ADU Electrical
Glendale · Burbank · Pasadena
Panel upgrades, sub-panels, new meters, full wiring, and permitted electrical for detached ADUs, garage conversions, and junior ADUs. Licensed C-10 electricians — direct with you or working with your builder.
An ADU isn't just an extra room.
The electrical is its own project.
Whether you're converting a garage, building a new detached unit, or creating a junior ADU inside your main house — the electrical scope is substantial.
- New or upgraded main panel — most existing panels don't have capacity for a full additional dwelling unit
- Sub-panel for the ADU — dedicated breakers for the new unit
- Dedicated meter (optional) — allows separate billing for tenants
- Full wiring — outlets, switches, lighting, HVAC, kitchen, bathroom to code
- EV-ready circuit — required for new ADUs under California's 2026 building code
- All-electric planning — solar + no-gas trends mean electric range, water heater, heat pump circuits
- Permits, inspections, and utility coordination — LADWP, Glendale Water & Power, or SCE
Most general contractors sub this out. We'd rather work with you (or your builder) directly.
End-to-end ADU electrical.
- Pre-construction planning. We review your ADU plans with your architect or builder and identify any electrical changes needed early, before costs escalate.
- Panel upgrade + sub-panel. Upgrade main service (usually to 200A or 400A), install ADU sub-panel.
- New meter installation. Coordinate with LADWP or your utility for a separate ADU meter when needed.
- Rough-in wiring. Full wiring of the ADU during framing.
- Trim-out. Outlets, switches, lighting, appliance connections, smart home prep.
- EV-ready infrastructure. At least one 240V circuit for Level 2 charging (now required).
- Solar-ready + battery-ready conduit. Future-proofing the system.
- Final inspection. We coordinate with the inspector, pass the trades, sign off.
What does ADU electrical cost?
Total ADU electrical project costs vary significantly with size, scope, and whether panel upgrades are required. Realistic ranges:
| Project Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Garage conversion ADU (existing panel sufficient) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Garage conversion + panel upgrade + sub-panel | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| New detached ADU (panel upgrade + full wiring + meter) | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| Junior ADU (inside existing home) | $3,000 – $8,000 |
LADWP utility upgrades for ADUs can add $5,000–$15,000 in some cases. We flag this early.
Your reliable electrical sub.
If you're a general contractor or ADU specialist building in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, or the San Fernando Valley, we'd like to be on your short list.
- Show up when we say we will
- Work clean and coordinate with other trades
- Pull our own permits and schedule our own inspections
- Carry $1M/$2M general liability and workers' comp — COIs on request
- Fixed-price bids based on plans, not shifting hourly rates
ADU electrical questions.
Do I need a separate meter for my ADU?
Can you handle the whole electrical scope, or just part?
What's the EV-ready requirement for new ADUs?
My ADU is in Glendale — any local issues?
Building an ADU? Let's talk electrical early.
We'll review your plans, flag anything that could affect your budget or timeline, and give you a fixed-price quote.