- (669) 609-0069
- truebuildersca@gmail.com
- Lic # 1110631
Service · ADU BUILDER
Build a Backyard ADU in San Jose & the Bay Area.
Detached, attached and garage-conversion ADUs designed, permitted and built under one contract — so you can add rental income or room for family without juggling three separate companies.
What's Included
Everything Your ADU Needs, Under One Contract.
From the first site visit to the final inspection sign-off, one team owns the schedule, the budget and the result.
Feasibility & Site Review
We check lot size, setbacks, utility locations, easements, trees and slope before design starts, so the ADU you plan is one the city will approve.
Architectural Design & Engineering
Floor plans, elevations, structural and Title 24 energy calculations prepared for your lot, with layouts suited to renters, aging parents or adult kids.
Permits & City Approvals
We prepare and submit the full permit set and answer every plan-check comment. State law requires cities to act on a complete ADU application within 60 days.
Utilities & Site Work
Sewer and water laterals, electrical service upgrades, trenching, grading and foundations — the hidden work that most often breaks an ADU budget.
Construction & Inspections
Framing through finishes by our licensed crews, with every city inspection scheduled and passed before the next phase begins.
Rental-Ready Finishes
Full kitchen, bathroom, laundry hookups, heat-pump heating and cooling, and durable finishes chosen to hold up to years of tenants or family use.
INVESTMENT LEVELS
ADU Cost in San Jose & the Bay Area.
Typical 2026 all-in ranges including design, permits, utilities and construction. Your fixed price follows a site visit.
Conversion ADU
$150K–$250K
Garage or attached space, 250–600 sq ft
- Converts an existing garage or room
- No replacement parking required
- Kitchen, bathroom & separate entry
- Lower permit and impact costs
- 4–7 month timeline
Detached 1-Bedroom
$275K–$400K
New build, 450–750 sq ft
- New foundation & framing
- One bedroom, full kitchen & bath
- Utility trenching & connections
- No impact fees under 750 sq ft
- 6–9 month timeline
Detached 2-Bedroom
$400K–$600K+
New build, 750–1,200 sq ft
- Two bedrooms, one or two baths
- Single- or two-story designs
- Premium finishes & large windows
- Strongest rental income
- 7–10 month timeline
Recent ADU Projects
A Look at What We Build.
HOW IT WORKS
Your ADU, Step by Step.
Most detached ADUs take about 6–9 months from first plans to move-in. Here’s how the time breaks down.
- Free site visit & feasibilityWe review your lot, setbacks, utilities, trees and access, and confirm what size and type of ADU your property supports.
- Design & engineeringFloor plans, elevations, structural calculations and Title 24 energy reports, with a budget tracked as the design develops.
- Permits & plan checkWe submit to the city and answer plan-check comments. Plans and permits typically take 8–14 weeks.
- ConstructionFoundation, framing, utilities, systems and finishes. Construction of a detached ADU usually takes 16–22 weeks.
- Final inspection & move-inWe pass the final inspection, close out the permit and walk you through your finished ADU.
What Affects ADU Cost
- Size and number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Distance to sewer, water and electrical service, and any panel upgrade
- Site conditions such as slope, soil, trees and construction access
- Detached new build versus attached ADU or conversion
- Finish level, windows and appliance package
Where We Build
San JoseSanta ClaraSunnyvaleCupertinoPalo AltoMountain ViewLos AltosLos GatosSaratogaCampbellMilpitasFremontNewarkMenlo ParkAthertonEast Palo AltoRedwood CitySan CarlosSan MateoBurlingameMorgan Hill
Related Services
ADU FAQS
The Questions We Hear Most.
Most Bay Area ADUs we price in 2026 fall between about $150,000 for a garage conversion and $400,000–$600,000 for a two-bedroom detached unit. The biggest swing factors are size, how far utilities must be trenched, the sewer connection, foundation type and finish level. We give a fixed price after a site visit.
Plans and permits typically take 8–14 weeks, and construction of a detached ADU usually takes 16–22 weeks once permits are issued, so most detached ADUs are finished in about 6–9 months. Garage conversions are usually 4–7 months end to end.
Under state ADU law, cities must allow detached ADUs of at least 850 sq ft for one bedroom or 1,000 sq ft for two or more, and most Bay Area cities allow up to 1,200 sq ft. Side and rear setbacks can't be more than 4 feet, and converting an existing structure such as a garage needs no added setback. Detached ADUs can be at least 16 feet tall, more in some locations.
No. California no longer lets cities require owner-occupancy for ADUs, so you can rent both the main house and the ADU. A Junior ADU (JADU) is different: the owner must live in either the main home or the JADU.
Only the value added by the new ADU is assessed; your existing home keeps its current assessed value under Proposition 13. For most owners, rental income covers the added tax many times over.
Yes. ADUs can be rented long-term. State law allows cities to prohibit rentals shorter than 30 days, and most Bay Area cities do, so plan on monthly tenants rather than short-term vacation rentals.
A garage conversion usually costs less and moves faster because the structure already exists, but you give up storage or parking. A detached ADU costs more but offers more privacy, better layouts and typically higher rent. We price both options during the site visit.
No. As a design-build contractor we handle design, engineering and permits through our team and trusted partners, so one contract covers everything from plans to final inspection.
READY TO TAKE IT ON?
Ready to BuildYour ADU?
Tell us about your lot and goals. We’ll check feasibility and walk you through realistic costs before you commit.
GET FREE ESTIMATE
Let's Discuss
Your Project Goals.
Ready to elevate your living space with reliable, premium Bay Area craftsmanship? Tell us about your property and select your target service on the right. Our expert team will review your ideas, answer your questions, and connect with you promptly to plan your free project evaluation.
© 2026 All Rights Reserved to True Builders