An ADU builder in Burbank is a licensed contractor who designs and constructs accessory dwelling units — detached backyard units, garage conversions, attached additions, and junior ADUs (JADUs). Because an ADU is a complete second dwelling, the builder coordinates foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work and pulls it through Burbank's permit process and utility connections. Not every general contractor has built one, so the right builder is one with ADU-specific experience in California.
What ADU Builders Cost in Burbank [4]
Based on our Burbank cost data, expect the following ranges from local ADU builders. Quotes for the same scope typically vary 20-40% between contractors, so getting at least three bids is the single best way to control cost.
| New Detached ADU (all-in) | $220,000-$400,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $275-$400 |
| Garage Conversion | $95,000-$195,000 |
| Prefab / Modular ADU (installed) | $130,000-$300,000 |
| City Permit & Plan Review | Plan check and permit fees due at submittal — confirm current schedule with Burbank Building & Safety, (818) 238-5250 |
| Impact Fees | Waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft per state law; proportional above — confirm with Community Development |
For a full line-item breakdown, see our Burbank ADU cost guide. To confirm what you're allowed to build before you hire, review the Burbank ADU rules (max detached size: 850 sq ft (studio/1-bedroom); 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms); 800 sq ft in Mountain Fire Zone or front-setback locations; +120 sq ft bonus for each extra code-compliant parking space (deed-restricted); owner-occupancy: Not required for ADUs; required (with recorded covenant) for JADUs).
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How to Vet an ADU Builder in Burbank
- License: Confirm a current contractor's license in California and that it's in good standing. Ask for the license number and verify it with the state board.
- ADU-specific experience: Ask how many ADUs they've completed in or near Burbank and request addresses or photos. ADU permitting and setbacks differ from a kitchen remodel.
- Portfolio & references: Get references from recent ADU clients and, if possible, visit a finished unit.
- Insurance: Verify general liability and workers' compensation coverage. Ask for a certificate of insurance.
- Written, detailed bid: Insist on an itemized, fixed-price or clearly-scoped bid — not a verbal estimate. It should state whether permits (Plan check and permit fees due at submittal — confirm current schedule with Burbank Building & Safety, (818) 238-5250), plan check (Electronic review via ProjectDox; BWP water and electric ADU requirements reviewed in parallel; BPAP enrollment reviews run 6-8 weeks for new plan approvals), and impact fees (Waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft per state law; proportional above — confirm with Community Development) are included.
- Permit handling: Confirm they manage Burbank's permit process ("Ministerial plan check through Community Development (ProjectDox e-plan system); Burbank Water & Power has separate ADU plan-check requirements for water and electric service", typically 60-day state deemed-approval clock (SB 543, 2026); BPAP preapproved plans target 30-day permit issuance under AB 1332) and who is responsible if revisions are required.
- Payment schedule: Avoid large upfront payments. A reasonable schedule ties payments to completed milestones.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- How many ADUs have you built in Burbank in the last two years?
- Is your bid fixed-price, and what would trigger a change order?
- Are permits, plan check, and utility connection fees included?
- What's a realistic timeline, including permit review (60-day state deemed-approval clock (SB 543, 2026); BPAP preapproved plans target 30-day permit issuance under AB 1332) and construction?
- Who is my point of contact and how are delays communicated?
- What warranty do you provide on workmanship?
- Can you share three recent California ADU client references?
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