Custom Accessory Dwelling Units Designed & Built for Los Altos Homes

ADU Builders Los Altos,CA

Looking for experienced ADU builders in Los Altos? Feldman Construction provides custom accessory dwelling unit design and construction for homeowners who want to add thoughtfully designed living space without compromising the character of their property.

Custom Property-Specific Design

Build an ADU Around the Way You Want to Live

An ADU should do more than add square footage. It should solve a real need while feeling like a natural part of your property.

Los Altos homeowners may consider an accessory dwelling unit for aging parents, an adult child, guests, a home office or studio, multigenerational living, long-term rental use, a backyard cottage, or adaptable future living space. Whether you envision a compact in-law cottage or a high-end custom detached residence, our team can help determine an ADU approach appropriate for your property and goals.

From a detached ADU or backyard cottage to an attached ADU, in-law cottage, Junior ADU (JADU), or garage conversion, our design-build team manages the project from initial planning and architectural design through permitting and construction.

Every property is different. We design each Los Altos ADU around the existing home, available space, intended use, and applicable local requirements while maintaining the craftsmanship and attention to detail expected in a custom home.

Comprehensive Solutions

ADU Design & Build Services in Los Altos

As ADU builders in Los Altos, California, Feldman Construction provides an integrated design-build approach so homeowners can move through planning, design, permitting, and construction with one coordinated team.

Independent Space

Detached ADUs

A detached ADU is a separate residential structure located on the same property as the primary residence. It can work particularly well as a guest house, in-law cottage, private workspace, or independent living environment. Our team designs detached ADUs in Los Altos to complement the architecture and landscape of the main residence.

Natural extension

Attached ADUs

An attached ADU expands the existing home while creating a separate residential living area. As an experienced ADU contractor in Los Altos, we evaluate how the new space connects structurally and visually with the existing home.

Smaller Footprint

Junior ADUs (JADUs)

A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit, or JADU, is a smaller residential unit created within a single-family home. It can provide another option for independent or semi-independent living space.

Repurposed Structure

Garage Conversion ADUs

An existing garage may provide an opportunity to create additional living space. A successful conversion requires careful planning around layout, insulation, utilities, natural light, and code compliance.

Unique Goals

Custom ADUs and Backyard Cottages

Feldman Construction creates custom ADUs in Los Altos with layouts, materials, finishes, and architectural details selected around the homeowner and existing residence.

A Structured Path

A Design-Build Approach to Your Los Altos ADU

Building an ADU involves site conditions, zoning requirements, utilities, structural design, architecture, permitting, finish selections, and construction sequencing. Our design-build process provides continuity from concept through completion.

01

Property and Project Evaluation

We discuss how you want to use the ADU and evaluate the property, existing residence, site conditions, and potential project constraints.

02

ADU Design

We develop a design around the property and your priorities for layout, privacy, natural light, storage, functionality, and architectural character.

03

Plans and Permitting

Our team coordinates drawings and documentation and works through the applicable permitting process.

04

Material and Finish Planning

Exterior materials, cabinetry, flooring, fixtures, lighting, and interior details are coordinated to create a cohesive finished space.

05

ADU construction

Feldman Construction manages construction and project coordination through completion, with attention to workmanship, communication, and established design details.

Architectural Harmony

ADUs That Complement Los Altos Architecture

Los Altos includes traditional, ranch, contemporary, modern, and extensively remodeled homes. We consider the architecture of the primary residence and surrounding property.

Future-Proof Living Space

ADU Home Additions Designed for Long-Term Flexibility

An ADU can function differently as a household changes. A space designed for visiting family could later serve as an in-law unit, private office, guest suite, or independent living environment.

Our approach to ADU home additions in Los Altos, California considers both current and future use, ensuring the investment serves you well for decades.

Navigating Local Requirements

Los Altos ADU Regulations and Permitting

Accessory dwelling units in Los Altos are governed by California law and local requirements. Current City guidance addresses height, setbacks, building separation, parking, kitchens, bathrooms, and other property-specific requirements.

