Your ADU, Designed and Priced Before We Build

ADU costs in the Bay Area range from $120,000 for a garage conversion to $500,000+ for a large detached unit. The biggest factors are size, type, and finishes. Our design phase gives you exact costs before you commit.

Yes. All ADUs require building permits. California state law (AB 68, SB 13) has streamlined the process, and many cities like San Jose offer pre-approved ADU plans. We handle the complete permitting process.

Yes. California law allows homeowners to rent ADUs. Many Bay Area homeowners use ADUs for rental income, helping offset mortgage costs. Check your local zoning for any restrictions.

Typical ADU projects take 6-12 months from design to move-in. Garage conversions are fastest (4-6 months), while detached units take 8-12 months including permits.

We are not an ADU startup. Custom Home has been a licensed general contractor in the Bay Area since 2005, with CSLB license #986048 and zero unresolved complaints. We have completed over 100 projects across the South Bay and Peninsula. We have the track record, the local presence, and the financial stability to finish what we start. You can verify our license and complaint history directly on the CSLB website.

We use a progress-based payment structure tied to construction milestones. California law limits initial deposits to $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. We follow this to the letter. You pay as work is completed and verified, not upfront. This protects your investment and keeps accountability where it belongs.

You can verify our license directly on the California Contractors State License Board website at cslb.ca.gov. Search for license number 986048. You will see our clean record, active status, and classification. We encourage every homeowner to verify any contractor's license before signing a contract.

Yes. We manage the complete permitting process from initial plans through final inspection and certificate of occupancy. ADU permitting varies by city, and we know the specific requirements for San Jose, Palo Alto, Los Gatos, Cupertino, and other Bay Area jurisdictions. You never have to visit a planning office or chase down an inspector.

A DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a standalone home built on the same lot as your primary residence. Unlike an attached ADU that shares a wall with your house, a DADU is a fully separate structure, such as a backyard bungalow, guest house, or converted outbuilding. DADUs can be up to 1,200 sqft under California law and include their own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. They typically command higher rental income than attached units due to the privacy and independence they offer.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is the broad category that covers all secondary units on a residential lot. A DADU (Detached ADU) is one specific type: a standalone, separate structure. Other ADU types include AADUs (Attached ADUs) that share a wall with your home, JADUs (Junior ADUs) built within existing space, and garage conversions. When people say ADU, they could mean any of these. DADU specifically means a fully detached, independent unit.

A JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small unit of no more than 500 square feet contained entirely within an existing single-family residence. JADUs are created by converting existing space, such as a spare bedroom or a section of the house, into an independent living area. They may include a separate bathroom or share sanitation facilities with the main home. JADUs are the most affordable ADU option because they use existing structure rather than requiring new construction.