#1 ADU Contractor in Cerritos
Custom Builds by Horizon Remodeling
Horizon Construction & Remodeling Inc. builds accessory dwelling units and home additions in Cerritos, handling design coordination, budgeting, permitting through the City of Cerritos Building and Safety Services Division, and material selection from start to finish. Because most of the city’s housing went up in a single early-1970s tract push, neighbors on the same block often share the same layout and the same construction vintage, so we see recurring needs and know what these homes typically require. Every project is managed with safety and your satisfaction as the priority.
Services We Offer
How Our ADU Process Works
When it comes to enhancing your living space, room additions combined with Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction offer unparalleled versatility and value. These projects not only increase square footage but also provide additional living accommodations, whether for extended family, rental income, or work-from-home setups, making them a popular choice for homeowners seeking to maximize their property’s potential. According to California’s Department of Housing and Community Development, ADUs are a key solution to expanding housing options in urban and suburban neighborhoods.
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Finding a reliable adu contractor in Cerritos means working with someone who understands both state law and the local permit desk. California moved its ADU rules into Government Code sections 66310 through 66342 in 2024, and those rules changed again on January 1, 2026. Square footage is now calculated as interior livable space rather than overall building area. Once you submit an application, the reviewing agency has 15 business days to determine whether it is complete and 60 days to approve or deny it. Approval is ministerial, meaning no public hearing and no discretionary design review.
In Cerritos, that application goes to the City of Cerritos Building and Safety Services Division, not a county counter. That distinction matters because Los Angeles County contains 88 incorporated cities, and the agency handling your paperwork changes from one jurisdiction to the next even when the underlying state rules do not. A permit guide written for a neighboring city may point you to the wrong office entirely. We work directly with Cerritos Building and Safety Services Division on your behalf so nothing gets filed at the wrong counter or in the wrong format.
State law sets a floor that every local agency must honor. A city cannot cap an ADU below 850 square feet of interior livable space, or below 1,000 square feet if the unit has more than one bedroom. Side and rear setbacks cannot exceed four feet. Owner-occupancy cannot be required for the property. Building an ADU cannot trigger a fire sprinkler retrofit of the main house. There are no impact fees on any unit of 750 square feet or less.
The lot itself decides a great deal about which type of ADU makes sense. Cerritos was replanned from dairy land into large tract subdivisions after a 1963 special election, with the population rising from roughly 16,000 to 38,000 between 1970 and 1972. Nearly every home in the city shares a late-1960s or early-1970s construction vintage, which means setbacks, utility locations, and lot shapes repeat block after block. Neighbors on the same street frequently need identical work, and that shared layout gives us a clear picture of what to expect before we ever pull a tape measure.
The typical Cerritos home is a single-story or split-level tract house with a galley or U-shaped kitchen enclosed by a wall from the family room. That floor plan shapes where a detached unit can sit, how far utilities have to run, and whether a garage conversion or a new detached build serves you better. We walk the parcel and check setbacks, grade, equipment access, and utility routes before drawing anything, so the design we bring to Cerritos Building and Safety Services Division reflects what your specific lot can actually support. Contact us today to request a free estimate.
Other Remodeling Services We Offer
A modern kitchen adds functionality, comfort, and lasting value to your home. At Horizon Construction & Remodeling, our kitchen remodeling experts bring fresh ideas and professional project management tailored to your unique needs. From layout design to material selection, we prioritize delivering a high-standard kitchen that’s both beautiful and energy-efficient — enhancing the way you cook, gather, and live every day.
Whether you envision a classic Southern California pool or a fully customized backyard oasis, Horizon Construction & Remodeling delivers the highest level of quality and service. Our comprehensive pool design and remodeling services cover everything from layout and decking to built-in BBQs and final touches like landscaping. Let Horizon be your trusted partner in transforming your backyard into the perfect outdoor retreat.
If you are planning a complete bathroom remodel or simply want to change your tub, shower, update your plumbing fixtures, or make the space more efficient, our team at Horizon will help you through the process with expert advice, professional craftsmanship, and affordable options with beautiful results. Learn more about our bathroom remodeling services.
Transform your space with our expert interior work services. We offer a comprehensive range of solutions — from space planning and custom design to the selection of high-quality finishes and materials. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with you to create a space that’s both functional and stylish, tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget. Whether you’re updating a single room or overhauling your entire interior, we bring precision, creativity, and craftsmanship to every project.
At Horizon, we believe your home is more than just four walls — it’s where life happens. It’s the place you relax, gather with family and friends, and create lasting memories. That’s why we offer a full range of exterior work services designed to elevate your outdoor living space. From patios and hardscaping to custom decks and exterior renovations, we help turn your vision into a dream yard that complements your lifestyle and enhances curb appeal.
At Horizon Construction & Remodeling, our expert team includes a dedicated design and planning division that works hand-in-hand with licensed architects and structural engineers. We take care of everything — from detailed plans and blueprints to securing city permits — so you don’t have to deal with delays or red tape. Our goal is to streamline the process and provide a fully approved set of documents that aligns with both your vision and city regulations, saving you time and stress.
