ADUs

ADU Design & Construction in California

Accessory Dwelling Units designed, permitted, and built — start to finish.

Why it matters

What this service is really about.

An ADU is one of the most valuable additions you can make to a California property — extra rental income, multigenerational space, or a dedicated home office. But it's also a full small-house build: foundation, framing, MEP, finishes, utility connections, and city-by-city permitting that changes constantly.

We handle the whole path. Feasibility check against your lot, design that fits the property and the budget, permitting through your jurisdiction, and a clean construction process with one point of contact.

Common problems

What we typically see.

Designs drawn without checking setbacks, FAR, or local ADU rules
Garage conversions that miss insulation, egress, or ceiling height code
Utility upgrades (panel, sewer, water) discovered mid-build
Site access and staging issues on tight urban lots
Title 24 energy compliance underestimated in early budgets
Foundation surprises on hillside or expansive-soil lots

Options

ADU types we build

A plain-language breakdown of the choices. Final pricing is always site-specific and provided in writing after an inspection.

Detached new-build ADU

A standalone unit on the lot — most flexible in layout and the strongest long-term value. Typically 400–1,200 sq ft.

Lifespan: 50+ years

Pros

Maximum privacy for tenants and owners
Highest resale and rental value
Full design flexibility

Considerations

Highest cost of the three types
Longest timeline (8–14 months typical)

Attached ADU (addition)

A new unit added to the existing house with its own entrance, kitchen, and bath. Shares one wall with the main home.

Pros

Shares utilities — lower hookup cost
Smaller footprint impact on the yard

Considerations

More disruption to the main home during construction
Some shared-wall sound considerations

Garage conversion ADU

Converting an existing detached or attached garage into a legal dwelling unit. Often the fastest and most affordable path.

Pros

Lower cost — uses existing structure
Faster permitting in most CA cities
No new foundation in many cases

Considerations

Lose garage parking
Existing slab and framing may need upgrades

JADU (Junior ADU)

Up to 500 sq ft carved out of the existing home, with its own entrance and an efficiency kitchen. Streamlined permitting under California law.

Pros

Lowest cost ADU path
Fast approval in most jurisdictions

Considerations

Owner-occupancy requirement
Size capped at 500 sq ft

Prefab / modular ADU

Factory-built modules set on a site-built foundation. Faster on-site, with quality controlled in the factory.

Pros

Shorter on-site construction
Predictable cost

Considerations

Design constrained to manufacturer's catalog
Crane access required for set day

Materials & quality

What we install, and why.

We work with California-licensed structural engineers and Title 24 energy consultants on every ADU. Finishes scoped to match the main house or the rental market the unit is built for.

Where we work

Across California — coast to inland.

Los Angeles · Orange County · San Diego · Ventura · Santa Barbara · Inland Empire · Bay Area · Sacramento · Central Valley.

Recent work

Project photos.

Request an estimate

Thinking about adus? Start with an inspection.

Tell us what you're thinking about. We'll review your request and respond with clear next steps.

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