Homeowner guide

Planning an ADU in Silicon Valley

A practical look at what accessory dwelling unit projects involve locally, from siting to utilities.

A renovated Northern California kitchen with natural light and simple cabinetry

Start with the site, not the floor plan

Setbacks, lot coverage, utility routing and access for construction equipment usually constrain the design more than your preferences do. Understanding the site first saves redesign later.

General range

Detached new-build ADUs in this region commonly run from roughly $250,000 to $500,000 or more, while garage conversions typically start lower.

Timeline realities

Design, review and permitting often take longer than construction. Build that into your expectations from the beginning.

Cost ranges on this site are general informational estimates only. They are not quotes, guarantees, or the current pricing of any contractor. Actual pricing depends on your property, scope and the professional you hire.

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