ADU Construction in Ventura County

What building an ADU actually involves

An ADU is a complete small house. It needs a foundation, a structure, a roof, insulation, a full kitchen, a full bathroom, heating, electrical service, plumbing, drainage and its own entrance. It gets inspected at each stage the same way a house does.

That is why an ADU is not priced like a remodel of the same square footage. There is more system in it per square foot than almost anything else you can build.

The sequence

• Site preparation. Clearing, layout, grading and drainage as the approved plans require.
• Foundation. Excavation, forms, reinforcement and slab or footings, followed by inspection.
• Framing. Floor, walls and roof structure, then sheathing and the framing inspection.
• Roofing and weatherproofing. Underlayment, roofing, flashing, windows and exterior doors.
• Rough systems. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC roughed in, then inspected before anything is covered.
• Insulation and drywall. Insulation inspection, then board, tape and texture.
• Finishes. Flooring, cabinets, countertops, tile, interior doors, trim and paint.
• Kitchen and bathroom. Fixtures, appliances and the connections that make the unit a legal dwelling.
• Exterior. Siding or stucco, walkways, and the entry that gives the unit its own front door.
• Final inspection. Sign-off, walkthrough and handover.

What makes ADU construction different

Crews that mostly do kitchen remodels are often surprised by ADU work. The differences that matter:

• The unit needs its own utility connections, and running sewer, water and electrical service across a yard is frequently the single biggest cost surprise on the job.
• Access is usually tight. Material has to come through a side yard rather than a driveway.
• You are building next to a house people are living in, so noise, dust, parking and working hours are a real part of the plan.
• Fire, energy and accessibility requirements apply to a new dwelling in ways they do not apply to a remodel.

Already have plans and permits?

Then talk to us about construction on its own. Bring the approved set and we will review it, tell you honestly what we think of it, and price the build. We will also tell you if we think something in it is going to cause trouble in the field.