ADU Builder Services in San Luis Obispo County
Schaefer Custom Homes operates as an ADU contractor serving San Luis Obispo County and the broader Central California coastal region. The company focuses on providing a managed remodeling and building experience, with particular emphasis on accessory dwelling unit construction. Their process covers the full project lifecycle — from initial design and planning through to final completion — including handling permits and paperwork on behalf of the homeowner.
Building an ADU, whether attached or detached from the primary residence, gives property owners more flexibility in how they use their land. Schaefer Custom Homes works with clients to develop both detached ADU and attached configurations, depending on the property and the homeowner's goals.
What Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?
An accessory dwelling unit is a secondary housing structure located on the same property as a primary residence. It can be built as an addition to the existing home or as a fully separate structure. California state law actively supports ADU construction, which generally makes the permitting process more straightforward than other types of residential projects.
ADUs vary widely in scope. Some are single-room spaces intended for extended family or guest use, while others are fully equipped secondary homes with their own kitchen, living areas, and parking. Schaefer Custom Homes manages the regulatory side of these projects, including historic preservation guidelines and planned development ordinances, so homeowners can focus on the end result rather than the administrative process.
There are several practical reasons homeowners in San Luis Obispo choose to add an ADU to their property:
- Additional living space — An ADU can provide room for a growing family while maintaining privacy between household members.
- Rental income — A detached ADU builder like Schaefer can construct a unit suitable for use as a rental property, offering a secondary income stream without requiring the purchase of additional land.
- Flexibility for multigenerational living — ADUs allow family members to live independently on the same property, which can be particularly useful for aging relatives who need proximity to family while maintaining their own space.
Full ADU vs. Junior ADU (JADU)
California law distinguishes between two main types of accessory dwelling units: the Full Accessory Dwelling Unit (FADU) and the Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU). Schaefer Custom Homes builds both types.
A full ADU is a complete secondary dwelling that can include multiple rooms, a kitchen, and a range of square footage options. These are typically detached ADU structures subject to local jurisdiction requirements.
A JADU contractor service covers junior accessory dwelling units, which are capped at 500 square feet and must be attached to the primary residence. A JADU can take the form of a home addition, a garage conversion, or an above-garage unit — sometimes referred to as a granny flat or in-law suite. California law allows up to two ADUs on a single-family zoned property, but one of those must be a JADU.
There are some limitations to be aware of when planning an ADU. The unit cannot extend beyond the property line or rear lot lines, and its height is generally restricted to no higher than the primary dwelling. When building an attached ADU, the exterior must match the existing structure, and the dimensions should align with the attached portion — for example, a unit built onto a garage should match the garage's footprint. The overall architectural style of the ADU must also be consistent with the existing structures on the property.
Schaefer Custom Homes works within these parameters to deliver accessory dwelling units that meet both the homeowner's needs and local regulatory requirements in San Luis Obispo County.