ADU Builder — Northern California
Licensed general contractor designing and building accessory dwelling units across the Northern California foothills - detached ADUs, attached ADUs, garage conversions, and JADUs in Loomis, Grass Valley, Lincoln, El Dorado Hills, Auburn, Granite Bay, and surrounding NorCal communities.
CSLB Licensed
#1103096
Free Estimate
No Obligation
5-Star Rated
Google & Yelp
Permit Handling
We do it all
Warranty
Craftsmanship
CA Law
2025/2026 Current
NorCal's Trusted ADU Contractor
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is one of the smartest investments a Northern California homeowner can make right now. Whether you’re building to generate rental income, house a family member, increase your property value, or simply add flexible living space to your lot – a well-built ADU delivers long-term returns that few other home improvements can match.
At Condor Builders, we handle the full ADU process from concept to certificate of occupancy – site assessment, design, engineering, permitting with your local jurisdiction (Placer County, El Dorado County, or Nevada County), construction, and final inspection. As a licensed general contractor (CSLB #1103096), we’re equipped to handle every trade in-house: foundation work, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, drywall, cabinetry, and finish work. No coordinating multiple subcontractors – one team manages your entire ADU build.
We stay current with California’s evolving ADU laws – including the most recent 2025/2026 state code updates – and we know the specific permit requirements, setback rules, and fee structures for Placer County, El Dorado County, and Nevada County. We also help our clients navigate available financing and grant programs, including the CalHFA $40,000 ADU Grant that many NorCal homeowners qualify for but don’t know about.
Types of ADUs We Build
Detached ADU
A fully separate structure built on the same lot as your primary residence - its own foundation, walls, roof, kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. The most flexible option for rental income or independent living. California law allows detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft on most single-family lots.
Attached ADU
An addition built onto your existing home that functions as an independent unit with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. More cost-effective than a detached build since it shares at least one wall with the primary structure.
Garage Conversion ADU
Converting an existing attached or detached garage into a fully permitted living space. One of the fastest and most cost-effective ADU types - the structure already exists, eliminating foundation and exterior framing costs. California law waives parking replacement requirements for most garage conversions.
Basement / Interior Conversion
Converting existing underutilized interior space - a basement, large bonus room, or over-garage space - into a permitted independent living unit. Similar benefits to a JADU but may allow larger square footage.
Junior ADU (JADU)
A unit of up to 500 sq ft created within the existing walls of your primary home - typically from a bedroom, basement, or bonus room. JADUs require an efficiency kitchen and separate entrance but can share a bathroom with the primary residence. The lowest-cost ADU option with the fastest permit timeline.
Two-Story ADU
For lots where ground-level footprint is limited, a two-story detached ADU maximizes living space without consuming yard space. Requires structural engineering - handled by our in-house team.
Why Northern California Homeowners Are Building ADUs Now
Rental Income
A 1-bedroom ADU in the Folsom, Roseville, or El Dorado Hills market can generate $1,500–$2,200/month in rental income — often covering the mortgage payment on the construction cost within a few years.
Family Flexibility
Aging parents, adult children, or guests
An ADU will give family members independent living space on the same property without the complications of shared living.
Property Value
A permitted ADU adds significant appraised value to your property. In the NorCal's foothills market, a well-built ADU typically adds $150,000-$300,000+ in assessed home value depending on size and type.
California ADU Laws Favor Homeowners
Recent California legislation has made ADUs easier and less expensive to build than at any point in history - streamlined permitting, reduced fees, banned unreasonable local restrictions, and a $40,000 state grant program through CalHFA.
Placer County Pre-Approved Plans
Placer County offers free pre-reviewed ADU building plans that reduce design costs and speed up the permit process - a significant advantage for homeowners in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Loomis, Auburn, and Granite Bay.
El Dorado County Pre-Reviewed Plans
El Dorado County also provides pre-reviewed ADU plans that have been approved by both Building and Planning departments - saving time and money for homeowners in El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, and surrounding communities.
How Our ADU Build Process Works?
