The ADU + Backyard Opportunity
LA's ADU boom has transformed thousands of backyards—but not always for the better. I've walked into properties where a beautiful backyard was torn apart for ADU construction, and the homeowner was left with a rental unit in the back and a moonscape of dirt and construction debris where their yard used to be.
Here's the opportunity most homeowners miss: if you're already demolishing, grading, and running utilities for an ADU, adding a backyard remodel to the same project saves 15-25% compared to doing them separately.
Why Combining Saves Money
- Single mobilization: Equipment, crew setup, and site prep happen once instead of twice
- Shared utilities: Electrical, plumbing, and gas trenching serves both ADU and backyard
- One permit process: Combined plans can streamline city review (LADBS processes both)
- Shared grading: ADU excavation often provides fill material for backyard leveling
- Reduced cleanup: One final grading and cleanup instead of two
Design Considerations for the Dual Project
The ADU and backyard need to work together as a unified design. Here's what I focus on:
Privacy
Your ADU tenant and your family both need private outdoor space. Strategic fencing, landscaping, or grade changes can create distinct zones without feeling cramped.
Flow and Access
The ADU needs its own entrance per LADBS requirements. Design the hardscape so the tenant's path doesn't cut through your outdoor living space.
Utilities
ADU plumbing and electrical can share trenches with pool equipment, outdoor kitchen gas lines, and landscape lighting conduit. This coordination is where the biggest savings happen.
Typical Cost Breakdown: ADU + Backyard Combo
- ADU construction (400-800 sq ft): $150,000-300,000
- Backyard remodel (pool, hardscape, kitchen, landscape): $80,000-180,000
- Combined total: $230,000-480,000
- Savings vs. separate projects: $25,000-60,000 (15-25%)
- Combined permit savings: $3,000-8,000
The Timeline Advantage
An ADU alone takes 6-12 months. A backyard remodel takes 2-4 months. When combined, the total timeline is typically 8-14 months—only 2-3 months longer than the ADU alone, because backyard work happens in parallel during ADU framing and finishing.
💡 Pro Tip
If you're planning an ADU in the next 2-3 years, hold off on the backyard remodel. Combining them later saves significantly more than doing the backyard now and working around it during ADU construction.
We built a 600 sq ft ADU and remodeled the rest of the backyard with a pool and outdoor kitchen. Doing it together saved us over $40,000 and the whole property looks intentional, not piecemeal. — Robert & Maria L., Van Nuys
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Moda build ADUs?
We partner with specialized ADU builders and coordinate the backyard remodel alongside their construction. This ensures seamless scheduling and utility coordination.
Will an ADU reduce my backyard living space too much?
It depends on lot size. On a typical 7,000+ sq ft LA lot, a 400-600 sq ft ADU still leaves plenty of room for a pool, patio, and outdoor kitchen. We design the backyard layout around the ADU footprint.
Can I add a pool if I'm also building an ADU?
Yes, as long as you meet setback requirements for both. We verify zoning early in the design process to ensure both fit on your lot.
