Expert ADU builder
Expert ADU Builder in San Mateo, CA
San Mateo sits at the heart of San Mateo County — a thriving peninsula city where over 103,000 residents enjoy a blend of urban convenience, natural beauty, and proximity to Silicon Valley's leading employers. With a heating rental market, median rents around $3,000, and year-over-year rent increases of 5 to 8 percent, San Mateo homeowners have a compelling financial case for building an Accessory Dwelling Unit. ADU For You delivers custom ADU design, full permitting, and quality construction for San Mateo properties — a complete turnkey service from your first consultation to move-in day.
The San Mateo ADU Opportunity
San Mateo's housing market tells a clear story: demand significantly outpaces supply. The city's population of 103,000+ is supported by a median household income exceeding $152,000, driven by proximity to major tech employers and a strong professional workforce. Yet new housing construction has struggled to keep pace, pushing rents higher and making existing properties more valuable with each passing year.
An ADU on your San Mateo property addresses this imbalance while benefiting you directly. A well-designed one-bedroom ADU can command $2,500 to $3,200 per month in rent, providing meaningful passive income. A two-bedroom unit in a desirable neighborhood can generate even more. Beyond rental income, an ADU increases your property's assessed value, provides flexible living space for family members, and positions your home as a more attractive asset if you ever decide to sell.
San Mateo's ADU regulations support homeowners who want to build. The city allows ADUs on any lot zoned for residential use, with ministerial approval — meaning no discretionary planning hearings are required if your design meets established standards. One-bedroom detached ADUs can be up to 850 square feet, two-bedroom units up to 1,000 square feet, and Junior ADUs up to 500 square feet within your existing home.
ADU Designs for San Mateo's Diverse Neighborhoods
San Mateo's neighborhoods range from the bustling energy of Downtown — home to over 100 restaurants, retail shops, and the historic Fox Theatre — to the peaceful trails of Laurelwood and the scenic heights of the Highlands. Each area presents unique design opportunities and considerations for your ADU.
In Downtown San Mateo and Hillsdale, where lots tend to be more compact, we specialize in efficient ADU designs that maximize every square foot. In Beresford Park, a family-friendly neighborhood prized for its schools and green spaces, we design ADUs that serve as in-law suites or home offices with dedicated outdoor areas. Properties in the Highlands benefit from elevation and views, and our designs take advantage of these natural assets with thoughtful window placement and outdoor living integration.
In Bay Meadows and Fairway Woods, our designs complement the established residential aesthetic while introducing modern, energy-efficient construction that meets or exceeds current building standards.
Our San Mateo ADU Services
We are your sole point of contact from the project's inception to completion — one team for design, permits, and construction. Our licensed, bonded, and insured team (Contractor License #936070) delivers every phase:
- Consultation & Feasibility: We evaluate your property's zoning, lot size, setback requirements, utility access, and existing structures to determine what you can build and what will deliver the best return on your investment.
- Design & Planning: Our team creates custom floor plans that balance your goals. Every design respects San Mateo's height limits (16 feet to the plate line for detached, 24 feet to roof) and setback requirements.
- Permits & Approvals: We handle all interactions with the City of San Mateo's planning and building departments, submitting complete application packages that minimize review cycles and avoid costly revisions.
- Construction: Our team delivers exceptional craftsmanship — from structural framing and mechanical systems to finish carpentry, tile work, and fixtures. After final inspection, we provide guidance on rental preparation, utility setup, and any warranty-related items.
Why San Mateo Homeowners Choose ADU For You
ADU For You is the ADU division of Venture Construction & Development — so you get the backing of an established Bay Area builder with shared standards for quality and licensing. Based in neighboring Redwood City, we have deep roots in San Mateo County and understand the peninsula's building culture, code requirements, and market dynamics. Our proximity means faster response times, familiarity with local inspectors, and genuine accountability to our community.
We provide innovative, affordable construction and design services and differentiate ourselves through transparent communication, fixed-price contracts, and a relentless focus on quality. When we say your ADU will be completed on a specific timeline and budget, we stand behind that commitment.
Build Your San Mateo ADU With Confidence
Your San Mateo property represents a significant investment. An ADU amplifies that investment — adding functional space, rental income potential, and long-term property value. ADU For You makes the process straightforward, predictable, and rewarding from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADUs in San Mateo
+−What ADU sizes does San Mateo allow?
San Mateo allows detached one-bedroom ADUs up to 850 square feet and two-bedroom ADUs up to 1,000 square feet. The city's general size limit is 800 square feet. Junior ADUs up to 500 square feet can be created within your existing home. Attached ADUs follow the same size guidelines and can reach 24 feet to the plate line and 32 feet to the roof peak. Your allowable size depends on your specific lot and zoning.
+−How much rental income can an ADU generate in San Mateo?
Based on current San Mateo rental market data, a one-bedroom ADU can generate approximately $2,500 to $3,200 per month, depending on size, finishes, location, and amenities. The city's median rent is approximately $3,000, with year-over-year increases of 5 to 8 percent. A well-designed, well-located ADU in San Mateo offers strong rental income potential.
+−How long does the ADU permitting process take in San Mateo?
San Mateo uses a ministerial approval process for ADUs that meet established standards, meaning no public hearing is required. Typical permit review takes 4 to 8 weeks for a complete and code-compliant application. ADU For You prepares thorough application packages designed to minimize revision cycles and move through review efficiently.
+−Can I build an ADU in any San Mateo neighborhood?
ADUs are allowed on any San Mateo lot zoned for residential use. This covers the vast majority of single-family neighborhoods in the city. Multi-family properties can accommodate up to eight detached ADUs. During your free consultation, we confirm your property's zoning eligibility and identify any site-specific considerations.
+−Does San Mateo require additional parking for an ADU?
San Mateo requires one parking space per bedroom for ADUs, but this requirement has exemptions — notably for properties located near public transit. Given San Mateo's Caltrain station and SamTrans coverage, many properties qualify for reduced or eliminated parking requirements. We assess your property's eligibility during the initial consultation.
Related ADU Projects
See some of our completed work in San Mateo and across the Bay Area.
