We Build ADUs in Sacramento, CA. Start to Finish
An ADU is an extra living space built on your property. It can be a small backyard home, an in-law suite, or a converted garage. People build ADUs to earn rental income, house family members, or add value to their property.
At ADU Contractors Sacramento, we handle every step for you. We take care of the design, permits, and construction. This means you get a brand-new living space without the stress of managing multiple contractors. We work with homeowners all across Sacramento, from Curtis Park to Arden-Arcade.
- Fully Licensed and Insured in Sacramento County
- GAF Certified Installer Quality
- Local Family Business You Can Trust
Choose the Right ADU for Your Home
There are several types of ADUs. Each one works best for a different property and a different goal. Here is a simple breakdown of each option:
Detached ADUs
A detached ADU is a completely separate home built in your backyard. It has its own entrance, kitchen, and utilities. This type of ADU is great for renting out to earn extra income, or for a parent or adult child who wants their own space. Next, to make sure the structure is solid, we drive helical steel foundation piers deep into the ground using a pneumatic helical pier driver. This anchoring method keeps the foundation stable and meets California Residential Code Section R403.1, which sets the standards for foundation depth and footing strength.
Attached ADUs
An attached ADU shares a wall with your main house. It still has its own separate entrance and living area. Also, it works well when you want to keep a family member close, like aging parents, while still giving them their own private space. To connect the new addition safely to your existing home, we install strong epoxy-grouted threaded anchor rods. We then test each anchor using a hydraulic anchor-bolt tension tester to make sure the connection is secure and meets California Building Code Section 1617A.1.18, which covers seismic shear-wall attachment requirements.
Garage Conversions
Do you have a garage you barely use? We can turn it into a fully permitted living space. This option saves money because we reuse your existing foundation and walls. Also, converting a garage is a smart choice in historic neighborhoods where adding a new structure might be harder to approve. Before we build the floor, we measure moisture levels in the concrete slab using a concrete relative humidity RH sensor probe. Next, we lay a vapor-barrier dimple drainage membrane over the slab to block moisture from rising up. This satisfies California Residential Code Section R318.1, which requires moisture control under ground-level floors.
Junior ADUs (JADUs)
A Junior ADU, or JADU, is a small living unit built inside your existing home. It can be up to 500 square feet. It needs its own small kitchen but can share a bathroom with the main house. This means that a JADU is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to add a rental unit or caregiver suite. To make the space safe, we install 5/8-inch Type X fire-rated gypsum drywall on the walls between the JADU and the main home. We also use a digital manometer differential pressure gauge to test that air pressure is balanced correctly between the two units. This keeps the build in line with California Residential Code Section R302.3, which sets fire-resistance standards for shared walls.
ADU Design-Build Service
Our design-build service means you work with one team from the very first meeting to the day you get the keys. We handle design, engineering, permits, and construction. You do not need to hire a separate architect or find your own contractors. Before we break ground, we map your property using a dual-frequency RTK GPS receiver to get exact measurements. For open-layout designs, we use a structural steel moment frame to support wide-open spaces without columns. This setup ensures your plans pass review under Sacramento County Zoning Code Section 3.5.2, which sets the rules for ADU height and setback distances.
We Know Your Sacramento Neighborhood
Every Sacramento neighborhood is different. Some have older historic homes. Others have large lots or strict HOA rules. We know what each area requires, and we build ADUs that fit right in.
East Sacramento & Curtis Park
These are historic neighborhoods. Your ADU needs to match the look of the surrounding Craftsman and Bungalow-style homes. We design the roof pitch, window style, and exterior finish to match, so your project sails through the historic preservation review.
East Sacramento & Curtis Park
These are historic neighborhoods. Your ADU needs to match the look of the surrounding Craftsman and Bungalow-style homes. We design the roof pitch, window style, and exterior finish to match, so your project sails through the historic preservation review.
East Sacramento & Curtis Park
These are historic neighborhoods. Your ADU needs to match the look of the surrounding Craftsman and Bungalow-style homes. We design the roof pitch, window style, and exterior finish to match, so your project sails through the historic preservation review.
East Sacramento & Curtis Park
These are historic neighborhoods. Your ADU needs to match the look of the surrounding Craftsman and Bungalow-style homes. We design the roof pitch, window style, and exterior finish to match, so your project sails through the historic preservation review.
How We Build Your ADU: Step by Step
Building an ADU does not have to be confusing. Here is exactly how our process works:
STEP 01
Free On-Site Audit
First, we visit your property. We check setbacks, utility lines, lot size, and zoning rules.
