Everything you need to know before, during, and after your ADU build — straight from 30 years of experience on the Central Coast.
An ADU is one of the most valuable investments you can make on the Central Coast. It adds rental income, housing for family, and significant property value. It's also one of the most complex projects a homeowner can take on. We've walked hundreds of clients through this process. This guide tells you exactly what happens at every stage — what we do, what you'll decide, what to watch out for, and how to save time and money along the way.
Before a single drawing is made, we visit your property and determine exactly what's possible — and what isn't.
We measure your lot, review your parcel map, check setback requirements, confirm utility capacity (water, sewer, electrical), assess soil conditions, and evaluate access. We look at how your city's ADU ordinance applies to your specific property. Some lots allow 1,200 sq ft units. Others are limited to 500 sq ft by zoning overlays.
Good design decisions here save weeks of delays and thousands of dollars in construction. This is where your ADU takes shape.
Our design team creates fully engineered architectural plans tailored to your lot and your city's requirements. We offer pre-approved floor plan templates under 750 sq ft that can dramatically speed up permit approvals — in some cities from 4 months down to 4–6 weeks. For larger or custom ADUs, we work through a full design process including structural engineering, Title 24 energy calculations, and stormwater compliance.
This is the stage that most ADU projects stall at. We've navigated every city on the Central Coast — here's what to expect.
We handle the complete permit application — architectural plans, structural engineering package, Title 24 energy compliance report, stormwater management plan, and all city-specific submittal forms. We respond to plan check corrections, attend planning department meetings when needed, and track your permit through the review process. You don't call the city — we do.
Permits are in hand. Now things move fast. This is the most visible phase of construction — your ADU goes from a flat lot to a framed structure.
We mobilize equipment, prep the site, and pour the foundation — type depends on your soil report (slab-on-grade is most common for ADUs, though some sites require a raised foundation). Once the foundation cures (typically 7–10 days), framing begins. A typical ADU is framed in 2–3 weeks. We schedule the framing inspection before any sheathing goes on so the city can verify all structural members.
The walls are open. This is your last chance to change anything without tearing drywall. The rough-in phase is where your ADU's systems are built — and where hidden costs love to appear.
Licensed subcontractors install all rough plumbing (water supply, drain lines, vent stacks), electrical (panel, circuits, outlets, lighting rough-in), and HVAC ductwork or mini-split line sets. Each trade is inspected by the city before walls are closed. We coordinate all three trades to avoid conflicts in the walls and ceilings, which is where inexperienced contractors create expensive problems.
The finish phase is where your ADU transforms from a construction site into a home. It's also where attention to detail matters most — and where many contractors rush.
We install insulation, hang and finish drywall, apply paint, install flooring, set cabinets and countertops, install all plumbing fixtures and trim, hang light fixtures, install doors and hardware, and complete all exterior work including paint, trim, and landscaping restoration. Final inspections are scheduled and we walk every punch-list item with you personally before we consider the project complete. We also walk you through your new unit — showing you shut-off valves, breaker panel, HVAC operation, appliances, and any maintenance items to know about.
Ready to take the next step? Get a free estimate and talk directly with the owner — no sales team, no runaround.
Get My Free EstimateStraight answers to the questions we hear most.
Yes — once you have your certificate of occupancy you can rent immediately. There is no additional waiting period on the Central Coast.
California eliminated owner-occupancy requirements in 2020. You can build and rent an ADU even if you don't live on site.
Absolutely. We step in at any stage — whether you have approved plans, a foundation poured, or a project stalled mid-build. We assess what's been done, identify any issues, and give you a clear path to completion.
A JADU (Junior ADU) is under 500 sq ft and created within the existing footprint of your home — typically a converted bedroom or garage area. It requires less permitting but has more restrictions. A standard ADU can be detached and larger.
On the Central Coast, a well-finished 1BR ADU typically rents for $1,800–$2,800/month depending on location and finishes. A 2BR can command $2,500–$3,500. We're happy to share current rental comps for your neighborhood.
Yes, but only on the value of the new construction — not your existing home. Your base assessment is not reassessed. Typical increase is $150–$400/year depending on the ADU's finished value.
For most ADUs, neighbor objections cannot legally block construction — California state law preempts local opposition for projects that comply with state ADU law. We've helped clients navigate this many times.
Common options include cash-out refinance, HELOC, construction loan, and the state's CalHFA ADU grant program (up to $40,000 for eligible homeowners). Visit our Financing page for details.
Call Richie directly for honest advice — no sales pressure, just straight answers about your specific property.