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 [10][11][12]
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 | $300-$550 |
| Garage Conversion | $100,000-$225,000 |
| Prefab / Modular ADU (installed) | $120,000-$300,000 |
| City Permit & Plan Review | Planning ADU application fee $1,728.42 (FY2026-27 Planning Fees, effective July 1, 2026); building plan check and permit fees are valuation-based under the Citywide Fee Schedule (confirm with Building & Safety, (818) 238-5220). BWP water charges run 'from a few hundred up to ten thousand dollars' depending on fixture count, main location and any new service, paid before Water Division approval; BWP electric aid-in-construction fees and a kVA capacity charge apply to any new, upgraded or relocated panel (since Oct 1, 2023). A school district facilities receipt is required at submittal |
| Impact Fees | None for an ADU under 750 sq ft of interior livable space (measured that way since Jan 1, 2026 under SB 543). At 750 sq ft or more, Burbank charges its development impact fees in proportion to the ADU's share of the primary home's size, or of the average unit size on a multifamily lot; a 150 sq ft expansion on a conversion can push it over the line (city ADU DIF worksheet dated 1/1/2026; BMC 10-1-620.3(K)(2)) |
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 for a studio or one-bedroom; 1,000 sq ft with two or more bedrooms (BMC 10-1-620.3(F)(2)); 800 sq ft in the Mountain Fire Zone or when built in the front setback. One ADU per lot may add up to 120 sq ft per extra code-compliant on-site parking space, with a recorded deed restriction (F)(9). Any space over 12 ft in interior height, and attics over 5 ft, count double toward the cap; owner-occupancy: Not required for ADUs; BMC 10-1-620.3(I) is suspended by state law. Required for a JADU with a recorded covenant, the owner living in the house or the JADU (10-1-620.3(P)(13)); AB 1154 (2026) now limits that state-law requirement to JADUs that share a bathroom, so confirm current practice with Planning).
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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 (Planning ADU application fee $1,728.42 (FY2026-27 Planning Fees, effective July 1, 2026); building plan check and permit fees are valuation-based under the Citywide Fee Schedule (confirm with Building & Safety, (818) 238-5220). BWP water charges run 'from a few hundred up to ten thousand dollars' depending on fixture count, main location and any new service, paid before Water Division approval; BWP electric aid-in-construction fees and a kVA capacity charge apply to any new, upgraded or relocated panel (since Oct 1, 2023). A school district facilities receipt is required at submittal), plan check (Electronic review in ProjectDox after emailing the application to eplancheck@burbankca.gov; BWP water and electric requirements are checked alongside Building, Fire and Public Works. Fire sprinklers are required only if the main house has them; the city's BPAP checklist notes a new ADU over 718 sq ft must add a solar system per its CF-1R energy report under a separate solar permit; a one-story wood-frame ADU built to the prescriptive code does not need architect or engineer stamps), and impact fees (None for an ADU under 750 sq ft of interior livable space (measured that way since Jan 1, 2026 under SB 543). At 750 sq ft or more, Burbank charges its development impact fees in proportion to the ADU's share of the primary home's size, or of the average unit size on a multifamily lot; a 150 sq ft expansion on a conversion can push it over the line (city ADU DIF worksheet dated 1/1/2026; BMC 10-1-620.3(K)(2))) are included.
- Permit handling: Confirm they manage Burbank's permit process ("Ministerial. In order: 1) confirm the zone, Mountain Fire Zone and hillside-area status with Planning, (818) 238-5250; 2) obtain a new ADU address from Public Works and pay the Burbank Unified School District facilities fee; 3) complete the BWP Electric ADU form (meters, ampacity) and the BWP Sizing Water Meter and Service Line form (fixture counts for house and ADU); 4) email the building permit application to eplancheck@burbankca.gov, then upload plans to ProjectDox and pay plan check; 5) Planning, Building, Fire, Public Works and BWP review in parallel; 6) permit issued after fees, the BWP water estimate and any impact fees are paid. Replacing a garage with an ADU needs a demolition permit issued together with the ADU permit (10-1-620.7)", typically 60 days from a complete application to approve or deny, or the ADU is deemed approved (BMC 10-1-620.3(A); SB 543 from Jan 2026). BPAP preapproved plans target 30-day permit issuance; enrolling a new design in BPAP takes 6-8 weeks for the first review and 2-3 weeks per recheck) 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 days from a complete application to approve or deny, or the ADU is deemed approved (BMC 10-1-620.3(A); SB 543 from Jan 2026). BPAP preapproved plans target 30-day permit issuance; enrolling a new design in BPAP takes 6-8 weeks for the first review and 2-3 weeks per recheck) 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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