SFBay ADU is a Bay Area ADU contractor offering full-service design, permitting, and construction. Specializing in 600–1,200 sq ft units, they offer studio, 2-bed, garden cottage, and in-law suite options, with projects completed in as little as 6 months.

SFBay ADU – ADU Contractor in San Jose, CA

About SFBay ADU

About SFBay ADU

SFBay ADU is a Bay Area-based ADU contractor that positions itself as a full-service, one-stop shop for property owners looking to add an accessory dwelling unit to their property. The company handles the entire process — from initial design and permitting through to completed construction — with the goal of reducing the complexity that often comes with ADU projects in California.

SFBay ADU specializes in homes ranging from 600 to 1,200 square feet, serving clients primarily across the Bay Area. Their services cover general construction, planning and permits, interior design and cabinetry, and landscape design.

ADU Types and Floor Plans

SFBay ADU offers several ADU configurations to suit different property sizes, budgets, and goals:

  1. Studio ADU: A practical option for smaller backyards and one of the more common choices for a garage conversion. This size is also well-suited for renting to a single occupant.
  2. 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath ADU: A good fit for property owners who want to move into the ADU themselves while renting out the main house, or for housing adult family members nearby. This functions well as an in-law suite or granny flat.
  3. 750 SF ADU: Positioned as a budget-conscious option, this size helps minimize impact fees while still providing enough space for a small family.
  4. Garden Cottage ADU: A detached ADU with a traditional aesthetic, blending informal design with natural materials to create a sense of harmony on the property.
  5. Mother-in-Law Suite: A detached guest house designed with older relatives in mind, allowing for proximity while maintaining privacy for both parties. This is also referred to as a Casita-style unit in some contexts.

Several of SFBay ADU's plans have been pre-approved by the San Jose Building and Planning Department. This pre-approval can significantly speed up the permitting process, as the standardized construction plans have already been reviewed by the city. A site-specific plan submission is still required, but the company manages that process on behalf of the client.

The Construction Process

SFBay ADU follows a structured, step-by-step process for each project:

  1. Initial consultation to understand the client's goals and reasons for building an ADU
  2. On-site visit to assess the property and discuss layout options, along with an initial cost estimate
  3. Ordering of surveys and necessary reports to begin architectural drawings
  4. Collaborative design phase to develop full construction drawings
  5. Permit acquisition through coordination with city officials
  6. Construction, covering everything from utility trenching to interior finishes
  7. Obtaining the occupancy permit and project handover

The company states that projects can be completed in as little as 6 months from design to move-in, depending on the scope and permitting timeline.

On the interior side, SFBay ADU's team handles flooring selection, window treatments, and custom cabinetry. Landscape design services include pathway construction, outdoor lighting, plant selection, and irrigation systems — rounding out the overall project.

SFBay ADU was founded with the intent of helping Bay Area property owners generate rental income and increase property value through the addition of legally permitted, livable ADU space. The company is led by founder and CEO Kamal Hyder, who brings 25 years of civil experience to the business.

Services

SFBay ADU performs the following services

  • Architecture & Design
  • Permit Specialist
  • Construction
  • Feasibility & Site Assessment
  • Finishing & Fit-out
  • 3D renderings & floor plans

SFBay ADU Reviews

Diana I

2026-01-18
"Building an ADU certainly came with its challenges. For one, our backyard was not just a simple slope. Everyone had to hear our backyard was an un-buildable mini cliff. Everyone had to hear that a construction company would tell us that building an ADU would require a retaining wall that would cost us over six figures. With an attitude that defied the odds, ADU Builders Bay Area took it as a challenge. They came up with the first innovative plan of a split level. This would need a specialized deep steel and concrete reinforced pier system. They partnered with us to figure out the complicated engineering involved. With project manager David and Andrew, it became clear. They had to build a custom seamless 3D model that showcased their vision as a hillside integrated structure. They had to completely simulate the entire construction process. They didn't bulldoze when confronted with an unexpected seam of loose rock. They brought in a geotech and made an important adjustments to the pier depth. This was a premium project. But it certainly wasn't just an ADU. It was a one of a kind, solid, treehouse-like, cantilevered studio. Rather than just build on our land, they built with it. They changed a not possible from the vast majority of contractors to a wow with their final result."

Aaron Baker

2025-12-07
"While I am building my backyard cottage, I genuinely feel good about ADU Builders Bay Area. I got to hear all the stories of contractors and the lack of consistency and issues with delivery, so I went into the project with some level of hesitation. Consistency is what I appreciated the most with their team. I am a frequent traveler, and so I was away during a chunk of construction. Even during those times, I was kept up to date through the status updates and pictures. This level of transparency surely helped build a lot of trust. In the end, the timeline was shorter than actually predicted, being about 4 months. The quality of the final work was amazing. I was given quotes, and the same quotes were given again, and again halfway through the project. I decided to add a couple of upgrades, and those extra costs went into the upgrades, and I was not surprised in any way. On the fly, I gained a lot of confidence in their building problems solving skills, as they managed some drainage and electrical issues."

Anne

2025-10-10
"We built a one-bedroom ADU in our backyard in San Jose. This was so my mom could live closer while still maintaining her independence. ADU Builders Bay Area guided us through everything, from layout ideas to dealing with the city. The design team helped us fit a lot into a small space, and the construction crew treated our neighbors with respect. It took a bit longer than we hoped due to scheduling inspections, but the result is worth it. Mom has moved in and has already made it feel like home."

Max Bradley

2025-10-04
"I hired ADU Builders Bay Area to convert my detached garage into a legal rental unit. Since I travel a lot for work, regular updates were important to me. Their team sent weekly photos and summaries, which eased my worries. Permitting can be tough, but they knew the process and handled it well. I appreciated that the budget stayed close to our initial discussions. The ADU was rented within 1 week of completion."

Aleksandra Dokan

2025-09-20
"We wanted something small but functional for guests visiting from out of town. ADU Builders Bay Area took care of the design and permits. They included thoughtful details like built-in storage and a small patio area. The whole process took longer than we expected, mostly due to city approvals, but the actual construction went smoothly. Our friends have already stayed there and said it feels like a real apartment, not just a shed in the yard."

Specifics

Licensed

Opening hours

Monday 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday 9:00AM - 6:00PM

Location

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