Accessory Dwelling Units are the single best way to add value, income, or multigenerational space to a Bay Area property — and California's pro-ADU laws have made them faster to approve than almost any other project. A well-built ADU can rent for thousands a month, house family with independence, and — under California's new AB 1033 — even be sold separately like a condo where your city adopts it.
ODL Construction builds the full range: detached new-construction ADUs, attached units, backyard cottages and granny flats, garage and basement conversions, junior ADUs (JADUs), and high-end custom builds. Every one is designed for your specific lot — not pulled from a prefab catalog — so it fits your setbacks, your utilities, and how you actually want to live. We handle California ADU law, local ordinances, Title 24, utilities, and the ministerial review the state now mandates for compliant designs.
You get one accountable team from feasibility through final inspection — and a fixed-price proposal with site costs included, not a 'from' price that balloons once trenching, utility runs, and access are added. Because a Fremont lot plays by different rules than a Palo Alto Eichler parcel, we start with a free feasibility assessment so you know what's buildable, what it can rent for, and what it truly costs before you commit.
What's included
- Detached new-construction ADUs
- Attached ADUs
- Garage and basement conversions
- Junior ADUs (JADUs)
- Feasibility, lot, and setback analysis
- California ADU law and local ordinance compliance
- Utility connections and Title 24 energy compliance
- Full permitting and inspections
Our process
- 1
Free feasibility assessment
We evaluate your lot, setbacks, utilities, and the most cost-effective ADU type — detached, attached, or conversion — and what it can realistically rent for.
- 2
Design & fixed proposal
We design the unit to California ADU law and your local ordinance, then deliver a fixed-scope proposal.
- 3
Permits (ministerial review)
We submit a compliant design for the state-mandated 60-day ministerial review and handle Title 24, utility, and any school-fee requirements.
- 4
Build
Foundation through finish for detached units, or full conversion for garages — managed on a clear schedule.
- 5
Final inspection & handoff
We pass final inspection, connect utilities, and hand you a rent-ready, code-compliant unit.
How much does adu construction cost in the Bay Area?
There's no honest one-size-fits-all price in construction — the true cost of your project depends on scope, size, materials, engineering, permits, and site conditions. That's why we never quote from a table: every estimate is customized to your project and budget after a free consultation and site visit.
What affects your adu construction pricing
- Project scope & complexity
- Size & square footage
- Materials & finish level
- Structural engineering
- Permits & city fees
- Site conditions & access
We provide detailed, transparent estimates with no hidden fees.
Licensed & Insured
CSLB-licensed Bay Area general contractor, fully insured on every jobsite.
Decades of Experience
35 years of design–build craft across kitchens, ADUs, additions, and whole-home remodels.
High-Quality Craftsmanship
Detail-first workmanship held to the standard of the Bay Area's most demanding neighborhoods.
Dedicated Project Manager
One accountable point of contact from first walkthrough to final inspection.
Premium Materials
Materials and finishes specified for how you live — never bait-and-switch allowances.
Transparent Communication
Clear schedules, proactive updates, and honest answers at every stage of the build.
On-Time Delivery
Realistic schedules set up front — and managed daily so your project finishes when promised.
Warranty on Workmanship
We stand behind our work in writing, long after the final walkthrough.
Remodel now, pay monthly. Ask about flexible financing options for your project.
Financing options →Timeline
Garage conversions often finish in 3–4 months; detached ADUs typically run 6–9 months including the 60-day permit review.
Permits & code
California law now requires ministerial (non-discretionary) approval of code-compliant ADUs within 60 days, limits owner-occupancy and parking requirements, and caps many fees. We design to those state rules plus your city's ordinance so approval is fast and predictable.
Key things to consider
- Conversion vs. detached is the biggest cost and timeline decision.
- Detached units add the most value and flexibility but cost more.
- Utility connections (sewer, water, electrical panel capacity) can drive cost — we check early.
- Rental math: many Bay Area ADUs return strong monthly income; we'll help you assess it.
