ADU builders in Pomona for older homes
ADUs in Pomona: what older homes mean for your project
65.6% of Pomona housing units were built before 1980, with a median year built of 1967 (Census 2020–2024).
Pomona at a glance
- Share of housing units built before 1980 in Pomona
- 65.6%
- Median year structure built in Pomona (all housing units)
- 1967
- Share of occupied housing units in Pomona that are owner-occupied
- 54%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates · data as of
- Numbers from US Census public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
What do permits say an ADU costs?
From City of LA building permits, last 12 months. Not a contract price. How we calculate this
Declared values on City of Los Angeles building permits, last 12 months. The dataset covers the City of Los Angeles only, so treat it as a regional reference for Pomona. A declared value is what the permit states, not your contract price. How we calculate this.
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), permits on one- and two-family homes issued to ; fire rebuilds excluded. ZIP medians need 20+ permits.
Pomona housing facts from the U.S. Census
Pomona housing facts from the U.S. Census
Local numbers for Pomona, each with its source and date.
- Median value of owner-occupied homes in Pomona1
- $593,800
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 56 |
| 2021 | 92 |
| 2022 | No report |
| 2023 | No report |
| 2024 | No report |
| 2025 | No report |
* 2025 counts can still rise as late reports come in. Source: California HCD, Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), Table A2, data as of .
Planning your project
What Pomona's homes mean for your ADU
65.6% of Pomona housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1967 (Census 2020–2024). If your home is one of these older homes, plan your ADU with the age of the existing house in mind from the start.
An older main house often has an electrical panel with limited spare capacity, and its water and sewer lines may be shared with a new unit. Ask the builder to check the panel size and the condition of these lines before design is final. These are things to check, not problems that every house has.
If you plan to convert an old garage, ask for lead-based paint testing for structures built before 1978. Old materials can also contain asbestos, so ask for an inspection before any demolition begins.
In Pomona, 54% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied (Census 2020–2024), so many projects are on homes people live in. The median value of owner-occupied homes is $593,800 (Census 2020–2024). Use that number to frame your budget in general terms: think about how much you want to put into the home compared with what it is worth.
The typical path for an ADU in Pomona
The typical path for an ADU in Pomona
Check what your lot allows
Start with the city of Pomona. Ask what your lot allows for an accessory dwelling unit, including setbacks, parking and size limits. Ask the builder to help you read the answer for your property.
Design and plans
Work with the builder on the layout, the floor plan and the drawings the city will need. For an older home, include a check of the electrical panel, the water and sewer connections, and any old garage walls you plan to change.
Plan check and permit
Submit your plans to the city for plan check. The city may ask for changes before it issues a permit. Ask the builder who will handle questions from the city during this review.
Construction with inspections
Once the permit is issued, construction begins. Expect inspections at key stages, such as framing, electrical, plumbing and final. For older houses, ask for lead testing before work on a pre-1978 structure and an asbestos check before any demolition.
Final sign-off
When the work is finished and the inspections are passed, the city gives final sign-off. Keep copies of all permits, inspection reports and the final approval for your records.
Questions about ADUs in Pomona
Does the age of Pomona homes affect an ADU project?
Yes, it can. The Census estimates that 65.6% of Pomona housing units were built before 1980, and the median year a structure was built is 1967 (Census 2020–2024). Older homes often have an electrical panel, water lines and sewer lines that were not sized for an extra unit. Ask the builder to check these before design starts. These are things to check, not problems that every house has.
I own a rental in Pomona. Is an ADU still worth planning?
The Census estimates that 54% of occupied housing units in Pomona are owner-occupied (Census 2020–2024). If you live in the home, plan the ADU around how you will use it. If you own a rental, think about how the unit will be managed, who will maintain it and what rules apply to tenants where you live.
How should I think about budget compared with home value in Pomona?
The median value of owner-occupied homes in Pomona is $593,800 (Census 2020–2024). Use that figure only as a general guide. Think about how much you want to put into your home compared with its value, and ask the builder to explain the cost of each part of the project before you decide.
Who sets the rules for an ADU on my lot?
Ask the city of Pomona what your lot allows and which permits you need before you sign a contract. Rules can change and depend on your property, so treat any answer you find online as a starting point, not a final answer.
How can I check a builder's license with the CSLB?
You can check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board). Ask the builder for its license number and check it yourself before you agree to any work.
Compare ADU activity across LA County
Where LA County is building ADUs
ADU units permitted in 2025, city by city. Select a city to open its guide.
- 0–21
- 22–28
- 29–56
- 57–99
- 100+
- No report
- Unincorporated
Most ADU permits in 2025
- 1Los Angeles7,446
- 2Long Beach644
- 3Glendale371
- 4Burbank241
- 5Pasadena222
- 6Lancaster209
- 7South Gate154
- 8Inglewood147
- 9Downey146
- 10Santa Monica143
Planning an ADU? A local builder can price yours.
Get my free estimatePermits: California HCD, Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), Table A2, data as of ; 2025 counts can still rise. Boundaries: Los Angeles County, City and Unincorporated Boundaries (Legal) (mainland only (islands omitted). simplified to about 300 m.)
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Bathroom in an ADU 
Addition / ADU interior 
Addition / ADU interior 
Addition / ADU bathroom
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