Free Site Assessment & Feasibility
We visit your property, assess the lot for ADU feasibility - zoning, setbacks, utility access, septic vs. sewer, soil conditions - and discuss your goals, ADU type options, and realistic budget. Many homeowners are surprised to learn their lot qualifies for a larger ADU than they expected under current California law.
Design & Engineering
Our in-house architect and engineer develop full ADU plans - floor plan, elevations, structural drawings, Title 24 energy calculations, and all documents required for permit submission. We can work from Placer County or El Dorado County's pre-approved plan sets where applicable to reduce design costs and speed permitting.
Permit Submission
We prepare and submit the complete permit package to your local jurisdiction. In Placer County, a complete application is typically reviewed within 8 weeks. In El Dorado County, state law compresses review timelines for complete submittals - many applications are processed within 60 days. We manage all back-and-forth with the building department so you don't have to.
Financing Assistance
While permits are processing, we help you navigate financing options - including the CalHFA $40,000 ADU Grant (available to qualifying owner-occupants in Placer and El Dorado Counties), HELOCs, construction loans, and ADU-specific lending programs. We don't provide financial advice but we know which programs our NorCal clients have successfully used.
Construction
Your dedicated Condor project manager oversees the full build - foundation, framing, roofing, windows and doors, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, finish work, and all required phase inspections. We provide regular progress updates throughout construction.
Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy
We coordinate the final inspection with your local building department, obtain the certificate of occupancy, and back the completed ADU with a craftsmanship warranty. Your ADU is now a fully permitted, legal, habitable dwelling unit.
ADU Cost and Timeline in Northern California
How Much Does an ADU Cost in NorCal?
ADU construction costs in the Northern California Area vary significantly based on ADU type, size, site conditions, and finish level. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
What drives cost up:
Site challenges (steep slopes, poor soil, septic requirements), utility connection distances, high finish levels, two-story structures, and remote locations away from urban infrastructure.
What drives cost down:
Using county pre-approved plans, keeping ADU under 750 sq ft (eliminates most impact fees), converting existing structure vs. new construction, and proximity to existing utility connections.
Don’t forget soft costs: Design, engineering, Title 24 energy calculations, permits, and inspection fees typically add $15,000-$40,000 to the project total – these are real costs that some contractors quote separately (or don’t mention upfront). We include them in your estimate.
CalHFA Grant: Qualifying owner-occupants can receive up to $40,000 to cover pre-development costs including permits, design, and site prep. Ask us whether you may qualify during your free estimate.
How Long Does an ADU Take to Build in NorCal?
ADU timelines have improved significantly since California streamlined the permitting process. Here’s what to realistically expect:
Phase 1 – Design & Engineering (6–10 weeks)
Full ADU plans, structural engineering, Title 24 calculations, and permit package preparation. Using county pre-approved plans can compress this phase significantly.
Phase 2 – Permit Processing (6–12 weeks)
Placer County targets 8 weeks for complete applications. El Dorado County must act within 60 days under state law for complete submittals. Nevada County timelines vary – typically 8-14 weeks.
Phase 3 – Construction
- Junior ADU / Garage conversion: 2-4 months
- Attached ADU: 4-6 months
- Detached ADU: 5-9 months
Total realistic timeline:
- Garage conversion: 6-10 months start to certificate of occupancy
- Detached ADU: 10-18 months start to certificate of occupancy
We set a project-specific timeline at the start of every ADU build and communicate any changes proactively.
California ADU Laws & Grants
What NorCal Homeowners Need to Know
Current California ADU law allows:
- ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft on most single-family lots
- Setbacks of just 4 feet from side and rear property lines for detached ADUs
- No owner-occupancy requirement (as of recent legislation – verify current status with your jurisdiction)
- No replacement parking required for garage conversions in most cases
- Impact fees banned for ADUs under 750 sq ft
- Proportional (not full) fees for ADUs 750-1,200 sq ft
- One ADU plus one JADU per single-family lot
Note: California ADU codes were updated as of January 1, 2026. Placer County and other jurisdictions are currently implementing these changes. We stay current with all updates – ask us about how the latest rules affect your specific project.