Current guidance generally identifies a 4-foot minimum side and rear setback for attached and detached ADUs and an 18-foot maximum height for detached ADUs, subject to applicable requirements and exceptions. Los Altos also provides pathways for custom site-specific ADU plans as well as pre-approved and City permit-ready detached ADU plans.

Regulations can change, so requirements for an individual parcel should be verified during planning. Please note that the 4-foot setback and 18-foot height figures are subject to current City confirmation.

Custom ADUs for Los Altos and Los Altos Hills

Properties throughout Los Altos and neighboring Los Altos Hills can present different opportunities for accessory dwelling units. Feldman Construction works with homeowners considering custom ADUs in Los Altos Hills as well as Los Altos, including detached and attached ADUs, JADUs, in-law cottages, and other custom accessory living spaces.

For architecturally distinctive properties, the ADU can be designed as an extension of the overall residential environment. If you are considering a custom ADU contractor in Los Altos Hills, our team can evaluate the property and determine an appropriate design-build direction.

ADU Builders Serving Los Altos Neighborhoods

Feldman Construction can serve homeowners throughout North Los Altos, South Los Altos, Loyola Corners, the Rancho neighborhood, and the Country Club area.

Each ADU is planned around the individual lot, existing residence, homeowner priorities, and applicable requirements.

Craftsmanship is the confidence you feel later

Why Choose Feldman Construction as Your Los Altos ADU Builder?

01

Integrated Design-Build Service

Our approach helps maintain continuity from concept through completion, providing a single point of accountability for your project.

02

Property-Specific Approach

We design around the property rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution, ensuring the ADU fits naturally on your parcel.

03

Bay Area Experience

We bring extensive Bay Area residential experience and emphasize high-quality craftsmanship in every detail.

04

Complete Coordination

We coordinate the many moving pieces involved in ADU design and construction, managing trades, scheduling, and inspections.
Start with what you need to know

Frequently Asked Questions About ADUs in Los Altos

Every property is different. A conversation makes the next step clearer.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), sometimes called an in-law unit, backyard cottage, guest house, or secondary dwelling, is an independent residential unit located on the same property as a primary residence.

Detached ADUs are permitted when a proposed project meets applicable state and local requirements. Property configuration, setbacks, size, existing improvements, and other factors must be evaluated.

Current City guidance generally lists 4-foot minimum side and rear setbacks for attached and detached ADUs. Requirements and exceptions can depend on the project and property.

Current City guidance lists a maximum height of 18 feet for detached ADUs. Different standards can apply to attached ADUs and individual projects.

An ADU is an independent dwelling with facilities for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation. A Junior ADU, or JADU, is a smaller unit created within a single-family residence and is subject to its own requirements.

A garage may potentially be converted into an ADU, subject to property conditions and applicable requirements. Our team can evaluate whether a garage conversion makes sense for the property and intended use.

Yes. Independent space for parents, adult children, extended family, or guests is one reason homeowners consider ADUs.

Depending on the property and proposed design, a detached ADU can function as an in-law cottage or backyard cottage while providing independent residential living space.

Yes. The City currently provides information about privately prepared pre-approved detached ADU plans as well as City permit-ready ADU plans. Site-specific work and permitting are still required.

The timeline varies according to design complexity, property conditions, permitting, selections, and construction scope. The anticipated sequence should be established after evaluating the specific project.

Start Your Los Altos ADU Project

If you are considering an ADU for parents, an adult child, guests, a home office, rental use, or more flexible living space, Feldman Construction can help you explore what is possible.

Our Los Altos ADU builders provide design and construction services for custom detached ADUs, attached ADUs, JADUs, garage conversions, backyard cottages, and other accessory living spaces.

Ready to talk about your ADU?

Whether you have a clear vision or are just starting to explore what’s possible on your property, a conversation is the best first step.