Why Choose Horizon Remodeling As Your ADU Contractor in Cerritos ?
Horizon Construction and Remodeling builds ADUs throughout Cerritos as a licensed Class B general building contractor, bonded, and with more than fifteen years of design-build work behind us. One company draws the plan, coordinates the submittal, and does the build. That matters here because permits run through the City of Cerritos Building and Safety Services Division, and keeping design and construction under one roof cuts the back-and-forth considerably.
Most Cerritos homes date to a single early-1970s construction push, when the city converted from dairy land into large tract subdivisions almost overnight. Blocks share the same layout and the same construction vintage, so the site conditions we work out on one parcel often mirror what a neighbor is dealing with. We sort through grade, utility routing, and equipment access before drawings start, because a plan that ignores those realities turns into a redesign.
Where state ADU law and a local ordinance point in different directions, we know which one governs and we say so in the submittal. We also build ADUs in Artesia, Hawaiian Gardens, and Norwalk, and we work regularly around Cerritos Towne Center, Cerritos Auto Square, the Los Cerritos Center area, and Liberty Park.
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ADU Contractor Services in Cerritos
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ADU Contractor in Cerritos FAQ
What is an ADU and why should I build one?
An accessory dwelling unit is a self-contained secondary unit on your property, built as a backyard cottage, a garage conversion, or an in-law suite. Adding an ADU in Cerritos with Horizon Construction and Remodeling gives you extra living space, a potential rental income stream, or a private setup for family members. Because most Cerritos blocks were built in one early-1970s push, neighbors across the city are often working through the same project at the same time.
How much does it cost to build an ADU in California?
What an ADU costs in Cerritos depends on details we cannot determine from a web page alone. The size and type of unit matters, as does whether you are converting an existing structure or building a new detached unit from the ground up. Site work, utility runs, and the finish level you select all move the number. What we can tell you is where the money goes and what state law limits. An ADU of 750 square feet or less of interior livable space is exempt from impact fees. School fees apply only above 500 square feet. Connection fees for a conversion or junior ADU are capped, because the state does not classify those as a new residential use. Adding an ADU also cannot force a fire sprinkler retrofit of your existing home.
Because Cerritos was built almost entirely in a single early-1970s push, the tract homes on most blocks share the same construction vintage and the same lot layout, so the utility and setback conditions your neighbors faced are likely close to yours. Permits run through the City of Cerritos Building and Safety Services Division, and we handle that process for you. Anyone quoting a firm price before walking the parcel is guessing. We inspect the property, confirm the setback and utility situation, and then give you a fixed scope and price. One point worth repeating clearly: the CalHFA ADU grant program is closed, its funding fully allocated, and the agency itself warns that anyone offering to help you obtain an ADU grant is running a scam.
Do I need permits for an ADU in Cerritos?
Yes, an ADU in Cerritos always requires a building permit, but approval is ministerial rather than discretionary, meaning there is no hearing and no design review board to satisfy. Applications go to the City of Cerritos Building and Safety Services Division. Under state law, the agency has 15 business days to confirm completeness and 60 days to approve or deny, and any denial must spell out the specific deficiencies along with how to cure them; a pre-approved plan shortens that review to 30 days. Horizon prepares and submits the full permit package and stays with it through every inspection, so the process never falls back on you.
How long does ADU construction take with Horizon Remodeling?
Most ADU construction projects take between 4 to 8 months from design to completion, depending on scope and permit approvals. Horizon Remodeling prioritizes efficient timelines while maintaining quality workmanship.
What types of ADUs can Horizon Remodeling build?
We specialize in building detached ADUs, attached ADUs, garage conversions, backyard cottages, and junior ADUs (JADUs). Our team can help you choose the right ADU style for your property and goals.
Can I build a detached ADU on my property in Cerritos?
Yes, if your property meets California zoning and space requirements. Horizon Remodeling will assess your site, secure the necessary permits, and build a fully detached ADU tailored to your preferences.
Is Horizon Remodeling licensed to build ADUs in my area?
Yes, Horizon Remodeling is fully licensed, bonded, and insured to build ADUs throughout Orange County and surrounding areas. We have over 18 years of experience delivering high-quality ADU projects.
What are the benefits of hiring Horizon Remodeling for my ADU project?
Horizon Construction & Remodeling Inc. manages the full ADU process, from design and permitting through construction, so your project meets building codes and stays within budget. Because Cerritos tract homes from the early 1970s share similar layouts, what works on one block often applies to yours.
Does Horizon Remodeling handle ADU design and permitting?
Absolutely! Horizon Remodeling provides complete ADU design services, including architectural plans and 3D renderings. We also handle city permits and inspections, streamlining your project and reducing stress.
How do I get started on an ADU with Horizon Remodeling?
Ready to move forward? Contact Horizon Construction & Remodeling Inc. to schedule a free consultation, where we assess your property, discuss your goals, offer design recommendations, and deliver a detailed estimate before guiding you through every phase of your ADU project.
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Horizon is a licensed Class B general building contractor serving Cerritos and the surrounding Orange County communities.
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