CalHFA $40,000 ADU Grant:
The California Housing Finance Agency offers a grant of up to $40,000 to reimburse pre-development costs (permits, design, engineering, site prep) for qualifying owner-occupants. Income limits apply – in Placer County, household income generally must be below 80% of the Area Median Income (approximately $80,000-$90,000 for a household of two). Ask us about current availability and eligibility during your free estimate.
Placer County Free Pre-Approved Plans:
Placer County offers free pre-reviewed ADU building plans in 1, 2, and 3-bedroom configurations. Using these plans reduces your design costs and speeds up the permit review process significantly – a major advantage for homeowners in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Loomis, Auburn, and Granite Bay. Visit placer.ca.gov/accessoryhomes to preview available plans.
El Dorado County Pre-Reviewed Plans:
El Dorado County also provides pre-reviewed ADU plan sets approved by both Building and Planning – reducing permit costs and timelines for homeowners in El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, and surrounding communities.
Why NorCal Homeowners Choose Condor Builders for ADU Construction
Full-Service Licensed GC
CSLB #1103096. We handle every trade - foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and finish work - in-house.
No sub-contractor coordination on your end.
In-House Structural Engineering
ADUs require structural drawings and engineering stamps. Our in-house engineer handles this - faster and less expensive than outsourcing to a third-party firm.
Local Permit Expertise
Deep knowledge of Placer County, El Dorado County, and Nevada County permit processes, pre-approved plan programs, fee structures, and setback requirements. We've navigated these departments for our NorCal clients many times.
What Our Clients Say About Their Siding & Exterior Projects
-
Jacqueline Garol – Penn Valley, CA
We recently had the pleasure of working with Paz and his team for a complete exterior renovation, reconstruction and stabilization of structures. The project was big! His team was clean, courteous, communicative and professional. The work was completed with precision and there was no detail left unturned. The quality of craftsmanship was spectacular!
Services
Floor fitting, Home renovations, Deck construction, Roof repair, Exterior painting, Remodelling, Roof installation, Patio construction
We recently had the pleasure of working with Paz and his team for a complete exterior renovation, reconstruction and stabilization of structures. The project was big! His team was clean, courteous, communicative and professional. The work was completed with precision and there was no detail left unturned. The quality of craftsmanship was spectacular!
Services
Floor fitting, Home renovations, Deck construction, Roof repair, Exterior painting, Remodelling, Roof installation, Patio construction
-
Katherine Adams – CA
After a lot of research we hired Condor to address concerns inside and outside our home. The upstairs porch was draining down the front of our home and caused extensive internal framing damage. We also wanted a wall removed from the inside to open up our floor plan. Paz and Tal were extremely professional and they never once told is “no we can’t do that” (something other contractors said). I will let the before and after pictures speak for themselves. Will definitely hire them again when we need more work done!
Services
Floor fitting, Home renovations, Interior structural repairs, Service not listed
After a lot of research we hired Condor to address concerns inside and outside our home. The upstairs porch was draining down the front of our home and caused extensive internal framing damage. We also wanted a wall removed from the inside to open up our floor plan. Paz and Tal were extremely professional and they never once told is “no we can’t do that” (something other contractors said). I will let the before and after pictures speak for themselves. Will definitely hire them again when we need more work done!
Services
Floor fitting, Home renovations, Interior structural repairs, Service not listed
-
Jacqueline G. – Penn Valley, CA
I recently had the pleasure of working with Paz and his team. We had a complete exterior remodel from the roof, gutters, four decks, masonry, structural stabilization and rebuilding of our front entrance staircase. I have never experienced professionalism, communication, organization and sheer brilliance to this caliber. Their work was precise, clean and carefully crafted. Our home got topped off with a beautiful new paint job. It was a big job and they made it easy!
I recently had the pleasure of working with Paz and his team. We had a complete exterior remodel from the roof, gutters, four decks, masonry, structural stabilization and rebuilding of our front entrance staircase. I have never experienced professionalism, communication, organization and sheer brilliance to this caliber. Their work was precise, clean and carefully crafted. Our home got topped off with a beautiful new paint job. It was a big job and they made it easy!
