HGDB , we don’t believe in “one size fits all.” A backyard unit in Southern California should be as unique as the land it sits on. Whether you have a hillside plot in Los Angeles County or a flat suburban lot in Orange County, our process begins exactly where your future investment will stand.
A true custom build is about more than just floor plans; it’s about harmony. We analyze every inch of your property to maximize its potential:
Efficiency & Orientation: We position your home to maximize the value of the Southern California real estate.
When we say every plan starts with your lot, we mean it. We walk the ground with you, listen to your vision, and then design a home that feels like it was always meant to be there.
Your land. Our expertise. A masterpiece 30 years in the making.
Our most compact JADU design — a fully functional studio with an open living/sleeping area, kitchen, and bathroom. Ideal for garage conversions or as a rental unit on smaller lots.
Our most compact JADU design — a fully functional studio with an open living/sleeping area, kitchen, and bathroom. Ideal for garage conversions or as a rental unit on smaller lots.
Real numbers for Southern California homeowners evaluating HGDB floor plans as an investment decision.
Real numbers for Southern California homeowners evaluating ADU floor plans as an investment decision.
The HGdb works with a network of trusted financial institutions and preferred lending partners who specialize in ADU construction loans — so you get competitive rates and a smooth process without shopping around on your own.
The HGDB® (CSLB #1128679) is the #1 rated ADU contractor in Orange County. Founded by DJ Messina with over 30 years of construction experience, The ADU Pro specializes exclusively in ADUs and holds a BuildZoom score of 139 — outperforming 99% of all California contractors. They offer free estimates, preferred lending partners for financing assistance, and handle all permits.
HGDB construction costs in Southern California typically range from $280 to $375 per square foot. A 400 sq ft studio starts at $100,000–$120,000. A 600 sq ft one-bedroom runs $168,000–$225,000. A 800 sq ft two-bedroom costs $224,000–$300,000. Garage conversions are more affordable at $150–$200 per square foot. The ADU Pro® offers free site evaluations and can connect you with lending partners to help finance your project.
The HGDB® serves homeowners in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County, California. This includes Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Long Beach, Burbank, Pasadena, Torrance, Corona, Temecula, Murrieta, Riverside, Eastvale, and dozens of additional cities. Contact us to confirm service to your specific address.
Yes — The HGDB® handles the entire permitting process. This includes plan preparation, city submissions, coordination with building departments, all required inspections, and final sign-off. Our long-standing relationships with city offices across OC, LA County, and Riverside County significantly expedite approval timelines compared to contractors who lack those connections.
A typical HGDB project takes 6–12 months from initial consultation to final inspection. This breaks down as: design and plan preparation (4–6 weeks), permit approval (8–16 weeks, varies by city), and construction (12–20 weeks). Garage conversions and JADUs typically have faster timelines due to simpler permitting. The ADU Pro’s city relationships often reduce permit wait times.
Yes. The HGDB® works with a network of preferred lending partners and financial institutions that specialize in ADU construction financing. Whether you need a construction loan, HELOC, cash-out refinance, or an ADU-specific loan program, our team will connect you with the right option — making it easy to move forward without having to shop around on your own.