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ADU

Our Services

Accessory
Dwelling Units

Add value, generate income, and create space for family — fully permitted ADUs built to Silicon Valley's highest standards.

200+
ADUs Built
15+
Years Experience
100%
Permit Success Rate
25+
Cities Served

What Is an ADU?

Your Property's
Hidden Potential

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a fully self-contained living space on the same lot as your primary home. Whether it's a detached cottage, a garage conversion, or a basement unit — ADUs are one of the smartest investments a California homeowner can make.

They generate rental income, provide housing for aging parents or adult children, and significantly increase your property's value. California's updated ADU laws have made them easier and faster to build than ever before.

At Level Up Home Builders, we've built over 200 ADUs across Silicon Valley. We handle everything — design, permits, construction — so you can enjoy the benefits without the stress.

Start Your ADU Project
ADU Exterior
200+
ADUs Completed

Why Build an ADU

The Smart Investment
for Silicon Valley Homeowners

01

Generate Rental Income

Silicon Valley rental rates are among the highest in the nation. A well-built ADU can generate $2,500–$4,500/month in rental income, paying for itself within years.

02

Increase Property Value

ADUs consistently add significant value to your property — often returning 150% or more of construction costs when you sell.

03

Multi-Generational Living

Keep family close while maintaining privacy. ADUs are perfect for aging parents, adult children, or live-in caregivers who need their own independent space.

04

Home Office or Studio

Create the perfect dedicated workspace or creative studio — separate from your home, but steps from your door.

05

California ADU Laws

Recent California legislation has significantly streamlined ADU approvals. Many ADUs now qualify for ministerial approval — faster timelines, less bureaucracy.

06

Flexible Use

Use it as a rental today, a guest suite tomorrow, and a home office next year. ADUs adapt to your life as your needs change.

Why Level Up

Silicon Valley's ADU Experts

Full-Service ADU Builder

We handle design, engineering, permits, and construction under one roof. No coordinating multiple contractors — just one trusted team from start to finish.

Permit Specialists

We know every city's ADU requirements across Silicon Valley. Our permit success rate is 100% — we've never had an ADU permit denied.

Price Guarantee

Your quote is locked in from day one. No surprise charges or mid-project cost increases — what we quote is exactly what you pay.

Fast Timelines

Our streamlined process and deep permit knowledge means we build ADUs faster than the competition without ever cutting corners on quality.

Custom Design

Every ADU we build is designed to complement your primary home and lot — not a cookie-cutter box, but a thoughtfully crafted living space.

Rental-Ready Finish

We build ADUs that attract quality tenants and command top rents — durable finishes, modern kitchens, in-unit laundry, and great natural light.

What We Build

Types of ADUs

We build every type of ADU — from ground-up detached units to clever conversions of existing space.

Detached ADU

A fully separate structure in your backyard — the most popular and most valuable type of ADU, with complete privacy for both occupants.

Attached ADU

Built as an addition to your existing home — sharing a wall but with a separate entrance, kitchen, and living space.

Garage Conversion

Transform your existing garage into a beautiful, fully permitted living space — one of the most cost-effective ADU options available.

Junior ADU (JADU)

A smaller unit (up to 500 sq ft) created within your existing home's footprint — often converted from a bedroom or converted garage.

Basement ADU

Convert an underused basement into a comfortable, private living space with its own entrance — ideal for rental or family use.

Two-Story ADU

Maximize your square footage by building up — a two-story ADU delivers more living space while keeping a smaller footprint on your lot.

What You Need to Know

California ADU Regulations

California has some of the most ADU-friendly laws in the country. Here's what you need to know — and we handle all of it for you.

📐

Size Limits

Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq ft. JADUs are limited to 500 sq ft. Two-story ADUs are allowed in most cities with proper setbacks.

📍

Setback Requirements

Most cities require a 4-foot setback from side and rear property lines for detached ADUs. We know every city's specific requirements.

🅿️

Parking

California law prohibits cities from requiring replacement parking when a garage is converted to an ADU — making conversions much simpler.

⏱️

Permit Timeline

Most ADU permits are now approved within 60 days. Our experience with local jurisdictions often results in faster approvals.

🏠

Owner Occupancy

California suspended owner-occupancy requirements through 2025, allowing non-owner-occupied properties to build ADUs and rent both units.

How It Works

Your ADU Journey

From your first call to move-in day — here's exactly what to expect when you build with Level Up.

01

Free Site Assessment

We visit your property, assess feasibility, discuss your goals, and give you a clear picture of what's possible on your lot.

02

Design & Permits

We design your ADU, handle all engineering, and submit for permits. We manage every city interaction so you don't have to.

03

Construction

Our experienced crew builds your ADU with precision and care, keeping you updated every step of the way.

04

Final Inspection & Handover

We pass all inspections, walk you through the finished unit, and hand over your keys — ready for occupancy or rental.

Client Story

What Our Clients Say

"Ellie and Nir made us feel completely at ease with their genuine passion for building dream homes. Their attention to detail is top notch — from securing permits to the final walkthrough, every detail was managed with the utmost professionalism."
Nikhil K. — Yelp Review ★★★★★

Common Questions

ADU Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build an ADU in Silicon Valley?

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ADU costs in Silicon Valley typically range from $300–$550 per square foot depending on the type and finish level. A detached 600 sq ft ADU might cost $180,000–$330,000. We provide a detailed, locked-in estimate after your free site assessment.

How long does it take to build an ADU?

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From permit submission to move-in, most ADU projects take 6–12 months. Garage conversions are often faster (4–6 months). We're known for completing projects ahead of competing timelines.

Do I need to live on the property to build an ADU?

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California suspended owner-occupancy requirements through 2025, meaning you don't need to live on the property to build or rent an ADU. Check with us for the latest regulations in your city.

Can I rent out my ADU?

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Yes — ADUs can be rented on a long-term basis. Short-term rentals (like Airbnb) are subject to your city's short-term rental regulations. We can advise you on the rules in your specific city.

Will an ADU increase my property taxes?

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In California, adding an ADU triggers a supplemental assessment only on the new construction value — not a full reassessment of your entire property. The tax increase is typically modest relative to the rental income and property value gained.

What cities do you build ADUs in?

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We build ADUs across all of Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area — including Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Saratoga, Los Gatos, San Jose, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and more. Contact us for your specific city.

Get Started

Ready to Build Your ADU?

Schedule a free site assessment today — we'll tell you exactly what's possible on your property.

Book Free Site Assessment Call (408) 692-7203
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