-
Laura A. – Grass Valley, CA
My husband and I purchased an older home that had undergone some recent updates, but we had a larger vision for the space. Our primary goals were new flooring throughout the home and a complete kitchen remodel.
Since we were new to the area, I began researching contractors in the Sacramento region. I also received a recommendation from a friend for a local contractor, so we ultimately obtained estimates from both Condor and a smaller local company.
When Tal Pinto arrived for our initial consultation, we walked through the house and discussed our ideas. I had a very specific vision for the kitchen, including painting all of the existing cabinetry. Rather than simply agreeing to the project, Tal took the time to evaluate the cabinets and explained that they were already extremely high quality. He told me that if they were his cabinets, he would leave them exactly as they were. That level of honesty immediately stood out to me. Instead of trying to sell us on unnecessary work, he provided thoughtful, professional advice that was genuinely in our best interest. From that moment on, I had a great feeling about Condor.
When we received our estimate, it was one of the most detailed and organized proposals I had ever seen. Every aspect of the project was clearly outlined, including labor, scope of work, and material allowances. There were no surprises and no confusion–just a transparent and professional plan.
Once we signed the contract, the process moved forward seamlessly. Tal provided recommendations for flooring and paint suppliers, but when we ultimately found a flooring company we preferred, he had no problem working with them. His flexibility and willingness to accommodate our preferences made the process even easier.
At the time of the renovation, my husband and I were still living in Southern California, which meant we could not be on-site during construction. This could have been stressful, but Condor made it incredibly easy. Tal provided regular updates, photos, and progress reports throughout the project. When Paz stepped in to oversee the job while Tal was out of town, the communication never skipped a beat. We always knew exactly what was happening and where the project stood.
As with many remodels, we encountered a few unexpected issues along the way, including cracked ceilings and a significant water leak in the master bathroom. Rather than becoming obstacles, these issues were addressed quickly and professionally. The team was proactive, solution-oriented, and committed to keeping the project moving forward.
The quality of the finished work exceeded our expectations. Every detail was completed with care and craftsmanship, and the transformation of our home has been incredible. The kitchen is now my favorite room in the house, and the before-and-after photos speak for themselves.
What truly sets Condor apart is the combination of exceptional workmanship, outstanding communication, organization, and integrity. Throughout the entire process, we felt informed, respected, and confident that our home was in good hands.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Condor to anyone considering a remodel or renovation project. Finding a contractor you can trust is invaluable, and our experience with Condor was outstanding from start to finish.My husband and I purchased an older home that had undergone some recent updates, but we had a larger vision for the space. Our primary goals were new flooring throughout the home and a complete kitchen remodel.
Since we were new to the area, I began researching contractors in the Sacramento region. I also received a recommendation from a friend for a local contractor, so we ultimately obtained estimates from both Condor and a smaller local company.
When Tal Pinto arrived for our initial consultation, we walked through the house and discussed our ideas. I had a very specific vision for the kitchen, including painting all of the existing cabinetry. Rather than simply agreeing to the project, Tal took the time to evaluate the cabinets and explained that they were already extremely high quality. He told me that if they were his cabinets, he would leave them exactly as they were. That level of honesty immediately stood out to me. Instead of trying to sell us on unnecessary work, he provided thoughtful, professional advice that was genuinely in our best interest. From that moment on, I had a great feeling about Condor.
When we received our estimate, it was one of the most detailed and organized proposals I had ever seen. Every aspect of the project was clearly outlined, including labor, scope of work, and material allowances. There were no surprises and no confusion–just a transparent and professional plan.
Once we signed the contract, the process moved forward seamlessly. Tal provided recommendations for flooring and paint suppliers, but when we ultimately found a flooring company we preferred, he had no problem working with them. His flexibility and willingness to accommodate our preferences made the process even easier.
At the time of the renovation, my husband and I were still living in Southern California, which meant we could not be on-site during construction. This could have been stressful, but Condor made it incredibly easy. Tal provided regular updates, photos, and progress reports throughout the project. When Paz stepped in to oversee the job while Tal was out of town, the communication never skipped a beat. We always knew exactly what was happening and where the project stood.
