415-202-6002
BAY AREA ADU & ADDITION BUILDER · CA LIC. #1150191
Detached ADUs, additions, and garage conversions - designed, permitted, and built by one licensed crew. More room for family, or a legal rental unit that pays for itself. You approve the plan and price before we start.

ADU & HOME ADDITION BUILDS, HANDLED START TO FINISH

160+ reviews
4.9/5
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ADU plans on a job site

The Be James Standard: Zero Surprises

  • Price Approved Before We Start

    You approve the plan and the price before anything starts. Every change is written down with its cost, so there are no surprise costs mid-project.

  • Zoning & Permits Handled

    We check zoning, setbacks and utilities on site before pricing, then handle every permit, so code compliance is never your problem.

  • One Licensed Crew, 1-Year Guarantee

    Designed, permitted and built by one licensed crew, and backed by a 1-year workmanship guarantee.

  • Weekly Updates

    Every week you hear what was done, what comes next and which decisions we need from you. You always know where the project stands.

  • Every Wall Photographed

    We photograph plumbing, wiring and framing before we close each wall. Proof, not promises.

  • Clean Daily, Livable Home

    We protect floors and finishes and clean up every day, so your home stays livable from start to finish.

Start My Project
You're covered. We’re licensed (CA Lic. #1150191), bonded and insured experts.

LICENSED, BONDED, INSURED

Proof of Process: Artifacts beat adjectives

You shouldn’t have to “hope” a contractor is organized—you should be able to see it.
Weekly Update +
  • Completed tasks
  • Next steps
  • Decisions needed
  • Risk tracking
Change Order +
  • Reason & Description
  • Cost breakdown
  • Schedule impact
  • Digital approval
Schedule Snapshot +
  • Weekly milestones
  • Critical path tracking
  • Key dependencies
Jobsite Standards +
  • Dust & Surface protection
  • Access & Safety rules
  • Daily clean-up checklist
In-wall Documentation +
  • Plumbing & Electrical photos
  • Structural reinforcement
  • Pre-drywall verification
Sample
Weekly Status Report Change Order Form Gantt Chart Schedule Safety Report In-wall pipes documentation

Proof of Process: Artifacts beat adjectives

You shouldn’t have to “hope” a contractor is organized—you should be able to see it.
Weekly Update +
  • Completed tasks
  • Next steps
  • Decisions needed
  • Risk tracking
Weekly Update
Change Order +
  • Reason & Description
  • Cost breakdown
  • Schedule impact
  • Digital approval
Change Order
Schedule Snapshot +
  • Weekly milestones
  • Critical path tracking
  • Key dependencies
Schedule Snapshot
Jobsite Standards +
  • Dust & Surface protection
  • Access & Safety rules
  • Daily clean-up checklist
Jobsite Standards
In-wall Documentation +
  • Plumbing & Electrical photos
  • Structural reinforcement
  • Pre-drywall verification
In-wall Documentation
They hired Us. Here’s What They Think
Real feedback. Verified by Google
What We Build

Detached ADUs, additions, and garage conversions - designed and permitted from day one.

  • A standalone unit in the backyard, with its own address, entrance, and utilities, built from the ground up.
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  • A private living space attached to your home, with its own entrance, built for family or a long-term tenant.
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  • Turn an underused garage into a legal living space, without adding new square footage to the lot.
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  • A smaller, more affordable unit carved from existing square footage, faster to permit and build than a full ADU.
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  • New square footage added to your home's existing footprint - a bedroom, office, or family room.
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  • Add a full second floor without expanding your home's footprint, ideal for tight lots.
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Here's What "Done Right" Looks Like
Scope defined upfront. Permits handled. Finished as planned. See for yourself.
Detached Backyard Studio ADU - San Mateo

260 sq. ft. Studio ADU - San Mateo

Challenge

Homeowners needing a quiet backyard work studio and private retreat for guests.

Solution

Built a modern detached studio with dedicated 200A subpanel, mini-split HVAC & permits.

