources & further reading

  • California Government Code §65852.2 — statewide ADU framework (ministerial review, 60-day clock).
  • LADBS — Accessory Dwelling Unit information bulletins and current permit fee schedule.
  • HCD — California Department of Housing & Community Development, ADU handbook (2024 update).
  • Internal data: 120++ ADU projects delivered across Los Angeles County, 2018–2025.

More in Process

Keep reading across the field guide