From free evaluation to move-in, here's our process.

The full process, phase by phase.

You make a handful of decisions along the way. We run everything else, start to finish.

1. 01

   Free Evaluation

   With you

   We start with a real look at your property: lot size, zoning, setbacks, and parking, so we can tell you honestly which catalog layout fits or whether a custom design makes more sense. Free, with no obligation.

   What you do

   Tell us about your property and your goals, and share your address so we can review zoning and setbacks.

   What we do

   Evaluate feasibility, walk through your lot's zoning and parking rules, and recommend a layout or a custom design direction.

2. 02

   Design & Engineering

   With you

   Once we know the direction, we move into architectural design and structural engineering, plus the Title 24 energy compliance review every California residential project needs. Your layout becomes a real, permit-ready set of drawings.

   What you do

   Review and approve your floor plan, elevations, and finish selections.

   What we do

   Produce architectural drawings, structural engineering, and the Title 24 energy compliance package.

3. 03

   Permitting

   With your city

   We submit your complete plan set to your city, track it through plan check, and handle every correction cycle until it's ready to issue. This is the phase that varies most, since every jurisdiction moves at its own pace.

   What you do

   Sign documents when your city needs them.

   What we do

   Manage submittals, corrections, and approvals directly with your city's building department.

4. 04

   Panel Engineering & Fabrication

   Off-site

   For panelized layouts, the wall panels are engineered and precision-cut off-site by our sister company, LyteMods, while your permits move through your city and your site work gets underway, so nothing sits waiting on the next step.

   What you do

   Follow along with progress updates.

   What we do

   Coordinate panel engineering and fabrication with LyteMods, timed to run alongside permitting and site work.

5. 05

   Site Work & Foundation

   On your property

   While panels are being engineered and cut, our crews prepare your site and build the foundation your ADU needs: grading, utilities, and footings or a slab, depending on your lot.

   What you do

   Confirm access and utility details for your property.

   What we do

   Handle grading, utility work, and foundation construction on-site.

6. 06

   Construction & Installation

   On your property

   Our own crews build, assemble, and finish your ADU on your property: framing, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, insulation and drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures, through to a finished space.

   What you do

   Confirm final finish details as the build comes together.

   What we do

   Build, assemble, and finish the structure on-site, from framing through final finishes.

7. 07

   Final Inspection & Move-In

   Move-in day

   Once construction wraps, your city inspects the finished ADU and issues a certificate of occupancy. Then it's yours.

   What you do

   Walk through the finished ADU with us.

   What we do

   Coordinate final inspection, close out permits, and hand over a finished ADU.

ADU Concepts is a LyteMods Authorized Dealer and Certified Installer, meaning we're licensed to build the panelized layouts in our catalog on your property, start to finish.

We don't quote a fixed week count here, because your timeline depends on your city's permitting pace and your site conditions. Once we know your address and jurisdiction, we'll give you a real timeline for your project. Custom designs, multifamily densification, and fire-rebuild ADUs follow the same process, with their own schedules.