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How an ADU gets built, start to finish
One team from the first lot check to the day you get keys. At every step you know what is done and what comes next.
- Lot checkWe confirm the reviewing agency, the zoning, setbacks, easements and whether a pre-approved plan could fit.
- Site visitWe measure the yard and any garage, open the panel, and find the sewer cleanout and route.
- Plan and quoteWe pick a city plan or draw custom, then give you a written, itemized quote.
- EngineeringTitle 24 energy, structural and truss work, solar for new detached units, and sprinklers where needed.
- PermitWe file the application, answer plan check comments and track the review.
- ConstructionSlab or foundation, framing, utilities, insulation, cooling and finishes.
- InspectionsWe book each city inspection and close out anything the inspector flags.
- FinalThe final inspection and approval to occupy.
How long does approval take?
As of October 2026, state law sets a 15-business-day completeness check and a 60-day decision window for a complete ADU application on a lot with a home. Fresno's own Quick Start Guide, from 2023, estimates about 14 days to review a complete application. Details are in our approval timeline guide.
When will I see a price?
After the site visit and the plan choice, and before any construction. The quote is written and itemized, so you can see what each part of the job costs. If the visit turns up something like a needed service upgrade, we say so before the quote.
What should I have ready?
- The property address and, if you have them, a survey or title report.
- Any past permits for the house or garage.
- Who the unit is for: family, a long-term tenant, a home office or a mix.
- A budget range you are comfortable with.
How long will my project take overall?
It depends on the ADU type, the plan route, the agency and how quickly corrections come back. A junior ADU or a garage conversion on a straightforward lot is usually the shortest path. We give you a schedule for your project with the quote.
Start with a lot check
The first step is free of paperwork: send the address and we take it from there.