Every project follows the same structured sequence — feasibility, design, permitting, construction, and handover. You will always know what phase you are in and what happens next.
Before any design work begins, we determine what your property can legally build. We pull zoning records, review setbacks, floor-area ratio, lot coverage, and utility constraints, then deliver a written feasibility report with realistic options and cost ranges.
This phase also confirms whether a detached, attached, or conversion approach makes the most sense given your lot size, existing structures, and desired use.
Our in-house design studio translates the feasibility findings into a fully buildable plan set. You will receive floor plans, elevations, roof plans, site plans, and specifications — and we revise them until you sign off, at no additional cost.
Structural engineering is completed in parallel by licensed California engineers and stamped for permit submission.
We submit the complete permit package to your city or county, respond to all plan-check comments in-house, and coordinate with utility companies for new electrical, gas, water, and sewer connections where required.
Permit fees are paid directly to the jurisdiction at their published rates — we do not add markup to permit costs.
Once the permit is issued, our licensed crew mobilizes. You receive a written construction schedule and weekly progress updates with photos. All inspections are scheduled and passed before the next phase of work begins.
Any changes to scope are documented in writing before they take place. There are no verbal change orders and no retroactive billing.
When the final inspection is approved, we walk the unit with you line by line. Anything on your punch list is corrected before we consider the project complete — no exceptions.
You receive warranty documentation, all permit closeout paperwork, appliance manuals, and keys. Your ADU is ready to rent, host, or occupy.
Total project duration depends on ADU type and jurisdiction. These are typical ranges across California.
The person who does your feasibility walk is the same person who hands you the keys. No department transfers, no re-explaining your project.
Your construction cost is locked in at contract signing. Any change order is written, priced, and approved before work proceeds.
Every Friday you receive a progress summary with photos, completed milestones, and the plan for the coming week.
Our framing, finish, and inspection crews are employed directly — we do not subcontract the core structure of your ADU.
Permit and utility fees are paid at the published jurisdiction rate. We pass them through at cost with receipts attached.
Our craftsmanship is warrantied for ten years on structure and one year on finishes. Warranty terms are delivered in writing at handover.
For a garage conversion, plan on 5 to 7 months total. For an attached ADU, 6 to 9 months. For a detached ADU, 9 to 14 months. Permit review times vary widely by jurisdiction and are the largest variable we do not control — we publish realistic expectations at the start rather than optimistic ones.
Yes, within reason. Minor finish changes — paint colors, fixture swaps, cabinet hardware — can usually be accommodated without schedule impact. Structural changes or layout shifts require revised drawings, a permit revision, and a written change order before work continues.
We handle all permitting, submissions, comments, and inspections. You only sign the authorization forms we send you. If a jurisdiction requires the property owner to attend a hearing, we prepare you with talking points and attend alongside you.
If our feasibility study shows an ADU is not possible — due to slope, setbacks, easements, or utility constraints — we tell you in writing during Phase One, before any design fees are incurred. The feasibility report is free and includes alternative options when available.
Payments are tied to completed milestones — contract signing, design approval, permit issuance, foundation completion, framing completion, and final walkthrough. There is no large upfront deposit and no payment for work not yet performed.
We do not lend money directly, but we work with several California lenders who specialize in ADU construction financing and can connect you with them. See our Financing page for options.
Phase One costs nothing and takes under two weeks. If your property can support an ADU, you will know exactly what is possible before spending a dollar on design or permitting.