As with many remodels, we encountered a few unexpected issues along the way, including cracked ceilings and a significant water leak in the master bathroom. Rather than becoming obstacles, these issues were addressed quickly and professionally. The team was proactive, solution-oriented, and committed to keeping the project moving forward.
The quality of the finished work exceeded our expectations. Every detail was completed with care and craftsmanship, and the transformation of our home has been incredible. The kitchen is now my favorite room in the house, and the before-and-after photos speak for themselves.
What truly sets Condor apart is the combination of exceptional workmanship, outstanding communication, organization, and integrity. Throughout the entire process, we felt informed, respected, and confident that our home was in good hands.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Condor to anyone considering a remodel or renovation project. Finding a contractor you can trust is invaluable, and our experience with Condor was outstanding from start to finish.
CA Law Current
We stay current with California's evolving ADU legislation - including the January 2026 code updates - so your project is designed and permitted correctly from day one.
Grant Navigation
We help clients understand and apply for the CalHFA $40,000 ADU Grant and other available financing programs - money many homeowners leave on the table because they don't know it exists.
Transparent All-In Estimates
Our estimates include soft costs -design, engineering, permits - not just construction. No surprise bills for costs that should have been quoted upfront.
What Our Clients Say About Their Siding & Exterior Projects
-
Jacqueline Garol – Penn Valley, CA
We recently had the pleasure of working with Paz and his team for a complete exterior renovation, reconstruction and stabilization of structures. The project was big! His team was clean, courteous, communicative and professional. The work was completed with precision and there was no detail left unturned. The quality of craftsmanship was spectacular!
Services
Floor fitting, Home renovations, Deck construction, Roof repair, Exterior painting, Remodelling, Roof installation, Patio construction
We recently had the pleasure of working with Paz and his team for a complete exterior renovation, reconstruction and stabilization of structures. The project was big! His team was clean, courteous, communicative and professional. The work was completed with precision and there was no detail left unturned. The quality of craftsmanship was spectacular!
Services
Floor fitting, Home renovations, Deck construction, Roof repair, Exterior painting, Remodelling, Roof installation, Patio construction
-
Katherine Adams – CA
After a lot of research we hired Condor to address concerns inside and outside our home. The upstairs porch was draining down the front of our home and caused extensive internal framing damage. We also wanted a wall removed from the inside to open up our floor plan. Paz and Tal were extremely professional and they never once told is “no we can’t do that” (something other contractors said). I will let the before and after pictures speak for themselves. Will definitely hire them again when we need more work done!
Services
Floor fitting, Home renovations, Interior structural repairs, Service not listed
After a lot of research we hired Condor to address concerns inside and outside our home. The upstairs porch was draining down the front of our home and caused extensive internal framing damage. We also wanted a wall removed from the inside to open up our floor plan. Paz and Tal were extremely professional and they never once told is “no we can’t do that” (something other contractors said). I will let the before and after pictures speak for themselves. Will definitely hire them again when we need more work done!
Services
Floor fitting, Home renovations, Interior structural repairs, Service not listed
-
Jacqueline G. – Penn Valley, CA
I recently had the pleasure of working with Paz and his team. We had a complete exterior remodel from the roof, gutters, four decks, masonry, structural stabilization and rebuilding of our front entrance staircase. I have never experienced professionalism, communication, organization and sheer brilliance to this caliber. Their work was precise, clean and carefully crafted. Our home got topped off with a beautiful new paint job. It was a big job and they made it easy!
I recently had the pleasure of working with Paz and his team. We had a complete exterior remodel from the roof, gutters, four decks, masonry, structural stabilization and rebuilding of our front entrance staircase. I have never experienced professionalism, communication, organization and sheer brilliance to this caliber. Their work was precise, clean and carefully crafted. Our home got topped off with a beautiful new paint job. It was a big job and they made it easy!
-
Laura A. – Grass Valley, CA
My husband and I purchased an older home that had undergone some recent updates, but we had a larger vision for the space. Our primary goals were new flooring throughout the home and a complete kitchen remodel.