Outcome

Completed in 3 months, creating a peaceful work sanctuary that adds lasting property value.

Garage Conversion - Walnut Creek

420 sq. ft. Garage Conversion - Walnut Creek

Challenge

An underused 2-car garage and a need for private family or rental space.

Solution

Turnkey conversion into a permitted 1-bed unit with plumbing, HVAC & permits.

Outcome

Code-compliant living space finished in 3.5 months, adding immediate equity.

Home rear addition - San Jose
Home wing addition - Sunnyvale
Project 1 of 2

520 sq. ft. Addition - San Jose

Challenge

A growing family needing extra living space without having to move.

Solution

Engineered a seamless ground-floor extension matching existing architecture.

Outcome

Built in 4 months with full permits, delivering an expansive living area.

Financing — Build Now, Pay Over Time

An ADU or home addition is a major investment, and paying for it all at once isn't always the right move. Financing lets you start now and spread the cost over time.

Spread the Cost
Pay in monthly installments instead of one large payment up front.
Sorted Out at Your Estimate
We go over the numbers during the on-site visit, so scope and payment get decided together instead of after.
No Obligation
Asking about financing costs nothing and does not commit you to anything.
Start the Permit Clock Now
Permit review alone can take weeks. Financing lets you start the process now instead of waiting to save up first.
ADU or home addition construction in a Bay Area backyard

Your ADU & Addition Project in 4 Steps

STEP 1 — Tell Us About Your Project
Fill out the quick form with what you have in mind. We'll reach out to set up a visit.
STEP 2 — We Walk the Property and Check the Numbers
We assess the site, zoning, and structural basics — setbacks, utilities, access — before anything is priced.
STEP 3 — You Get a Written Scope and Permitting Path
A detailed breakdown of design, permitting timeline, and cost — before anything starts. The price you approve is the price you pay.
STEP 4 — We Build It
One crew, permits handled, weekly updates throughout. Backed by a 1-year work guarantee.
ADU and home addition construction
What Homeowners Usually Ask Us
Common Questions, Straight Answers
How do I get started?
Fill out the quick form and tell us what you have in mind. We'll follow up to set up a time to come out, walk the property, and go over zoning and permit basics for your project.
Do you handle permits and zoning for ADUs and additions?
Yes — permits and zoning are handled start to finish, not left for you to sort out. That includes setback requirements, ADU-specific permit tracks, and code compliance for the finished structure.
Is the on-site estimate free?
Yes. We come out, walk the property, and review the site at no cost. You get a written estimate with scope, permitting path, and timeline before anything starts.
Will I know the price before the work starts?
Yes — you get a detailed written estimate up front. If anything changes once permits are finalized or the project is underway, we confirm with you first. The price you approve is the price you pay.
Can I use my ADU as a rental unit?
In most cases, yes — California allows ADUs to be rented separately from the main home. We'll walk you through what your specific lot and zoning allow during the site visit.
Can I live in my home during an addition or ADU build?
In most cases, yes. Detached ADUs and garage conversions typically don't disrupt the main house. Attached additions involve more overlap with your living space — we'll walk you through what to expect for your specific project.
Will you really show up on time?
Yes. We keep you posted on scheduling throughout the project, and any changes are communicated in advance, not discovered on-site.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes — every job is backed by a 1-year work guarantee. If something we did fails, one call and we come back and fix it free.
We serve Bay Area California
Contact us
mail@bejamesteam.com
28 Geary St, Ste 650-1825
San Francisco, CA 94108

Including these cities

  • San Francisco
  • San Jose
  • San Mateo
  • Palo Alto
  • Sunnyvale
  • Santa Clara
  • Mountain View
  • Redwood City
  • Cupertino
  • Los Gatos
  • Daly City
  • Fremont
  • Oakland
  • Hayward
  • Pleasanton
  • Walnut Creek
  • Danville
  • Lafayette

Don't see your city? Ask us - the on-site estimate is free.

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