STEP 02
Custom Design
Next, our design team creates floor plans and exterior drawings based on your goals and budget.
STEP 03
Permits & City Approvals
We then submit all plans to the Sacramento Community Development Department and handle any questions or revisions.
STEP 04
Construction
After permits are approved, our crew begins building. We handle site prep, framing, plumbing, electrical, and interior finishes.
STEP 05
Key Handover
Finally, we coordinate the city’s final inspection and deliver your fully permitted, move-in-ready ADU.
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Ready to Build Your ADU in Sacramento?
Building an ADU is one of the smartest moves a Sacramento homeowner can make. It adds living space, creates rental income, and increases your property value. The process does not have to be stressful. We handle everything from design and permits to construction and final inspection.
Our team knows Sacramento’s zoning rules, neighborhood guidelines, and utility systems inside and out. This means fewer delays, fewer surprises, and a smoother build from day one.
Common Questions About ADUs in Sacramento
How long does the permit process take?
Most permits take 4 to 8 weeks. If your home is in a historic district or needs a special zoning exception, it can take up to 12 weeks. We manage the entire permit process, so you do not have to worry about delays.
Can my HOA stop me from building an ADU?
No. California Civil Code Section 4751 protects your right to build an ADU or JADU on a single-family lot. Your HOA can ask for design changes to match the neighborhood’s look, but they cannot block the project entirely.
Do I need solar panels on my new ADU?
If you are building a brand-new detached ADU, California’s Title 24 Energy Code requires solar panels. However, if your roof is heavily shaded, there is an exemption. Attached ADUs and garage conversions are not required to have solar.
What is the difference between an ADU and a JADU?
An ADU is a full, independent living unit. It can be detached or attached, up to 1,200 square feet, with its own bathroom and kitchen. A JADU is smaller, up to 500 square feet, and must be built inside your existing home. A JADU can share a bathroom with the main house, but either you or a tenant must live on the property.
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Sacramento?
The cost depends on the type of ADU and the size. A garage conversion usually starts around $80,000 to $150,000. A new detached ADU can range from $150,000 to $350,000 or more. Also, the cost of permits, utility hookups, and design work is included in our quotes. We give you a clear, itemized estimate before any work begins.
Can I rent out my ADU in Sacramento?
Yes. You can rent your ADU to a long-term tenant or list it as a short-term rental. However, short-term rentals like Airbnb may require a City of Sacramento Short-Term Rental Permit. Also, if you have a JADU, California law requires that either you or your tenant lives on the same property. We walk you through all the rules before you sign any lease.
Do I need to live on the property to build an ADU?
For most ADU types, no. You do not need to live on the property to build a standard detached or attached ADU. That said, JADU rules are stricter. If you build a JADU, California law requires that the owner lives in either the JADU or the main home. We will help you figure out which ADU type fits your situation.
How many ADUs can I build on one lot in Sacramento?
On a single-family lot, you can generally build one ADU and one JADU at the same time. This means you could have your main home, a detached backyard ADU, and a small JADU inside the main house, all on one property. Next, multi-family properties have different rules. Those lots may allow up to two detached ADUs. We will review your specific property before recommending a plan.
Will an ADU increase my property taxes?
Yes, but only on the value of the new ADU, not on your entire property. The City of Sacramento will reassess just the new structure added to your lot. This is called a partial reassessment. This means your existing home’s tax base stays the same. The added tax is usually small compared to the rental income the ADU can generate.
How do I connect my ADU to the water and sewer in Sacramento?
Most ADUs connect to the same water and sewer lines that serve your main home. However, your existing pipes may need to be checked and upgraded first. We work directly with the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities and Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) to handle all inspections and tie-ins. We take care of all the paperwork and coordination for you.
What is the minimum lot size needed to build an ADU in Sacramento?
There is no minimum lot size required under California state law. This means that even smaller lots can qualify to have an ADU. However, your lot must still meet setback requirements. For example, the ADU must stay at least 4 feet from your side and rear property lines. We do a free lot analysis at your property to confirm exactly what fits.
Can I build an ADU if my home is in a flood zone in Sacramento?
Yes, but extra steps are required. Sacramento has areas in FEMA-designated flood zones, especially near the American River and Natomas basin. If your property is in one of these zones, your ADU must be elevated above the base flood elevation level. Also, you may need a special flood development permit from the City of Sacramento. We are familiar with these requirements and will guide you through the process from start to finish.