We build homes across California, with active projects in the Bay Area and Los Angeles County. At Apex Homes, we’re passionate about helping people and communities thrive, and we’re always looking to bring our approach to new regions. Wherever families are seeking affordable, high-quality, and thoughtfully designed housing, we welcome the opportunity to partner with you and make your vision a reality.

Pre-designed plans offer a faster, more cost-efficient way to build your home. Rather than starting from scratch, we adapt proven floor plans to fit your property, optimizing placement, parking, storage, and privacy. This ensures your home is perfectly tailored to your site while saving time and money. Apex Homes offers over seven pre-designed plans and is pre-approved in more than 10 cities across California, making it easier than ever to bring your dream home to life.

The timeline to get an ADU depends on city permitting, design choices, and construction complexity, but with Apex Homes’ process it’s streamlined compared to doing it on your own. Here’s what you can expect:

Typical ADU Timeline

1. Feasibility & Design (2–4 weeks)

• Site visit, zoning checks, and feasibility study.

• Drafting floor plans + selecting finishes.

• Pre-approved plans (if available in your city) can cut this stage down to a few weeks.

2. Permitting (1–3 months)

• Submission of plans to the city.

• With Apex Homes’ pre-approved ADU plans, permits can sometimes be issued in as little as 2–3 weeks in certain cities. See our preapproved city lists here.

• Without pre-approvals, expect 6–12 weeks depending on city backlog.

3. Construction (4–6 months)

• Foundation: ~3 weeks.

• Framing & Roofing: ~4 weeks.

• Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing (MEP): ~4 weeks.

• Interior Finishes: ~6–8 weeks.

4. Final Inspection & Move-In (2-3 weeks)

• Utility hookups, cleanup, and city’s final sign-off

• ADU is now ready for use (rental, family, or personal).

The total timeline for building an ADU depends on your plan and site. If you use a pre-approved plan and have a simple site, you can typically complete the project in 5–6 months from start to finish. For a custom design or a more complex site, the process usually takes 6–10 months.

An ADU cannot stand alone; it must always accompany a main house. California law and most city codes define an ADU as a secondary residential unit on the same lot as an existing or planned single-family or multifamily home. Since the ADU is accessory, it cannot exist as the only structure on a lot.

If your lot is vacant, you have two options. You can build a primary home and ADU together, which some cities allow by submitting plans at the same time. In this case, the city approves the ADU as accessory to the new home. Or, you can build the primary home first and add the ADU later once the main house is permitted or complete.

Building an ADU in your backyard requires careful planning to meet both the unit’s size and your city’s setback requirements. Most cities require at least four feet between the ADU and side or rear property lines. In addition, the total structures on your lot, including your house, ADU, garage, and other buildings, cannot exceed a certain percentage of the lot, which varies by city. Parking requirements also depend on location. Properties near public transit often do not need extra spaces, while other lots may require at least one parking spot.

Apex Homes’ Standard Price Package includes both design services and full construction so that your unit is move-in ready.

Design Package

• Architectural design

• Title 24 energy compliance report

• Structural design & calculations

• Truss system design

• Solar system design

• Building permit application (permit fees themselves not included)

Construction Package (Included)

• Foundation: Site prep + concrete slab-on-grade with standard footing.

• Framing & Roofing: 2×4 stud framing, engineered trusses, plywood sheathing, composite shingle roofing with gutters/downspouts.

• Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP): Central HVAC, electric panel, interior plumbing, recessed LED lighting, solar system (battery not included).

• Windows & Doors: Double-pane vinyl windows, solid-core exterior doors, hollow-core interior doors.

• Exterior & Interior Finishes: Stucco/wood siding, drywall, interior & exterior paint, vinyl flooring (light wood color).

• Kitchen: Stainless steel sink, quartz countertops, electric range, hood, dishwasher, Shaker-style cabinets.

• Bathroom: Vanity set with sink, mirror, standard toilet, shower fixture set.

“Custom” means creating an ADU specifically for your needs. We tailor exterior materials, interior finishes, and lighting to suit your lot, lifestyle, and vision. For clients seeking more comprehensive design work, we offer full custom services as an additional option.