ADU Construction Services by Peck General Construction
In Southern California, adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to a property is widely considered one of the higher-returning investments a homeowner can make. The state government has relaxed zoning laws in recent years to encourage ADU construction, making it more accessible for property owners across the region. Peck General Construction works with homeowners looking to generate rental income, accommodate family members, or add a dedicated workspace to their property through professionally built ADUs — including granny flats, casitas, and backyard cottages.
They handle the full process, from navigating local permitting requirements to delivering a finished, code-compliant structure. Their service area covers Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire.
Garage Conversions and Detached ADUs
Peck General Construction builds both garage conversion ADUs (also known as JADUs or attached ADUs) and fully detached ADUs. Each option comes with its own set of considerations.
A garage conversion is often the more cost-effective route, since the existing foundation, framing, and roof structure are already in place. However, converting a garage into a legally habitable space still involves significant work, including:
- Modifying the concrete slab to accommodate subterranean plumbing for a bathroom or kitchenette
- Insulating walls to meet California's Title 24 energy standards
- Installing a dedicated climate control system, such as a ductless mini-split unit
A detached ADU is a ground-up structure built independently in the backyard. This requires a larger upfront investment — new foundations, underground utility trenching connected to the main residence, and entirely new roofing. The result is a fully independent unit that functions as a self-contained home, which can command higher rental yields in competitive markets.
As an ADU builder operating under a Design-Build model, Peck General Construction has in-house architects who design with local municipal approval in mind. They pull permits, coordinate with city planners, and work to avoid the delays that can occur when architects are unfamiliar with specific local codes. This is particularly relevant given that cities within Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire each enforce their own setback rules, fire hardening requirements, and utility connection fees.
Finishes, Utility Management, and Practical Considerations
For homeowners planning to rent out their ADU in markets like Newport Beach or Irvine, the quality of finishes has a direct impact on achievable rental rates. Peck General Construction builds units with features such as:
- Vaulted ceilings to improve the sense of space
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring for durability
- Quartz kitchenettes
- High-efficiency recessed LED lighting
Utility management is another area they address during the construction process. This includes electrical panel upgrades on the primary residence to support the ADU's sub-panel. Depending on the homeowner's goals and what the local utility provider allows, they can install dedicated sub-meters or arrange for completely separate primary meters — a practical consideration for landlords who want tenants to manage their own utility costs.
Peck General Construction positions itself as a general contractor capable of managing ADU projects from initial feasibility through final inspection, handling the technical, regulatory, and construction elements under one roof.