About ADUS

ADU Basics

Welcome to Golden State ADUs (GSADUs), we are a full-service design-build ADU construction company based in Sacramento, California providing design, permitting & construction services for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) throughout California.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What are ADUs?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is another home on your property. As the illustrations below show, it can take many forms – a separate small home, an apartment over a garage, or in a basement. It can be created by remodeling your existing home and garage or making additions to it, or it can be a separate building.

The general guideline is 1200 square feet, but this can vary based on city regulations and other constraints, such as the size of the primary dwelling, setbacks & etc. (For example: Proposed ADU is limited to be max. 50% of primary dwelling square footage). Contact one of our ADU specialists today to schedule a site walkthrough.

Yes, you can build a garage attached to your proposed ADU. The size of the garage may vary depending on city regulations, but generally, the rule is that the garage should be 50% or less of the proposed ADU's living area. Do you help with permit submittal coordination?

Depending on the size it typically takes 3-5 months for your permit’s plans and Design and 3-4 months for construction.

Cost estimates for ADUs vary widely depending on the on-site conditions, construction style, and materials and finishes. A detailed cost estimate will likely require the consultation of a contractor. Contact one of our ADU specialists today to schedule a site walkthrough.

These fees are based on the valuation of your overall project and includes fees for inspections and development impacts, such as schools and parks. Per State law, if the ADU is equal to or less than 749 square feet, the development impact fees are waived.

Learn from real homeowners like yourself who have decided to build an ADU. Link:

Hear from local homeowners about how they started planning for their ADUs.

Yes, we offer post-project support and maintenance services through our construction administration service. Each one of our project come with a 10 year structural integrity warrant and a 1 year fit and finish warranty.

Hear from local homeowners about how they started planning for their ADUs.

Do you provide post project support or maintenance services?

Yes, we offer post-project support and maintenance services through our construction administration service. Each one of our project come with a 10 year structural integrity warrant and a 1 year fit and finish warranty.

Certainly! We can provide you with references or testimonials from our satisfied clients who have experienced our services firsthand. These testimonials will give you insights into their experiences and the level of satisfaction they received. Feel free to reach out, and we'll be more than happy to share the testimonials with you. Additionally, we offer previous project walk through and access to all our client review via google.

All our project starts with a simple inquired and a 1 hour “initial Project walkthrough meeting” See our process page for more information.

With our in house parent company Golden State Design & Engineering company we are able to offer full service Design, Permitting and Construction of you Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

Yes, you can rent out your ADU in California. State laws generally allow homeowners to rent their ADUs, either as long-term rentals or short-term rentals, depending on local regulations. Some cities may have specific requirements or restrictions, such as a minimum lease term or registration for short-term rentals. Always check with your local planning department to understand the specific rules and guidelines for renting out your ADU.

Yes, there are several financing options available for building an ADU. Homeowners can explore options such as home equity loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), cash-out refinancing, and renovation loans. Additionally, some local governments offer incentives or grants for ADU construction. It's advisable to consult with a financial advisor to determine the best financing option for your situation.

Yes, there are specific setback requirements for building an ADU, which can vary by locality. Typically, ADUs must comply with rear and side yard setbacks, which are often reduced compared to those for the primary residence. For example, some jurisdictions allow a minimum setback of 4 feet from the side and rear property lines. Always verify the specific setback requirements with your local planning department.

Whether you can build an ADU on a property governed by an HOA depends on the HOA's rules and regulations. While California state law supports the construction of ADUs, HOAs may have specific restrictions or requirements. It's essential to review your HOA's covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) and obtain approval from the HOA before proceeding.

In California, state law allows for one ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU) per single-family lot, provided certain conditions are met. The regulations for multiple ADUs on multi-family properties can vary, often allowing for at least two detached ADUs and additional conversions of existing non-livable spaces, such as storage rooms. Always verify with local regulations to understand what is permissible on your property.

Generally, an ADU cannot be sold separately from the primary residence because it is considered part of the same property. However, there are some exceptions in specific cases where an ADU can be sold as a separate property if the local jurisdiction allows for separate ownership, often through a condominium conversion process. Always check with local regulations and consult with a real estate professional. Note: not all county’s/cities have adopted the SB 36 bill yet, these conditions my vary depending on location.

Learn from real homeowners like yourself who have decided to build an ADU. Link:

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Golden State ADUs
18 Google reviews
Trusted by 100+ Happy Customers
Google
Yeva profile picture
Yeva
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Their civil engineering team guided us through the entire development process, including utilities, drainage, and fire access roads. They were responsive, knowledgeable, and dependable.
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Nicolaus Williams profile picture
Nicolaus Williams
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Golden State ADUs was great to work with. They handled all phases of our ADU project from permit application to final inspection, and everything in between. They kept us informed of the progress along the way, hit their deadlines and budget, and most importantly they delivered a high-quality ADU that we absolutely love. We are very happy that we chose to work with Golden State ADUs.
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James Mark profile picture
James Mark
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These guys are awesome, very accessible, very commicative, would recommend for sure.
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Robbin Maloney profile picture
Robbin Maloney
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We were nervous at first (I mean, all the guys are young) but William made the design process so easy and appealing, we decided to jump in. The building process is always hard but we were satisfied and we are very pleased with the result. The ADU looks great! And our HOA neighbors are happy.
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Tony B. profile picture
Tony B.
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These guys really took care of us from A to Z. They 100% made us feel like we chose correctly from day 1, especially after interviewing 10+ companies. Quality is wonderful and they really include everything in the price (expect permit fees of course) so you don’t have to supply anything yourself. They are very accommodating with any requests even during the build. My guy Eddie is super knowledgeable, always has the answers!
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Sam Husainzada profile picture
Sam Husainzada
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Working with this ADU company was an outstanding experience from start to finish. Their team was knowledgeable, professional, and extremely communicative throughout the entire process. They helped guide the project every step of the way and made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and organized. The quality of work, attention to detail, and overall craftsmanship exceeded expectations. They stayed transparent with timelines, answered questions quickly, and truly cared about delivering a great final product. If you’re considering building an ADU, expanding your property, or adding value to your home, I highly recommend this team. Looking forward to working together again in the future.
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Carrie Reeder profile picture
Carrie Reeder
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We were very satisfied with our experience working with Golden State ADUs! They truly are a one-stop shop - handling everything from design to construction with professionalism and care. The entire crew was amazing and took the time to clearly explain each step of the process. It was great working with one dedicated project manager who made everything smooth and stress-free. The quality exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend GSADU to anyone considering an ADU project!
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Peter Zomat profile picture
Peter Zomat
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Did a great job on my ADU. Will definitely refer to friends and family.
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Matthew Hindy profile picture
Matthew Hindy
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I’m a real estate agent who handles transactions throughout California and my go to and preferred ADU builder is Golden State ADU. They are so respectful to the client and represent you really well. They are very fair in pricing and their level of service is Top Notch. I highly highly highly recommend. Amazing people. Ask for val.
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Poway Imports profile picture
Poway Imports
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I had the pleasure of building my parents adu by way of Val. And let me tell you, he was a class act. From the first meeting to the certificate of occupancy we had a smooth experience. Supper happy we chose them off a referral from a close friend. Thank you for everything! If you’re considering them, don’t hesitate, they are great.