Since we were new to the area, I began researching contractors in the Sacramento region. I also received a recommendation from a friend for a local contractor, so we ultimately obtained estimates from both Condor and a smaller local company.
When Tal Pinto arrived for our initial consultation, we walked through the house and discussed our ideas. I had a very specific vision for the kitchen, including painting all of the existing cabinetry. Rather than simply agreeing to the project, Tal took the time to evaluate the cabinets and explained that they were already extremely high quality. He told me that if they were his cabinets, he would leave them exactly as they were. That level of honesty immediately stood out to me. Instead of trying to sell us on unnecessary work, he provided thoughtful, professional advice that was genuinely in our best interest. From that moment on, I had a great feeling about Condor.
When we received our estimate, it was one of the most detailed and organized proposals I had ever seen. Every aspect of the project was clearly outlined, including labor, scope of work, and material allowances. There were no surprises and no confusion–just a transparent and professional plan.
Once we signed the contract, the process moved forward seamlessly. Tal provided recommendations for flooring and paint suppliers, but when we ultimately found a flooring company we preferred, he had no problem working with them. His flexibility and willingness to accommodate our preferences made the process even easier.
At the time of the renovation, my husband and I were still living in Southern California, which meant we could not be on-site during construction. This could have been stressful, but Condor made it incredibly easy. Tal provided regular updates, photos, and progress reports throughout the project. When Paz stepped in to oversee the job while Tal was out of town, the communication never skipped a beat. We always knew exactly what was happening and where the project stood.
As with many remodels, we encountered a few unexpected issues along the way, including cracked ceilings and a significant water leak in the master bathroom. Rather than becoming obstacles, these issues were addressed quickly and professionally. The team was proactive, solution-oriented, and committed to keeping the project moving forward.
The quality of the finished work exceeded our expectations. Every detail was completed with care and craftsmanship, and the transformation of our home has been incredible. The kitchen is now my favorite room in the house, and the before-and-after photos speak for themselves.
What truly sets Condor apart is the combination of exceptional workmanship, outstanding communication, organization, and integrity. Throughout the entire process, we felt informed, respected, and confident that our home was in good hands.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Condor to anyone considering a remodel or renovation project. Finding a contractor you can trust is invaluable, and our experience with Condor was outstanding from start to finish.My husband and I purchased an older home that had undergone some recent updates, but we had a larger vision for the space. Our primary goals were new flooring throughout the home and a complete kitchen remodel.
Since we were new to the area, I began researching contractors in the Sacramento region. I also received a recommendation from a friend for a local contractor, so we ultimately obtained estimates from both Condor and a smaller local company.
When Tal Pinto arrived for our initial consultation, we walked through the house and discussed our ideas. I had a very specific vision for the kitchen, including painting all of the existing cabinetry. Rather than simply agreeing to the project, Tal took the time to evaluate the cabinets and explained that they were already extremely high quality. He told me that if they were his cabinets, he would leave them exactly as they were. That level of honesty immediately stood out to me. Instead of trying to sell us on unnecessary work, he provided thoughtful, professional advice that was genuinely in our best interest. From that moment on, I had a great feeling about Condor.
When we received our estimate, it was one of the most detailed and organized proposals I had ever seen. Every aspect of the project was clearly outlined, including labor, scope of work, and material allowances. There were no surprises and no confusion–just a transparent and professional plan.
Once we signed the contract, the process moved forward seamlessly. Tal provided recommendations for flooring and paint suppliers, but when we ultimately found a flooring company we preferred, he had no problem working with them. His flexibility and willingness to accommodate our preferences made the process even easier.
At the time of the renovation, my husband and I were still living in Southern California, which meant we could not be on-site during construction. This could have been stressful, but Condor made it incredibly easy. Tal provided regular updates, photos, and progress reports throughout the project. When Paz stepped in to oversee the job while Tal was out of town, the communication never skipped a beat. We always knew exactly what was happening and where the project stood.
As with many remodels, we encountered a few unexpected issues along the way, including cracked ceilings and a significant water leak in the master bathroom. Rather than becoming obstacles, these issues were addressed quickly and professionally. The team was proactive, solution-oriented, and committed to keeping the project moving forward.
