Rental income potential
A finished ADU in the Sacramento market can generate meaningful monthly income while adding long-term property value.
Garages & ADUs done right, the first time
California's ADU laws have shifted decisively in homeowners' favor. State law now requires local jurisdictions to approve qualifying accessory dwelling units ministerially, no discretionary hearing, with a 60-day review clock, relaxed setback minimums of four feet at the side and rear, and no owner-occupancy requirement for units permitted under current rules. Many ADUs are also exempt from impact fees under 750 square feet. Sacramento and surrounding cities have adopted local ordinances on top of that, and we track them.
California Dream Builds builds detached ADUs, attached ADUs, junior ADUs and garage conversions across Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom and the surrounding region. We also build traditional garages and shops when what you need is storage and workspace rather than a dwelling. Either way the job includes site planning, utility strategy, Title 24 energy compliance, permitting and full construction.
The financial case is straightforward: a well-built ADU generates rental income in a tight Sacramento rental market, houses family, and adds appraisable value to the property, while a permitted garage conversion turns dead square footage into something useful. We give you honest numbers on cost per square foot, realistic timelines, and what your specific lot can support before you commit.
What's Included
- Detached, attached and junior ADUs (JADUs)
- Garage conversions to permitted living space
- New detached garages, shops and storage structures
- Feasibility review against state and local ADU ordinances
- Site planning, setbacks, and utility connections (water, sewer, electrical)
- Title 24 energy compliance and required documentation
- Full permitting and inspection management
- Kitchens, bathrooms, HVAC and finishes for rental-ready delivery
- Separate metering and address assignment coordination where applicable
Why homeowners choose us
The California Dream Builds difference
Current-law expertise
We build to current state ADU standards and each city's local ordinance, so approval is ministerial rather than a fight.
Rental-ready delivery
Full kitchen, bath, HVAC, laundry hookups and finishes, not a shell you have to finish yourself.
Flexible use
Multigenerational housing, a home office, a guest suite, or a rental. Built once, adaptable for decades.
How it works
Our Garages & ADUs process
- 01
Feasibility & code check
We review your lot, setbacks, utilities and the local ADU ordinance.
- 02
Design & estimate
Plans and Title 24 documents developed, with a line-item build price.
- 03
Permit submittal
Ministerial ADU review with a statutory response clock, we manage corrections.
- 04
Build
Foundation through finishes, with utility connections and inspections coordinated.
- 05
Final & handoff
Final inspection, certificate of occupancy, and a rental-ready walkthrough.
Recent work
See the difference
Real projects across Sacramento and the surrounding communities.
Envato Elements photo“detached garage workshop exterior residential”
FAQ
Garages & ADUs questions, answered
How much does an ADU cost to build in Sacramento?
Detached ADUs in the region typically run $250,000-$400,000 for a 600-1,000 sq ft unit including site work, utilities and finishes. Garage conversions are usually less because the shell and slab already exist. Utility connection distance is often the biggest swing factor.
Do I need my city's approval, or does state law override it?
State law requires cities to approve qualifying ADUs ministerially within 60 days of a complete application, but each city still applies its own objective standards for things like height and design. We design to both so the application clears cleanly.
Can I convert my existing garage into an ADU?
Usually yes. Conversions must meet ceiling height, egress, insulation, and fire-separation requirements, and the slab often needs work for plumbing. We assess all of that before quoting rather than after.
Will an ADU increase my property taxes?
The new construction is typically assessed and added to your tax base, the existing home is not reassessed. Consult your county assessor or tax advisor for your specific situation.
How long does an ADU take to build?
Plan roughly 3-5 months for design and permitting and 5-8 months of construction for a detached unit. Garage conversions generally move faster on both ends.
Related services
What else we build
Custom Homes
From concept to completion.
Additions & Remodels
Expand and upgrade your space.
Fencing & Decks
Built to last. Made to impress.
Serving Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Rocklin, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, Davis and surrounding Northern California communities. Request your free garages & adus estimate or see all service areas.
Ready to build? Get your free estimate today.
Tell us about your project and we'll schedule an on-site walkthrough, then follow up with a clear, itemized estimate, no cost, no pressure.