218th Street ADU

The 218th Street ADU was a ground-up detached build on a Long Beach property where the homeowners wanted to add rental income without sacrificing the feel of their main home. Our job was to deliver a fully-permitted, move-in-ready second unit that could function equally well as a long-term rental, a guest house, or future multigenerational living space.

We took the project from permit application through final inspection in-house. The floor plan — two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, open-concept kitchen and living — was designed to maximize usable square footage on a constrained lot while still feeling like a real home, not a converted garage. The vaulted ceiling in the main living area was the structural decision that changed everything: it opens the space up, brings in natural light from the high windows, and makes the unit feel significantly larger than its actual footprint.

The kitchen became the heart of the ADU. Custom cabinetry, quartz counters, a full stainless appliance package, and pendant lighting over the island give it the same finish level we'd put in a main-home remodel. The teal accent wall in the living area was the client's choice — and it works. It gives the unit personality, anchors the TV setup, and photographs beautifully for listing purposes.

Both bathrooms were finished to a standard that matches the rest of the unit. The primary has a full walk-in tile shower with a floating vanity and designer fixtures. The secondary pairs a tub-shower combo with modern tile surround for versatility. LVP flooring runs throughout the main spaces — durable, water-resistant, and the right call for a rental.

Delivered with full permit closeout through the City of Long Beach, separate metering where required, and a final walkthrough the client approved on the first pass. A clean, profitable addition to the property — exactly what an ADU build should deliver.