The quality of the finished work exceeded our expectations. Every detail was completed with care and craftsmanship, and the transformation of our home has been incredible. The kitchen is now my favorite room in the house, and the before-and-after photos speak for themselves.
What truly sets Condor apart is the combination of exceptional workmanship, outstanding communication, organization, and integrity. Throughout the entire process, we felt informed, respected, and confident that our home was in good hands.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Condor to anyone considering a remodel or renovation project. Finding a contractor you can trust is invaluable, and our experience with Condor was outstanding from start to finish.
Serving Greater NorCal Area
ADU Builder - Loomis, CA
ADU Builder - Lincoln, CA
ADU Builder - Rocklin, CA
ADU Builder - Granite Bay, CA
ADU Builder - Auburn, CA
ADU Builder - Folsom, CA
ADU Builder - Grass Valley, CA
ADU Questions - Answered
What is an ADU and is it legal in California?
How much does an ADU cost in Northern California?
ADU costs in the Sacramento foothills range from $40,000-$90,000 for a Junior ADU or interior conversion, $80,000-$150,000 for a garage conversion, and $180,000-$400,000+ for a detached ADU depending on size and site conditions. Soft costs (design, engineering, permits) add $15,000-$40,000 to these figures. The CalHFA $40,000 grant can offset pre-development costs for qualifying homeowners.
How long does it take to build an ADU in NorCal?
A garage conversion ADU typically takes 6–10 months from start to certificate of occupancy. A detached ADU runs 10–18 months. The biggest variable is permit processing — Placer County targets 8 weeks for complete applications; El Dorado County must act within 60 days under state law. Using county pre-approved plan sets can significantly compress the design and permitting phases.
What is the difference between a JADU and an ADU?
A JADU (Junior ADU) is a unit of up to 500 sq ft created within the existing walls of your primary home. It requires an efficiency kitchen and separate entrance, but can share a bathroom with the primary home. A standard ADU has no size limit under 1,200 sq ft, must have its own full kitchen and bathroom, and can be detached or attached. JADUs are faster and less expensive to permit and build – the right choice when you have underutilized interior space and want the lowest-cost ADU option.
Do I need to replace my parking if I convert my garage to an ADU?
In most cases, no. California law waives the parking replacement requirement for garage conversions in most situations. Some jurisdictions may apply exceptions – we confirm the specific rules for your parcel and city during the free site assessment.
What is the CalHFA $40,000 ADU Grant?
The California Housing Finance Agency offers a grant of up to $40,000 to reimburse pre-development ADU costs – including permits, design, engineering, and site prep – for qualifying owner-occupants. Income limits apply (generally below 80% of Area Median Income for your county). Funding availability varies – ask us about current status during your free estimate consultation.
Can I sell my ADU separately from my main house?
Thanks to Assembly Bill 1033, Placer County homeowners may be able to sell a fully permitted ADU as a separate condominium. This involves subdividing the property and requires county approval. In high-demand areas, a 1,200 sq ft ADU could be valued at $200,000-$400,000 as a separate unit. This is an evolving area of California law – consult a real estate attorney for current guidance specific to your situation.
What areas do you serve for ADU construction?
We serve Loomis, Grass Valley, Lincoln, El Dorado Hills, Auburn, Granite Bay, Rocklin, Folsom, Roseville, Nevada City, and surrounding Norther California foothills communities. Call (916) 755-2200 to confirm coverage for your specific location.
Ready to Protect and Transform Your Home’s Exterior?
Get a free site assessment and feasibility consultation. We’ll visit your property, assess your lot for ADU options, explain the current Placer and El Dorado County rules, and give you a realistic picture of cost, timeline, and financing — before you commit to anything.
ACSLB Licensed #1103096 · Fully Insured · Serving NorCal Area
Fully licensed & insured contractors – We deliver clear, all‑inclusive project estimates, handle permits, and ensure timelines with expert craftsmanship.
Serving Roseville, Folsom, Granite Bay, El Dorado Hills, Auburn, and surrounding areas.
