Premier ADU builder
Premier ADU Builder in San Jose, CA
San Jose homeowners are discovering one of the smartest ways to maximize their property value, generate rental income, and house loved ones close by — building an Accessory Dwelling Unit. As the largest city in the Bay Area with nearly one million residents, San Jose faces an acute housing shortage that makes ADUs not just a smart investment, but a meaningful contribution to your community. ADU For You is the trusted ADU builder San Jose homeowners rely on for turnkey design, permitting, and construction of custom accessory dwelling units tailored to the Silicon Valley lifestyle.
Why San Jose Homeowners Are Building ADUs
San Jose's housing market is among the most competitive in the nation. With median household incomes exceeding $141,000 and a strong technology-driven economy, demand for housing continues to outpace supply. An ADU on your San Jose property can serve multiple purposes — a private rental unit generating $2,700 to $3,400 per month in passive income, a comfortable guest house for visiting family, a dedicated home office for remote work, or an in-law suite that keeps aging parents nearby while maintaining everyone's independence.
The City of San Jose has made it easier than ever to build an ADU. San Jose permits ADUs in all residential districts — including R-1, R-2, R-M, and PD zones — as well as in areas designated Downtown, Mixed-Use, Residential, and Transit in the General Plan. Detached ADUs can be built up to 1,200 square feet, while attached ADUs can reach 800 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling, whichever is greater. San Jose is also the first city in California to implement AB 1033, allowing ADU owners to sell their accessory dwelling unit as a condominium — unlocking an entirely new path to equity.
Custom ADU Solutions for Every San Jose Neighborhood
Whether your home sits in the tree-lined streets of the Rose Garden, the family-friendly hills of Almaden Valley, the vibrant corridors of Downtown San Jose, or the established communities of Evergreen, our design team creates ADUs that complement your property and neighborhood character.
- Custom ADU Design: Architecturally designed floor plans that maximize your available space, whether you have a compact urban lot in Central San Jose or a spacious property in Almaden Valley.
- Full Permitting Management: We navigate San Jose's 60-day permit review timeline on your behalf, handling all applications, engineering, and city correspondence so you never have to stand in line at the permit center.
- Turnkey Construction: From foundation to finish, our experienced crew manages every phase of your ADU build — framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and interior finishes.
- ADU Cost Planning: Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We walk you through ADU costs in San Jose, including permit fees, utility connections, and construction expenses, before any work begins.
San Jose ADU Regulations You Should Know
- Size allowances: Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft. Attached ADUs up to 800 sq ft or 50% of the primary home. Junior ADUs (JADUs) under 500 sq ft within the existing home footprint.
- Parking: One additional parking space is required unless your property is within half a mile of public transit — which covers a significant portion of San Jose neighborhoods near VTA light rail stations and bus corridors.
- Owner occupancy: ADUs permitted between January 1 and December 31, 2024, are not required to be owner-occupied, providing maximum flexibility for investors.
- ADU condominiums: Under AB 1033, San Jose allows ADUs to be subdivided and sold as condominiums, a groundbreaking policy that creates new equity opportunities.
- Review timeline: The city commits to processing valid ADU permit applications within 60 days.
Trusted by Homeowners Across the Bay Area
ADU For You is the ADU division of Venture Construction & Development, which has built one-of-a-kind living spaces throughout the Bay Area since 1993. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor (License #936070) with deep roots in the region. Our team has completed 100+ custom ADUs — from 400-square-foot studio units to full 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom homes — and we bring the same commitment to quality craftsmanship whether your project is in Willow Glen or Berryessa.
We are your sole point of contact from start to finish: from initial consultation and feasibility through design, city permitting, construction, and final inspection. Our goal is simple: deliver a beautiful, code-compliant ADU on time and on budget so you can start enjoying the benefits of your new space as quickly as possible.
Start Your San Jose ADU Project Today
Your San Jose property has untapped potential. Whether you are looking to build a detached backyard ADU, convert your garage, or add an attached in-law suite, ADU For You has the experience and local knowledge to make it happen. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us show you what is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADUs in San Jose
+−How much does it cost to build an ADU in San Jose?
ADU construction costs in San Jose typically range from $250 to $400+ per square foot depending on size, design complexity, site conditions, and finish level. A standard 600 sq ft one-bedroom ADU generally costs between $150,000 and $240,000 for construction, with permitting, design, and utility connection fees additional. ADU For You provides detailed cost breakdowns during your free consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
+−How long does it take to build an ADU in San Jose?
The complete ADU process in San Jose — from initial design through construction completion — typically takes 8 to 14 months. This includes 2–3 months for design and engineering, approximately 2 months for city permitting (San Jose commits to a 60-day review), and 4–8 months for construction depending on the size and complexity of your project.
+−Do I need to live on the property to build an ADU in San Jose?
San Jose has relaxed owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs. Units permitted during the current exemption period do not require the property owner to live on-site, making ADUs an attractive option for real estate investors as well as owner-occupants.
+−Can I sell my ADU separately from my main house in San Jose?
Yes. San Jose became the first city in California to implement AB 1033, which allows homeowners to subdivide their ADU as a condominium and sell it independently. This creates a unique equity-building opportunity not available in most California cities.
+−What are the size limits for an ADU in San Jose?
San Jose allows detached ADUs up to 1,200 square feet, attached ADUs up to 800 square feet (or 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, whichever is greater), and Junior ADUs up to 500 square feet that must be contained within the existing home. Your allowable ADU size depends on your lot configuration, zoning, and existing structures.
Related ADU Projects
See some of our completed work in San Jose and across the Bay Area.
