ADU Builder in Saratoga

We serve Northern California across three regions: the San Francisco Bay Area, Greater Sacramento, and the Central Valley. Our published guides cover 14 counties and 88 cities. Our Castro Valley and Sacramento offices support local estimating, permit coordination, and project planning across these regions.

Financing may be available for eligible projects with approved credit. Available terms depend on lender approval, project scope, and current programs. Your project manager can review the options that apply before work begins. We also accept checks, ACH, and major credit cards.

Yes. Hamilton Exteriors holds CSLB License #1078806, active general liability coverage, and the required contractor bond. We also hold GAF Master Elite and James Hardie Elite Preferred credentials. We can provide current proof of coverage before work begins.

Permit requirements depend on the project scope and local jurisdiction. Hamilton Exteriors coordinates required applications, plan documents, corrections, and inspections. Permit fees and allowances appear in the proposal before construction begins.

Your Saratoga ADU needs a site-specific estimate. Conversion work, a new foundation, utility connections, access, and finish selections affect the scope. For a hillside parcel, confirm the applicable site and fire-safety requirements before pricing the work. Ask for design, construction, fees, allowances, and exclusions to be identified in writing.

Yes. Saratoga offers a Pre-Approved ADU Program with pre-reviewed plan sets that can reduce design costs and shorten the approval timeline. You can verify your parcel's eligibility using the city's online GIS tool. If your property qualifies, the program can save 4 to 6 weeks on the design and permitting phase.

Yes. All ADUs in California require a building permit. Saratoga's Building Division handles plan check and inspections. Building without permits creates serious problems: code violations, insurance gaps, and complications when you sell. Permitted ADUs add verified value to your property. We handle the entire permit process from application through final inspection.

If you own a single-family home in Saratoga, you almost certainly can. California state law (AB 68, SB 13, AB 881) overrides most local zoning restrictions that previously blocked ADUs. Your lot must meet setback requirements (typically 4 feet from side and rear property lines), and the ADU cannot exceed certain size limits. Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity

Plan for 6 to 12 months total from design start to move-in. Design and permitting take 2 to 4 months, and construction runs 8 to 14 weeks for detached ADUs or 10 to 14 weeks for garage conversions. Saratoga's pre-approved plan program can shorten the design phase. The permitting phase is the most variable, though state law requires a 60-day decision from the city.