Premium ADU Construction
Premium ADU Builder for Los Altos Homeowners
Los Altos is one of Silicon Valley's most coveted addresses — a community of approximately 31,000 residents where tree-lined streets, award-winning schools, and a charming downtown village create an exceptional quality of life. With a median household income exceeding $250,000 and median home values surpassing $4.5 million, Los Altos homeowners invest in their properties with the same discernment they bring to every other aspect of their lives. ADU For You builds custom Accessory Dwelling Units that match the caliber of your Los Altos home — thoughtfully designed, impeccably constructed, and built to enhance both your property and your lifestyle.
Why Los Altos Homeowners Are Investing in ADUs
In a community where homes regularly sell for millions and 2024 saw record-breaking activity with a 70% increase in escrow closures, adding an ADU to your Los Altos property is one of the most strategic investments available. But for most Los Altos homeowners, the decision goes beyond financial return.
An ADU in Los Altos provides a private, self-contained living space for aging parents who want to remain close to family without sacrificing their independence. It creates a dedicated home office or creative studio separate from the main residence. It offers a comfortable guest suite for visiting family and friends. And for those interested in rental income, a premium ADU in Los Altos can command top-tier rates in one of the most desirable rental markets in California.
Los Altos has streamlined its ADU approval process with ministerial permitting — no planning hearing required — and the city now offers pre-approved ADU plans to further accelerate the process. There is no minimum lot size requirement, and homeowners can build one detached ADU up to 1,200 square feet plus one Junior ADU up to 500 square feet within the existing home.
ADU Design That Honors Los Altos Character
Los Altos is defined by its distinctive neighborhoods, and we design every ADU to integrate seamlessly with its surroundings.
In Downtown Los Altos, where the six-block village of boutiques, cafes, and the beloved Thursday farmers market defines the community, our ADUs complement the warm, walkable aesthetic with thoughtful architectural details and premium materials. The Country Club area, with its expansive foothills lots and Silicon Valley views, provides opportunities for larger detached ADUs with generous outdoor living spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and elevated finishes that match the main residence.
Woodland Acres and The Highlands — neighborhoods originally developed in the 1950s on former farmland — feature large oak trees and a rural character that inspires ADU designs with natural materials, wood accents, and landscape integration. In North Los Altos, where large homes line wide, tree-canopied streets, we design ADUs that serve as architecturally cohesive additions — matching rooflines, materials, and proportions to create a unified property aesthetic.
The Rancho neighborhood, known for its family orientation and proximity to parks, is ideal for in-law suites and multigenerational living configurations. And along the Foothill Expressway Corridor, proximity to downtown amenities makes ADUs an attractive proposition for young professionals seeking rental housing in one of the peninsula's most prestigious communities.
The ADU For You Premium Experience
ADU For You is the ADU division of Venture Construction & Development — an established Bay Area builder since 1993 — so you get one team from design through completion, with shared standards for quality and licensing. We are licensed, bonded, and insured (Contractor License #936070). Los Altos homeowners expect a level of quality and professionalism that matches their community's standards; we deliver exactly that:
- Curated Design Process: We begin with a thorough property evaluation and in-depth conversation about your vision, lifestyle needs, and aesthetic preferences. Our architects then develop custom plans that reflect your standards — from layout optimization and natural light planning to material selection and finish specifications.
- Precision Permitting: We prepare meticulous permit applications for the City of Los Altos, leveraging our understanding of local requirements to move efficiently through the review process. Where applicable, we can incorporate pre-approved plan elements to accelerate approvals.
- Exceptional Construction: Our team delivers the craftsmanship Los Altos properties demand: premium fixtures, hardwood flooring, custom cabinetry, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and attention to detail at every junction. We build ADUs that look, feel, and perform like an integral part of your home.
- Landscape Integration: We coordinate with your landscape architect or recommend trusted partners to ensure your new ADU is set within a cohesive outdoor environment that enhances your overall property.
Understanding Los Altos ADU Regulations
- Size: Detached ADUs up to 1,200 square feet. Junior ADUs up to 500 square feet within the existing home. Both types can coexist on a single lot.
- No minimum lot size: Los Altos eliminated its previous 15,000-square-foot minimum lot size requirement, opening ADU construction to more properties.
- Ministerial approval: Your ADU application is reviewed administratively — no discretionary planning hearing, no neighborhood notification, and no public comment process.
- Parking: One parking space (9 ft x 18 ft) is required and may be located in the front setback area.
- Rental rules: Short-term rentals are prohibited. Minimum lease term is 30 days, supporting stable, long-term tenancy.
Elevate Your Los Altos Property
Your Los Altos home represents more than a financial asset — it is where your life unfolds. An ADU from ADU For You extends that life, creating space for family, flexibility, and future value. We would be honored to bring our expertise to your property.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADUs in Los Altos
+−Will an ADU affect my Los Altos property value?
ADUs generally increase property values significantly, and this effect is particularly pronounced in premium markets like Los Altos. A well-designed, well-constructed ADU adds functional square footage to your property, which appraisers factor into their valuations. In a market where land alone is extraordinarily valuable, adding a permitted, livable structure represents a strong investment. The degree of value increase depends on the ADU's size, quality, and design integration with the main home.
+−Can I build both an ADU and a Junior ADU on my Los Altos property?
Yes. Los Altos allows one detached ADU (up to 1,200 sq ft) and one Junior ADU (up to 500 sq ft) on a single residential lot. The JADU must be contained within the existing home — typically a converted bedroom, garage, or attached space with its own entrance, kitchenette, and bathroom. This combination gives you maximum flexibility for multigenerational living, rental income, or both.
+−How long does it take to build an ADU in Los Altos?
The typical timeline from initial design through construction completion is 9 to 14 months. This includes approximately 2–3 months for design and engineering, 4–8 weeks for city permitting (potentially faster with pre-approved plans), and 5–8 months for construction depending on size, complexity, and finish level. Los Altos properties often involve higher-end finishes and landscape integration, which can add to the construction timeline.
+−Does the city of Los Altos offer pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes. Los Altos has a pre-approved ADU plan program that offers pre-reviewed designs to streamline the permitting process. If one of these designs suits your property and preferences, the approval timeline is significantly reduced. ADU For You can help you evaluate whether a pre-approved plan works for your situation or whether a fully custom design better serves your goals.
+−Are short-term rentals allowed for ADUs in Los Altos?
No. Los Altos prohibits short-term rentals (less than 30 days) for ADUs. All ADU rentals must have a minimum lease term of 30 days. This policy supports stable, long-term tenancy and is consistent with the residential character of Los Altos neighborhoods.
Related ADU Projects
See some of our completed work in Los Altos and across the Bay Area.
