Home / Service Areas / Oakland
ADU & new-home builds in Oakland.
Independent construction project management for Oakland homeowners — competitively bid, tracked in real time, and delivered for up to 10% less than your best builder offer.
Last updated: June 2026
Local know-how, on your side.
Oakland has been one of the East Bay's most ADU-friendly cities, with flatland and hillside neighborhoods that suit both detached backyard units and garage conversions. Strong rental demand makes Oakland ADUs a popular income play.
Permitting in Oakland: Oakland processes ADU permits through its Planning & Building Department and has streamlined review in line with California ADU law. Flatland lots often suit detached units; hillside parcels add grading and access considerations that affect cost and timeline.
Whatever your Oakland lot allows, we scope it honestly, put the trades out to competitive bid, and manage the build from permit to keys — so you capture the value for up to 10% less than a markup contractor would charge.
How does ADU permitting work in Oakland?
Oakland speeds ADU review with a pre-approved ADU plans program, and under California law (Gov. Code § 66314) the city must act on a complete application within 60 days. Two local rules to plan for: every Oakland ADU requires its own separate electric meter, and ADUs cannot be rented for stays under 30 days.
Choosing one of the city’s pre-approved plans is the fastest route through plan check, and the separate electric meter belongs in your budget from day one. Because short-term rentals are off the table, Oakland ADUs pencil as long-term rentals or family space. Current requirements are on the city’s secondary units page. Our ADU permit timeline guide walks the full process step by step.
Typical Bay Area ADU cost ranges.
General 2026 market estimates — your project is scoped and bid on its own.
Oakland builds draw on the same East Bay trade pool, so these market ranges are the honest starting point before bids come in. A detached ADU generally runs $250K–$450K, a garage conversion $120K–$250K, and a junior ADU $75K–$150K — about $250–$450 per square foot. We competitively bid each trade and target a delivered cost up to 10% below your best builder offer. Full detail in our ADU cost guide.
Managed, not marked up — in Oakland.
- Competitive trade bidding so you never overpay for Oakland labor or materials.
- Real-time dashboard — budget, schedule, and quality, any time.
- One accountable manager from first estimate to final walkthrough.
- Local permitting know-how to keep your Oakland project moving.
Oakland ADU FAQ.
Is Oakland good for a detached backyard ADU?
Often yes — many Oakland flatland lots have the rear-yard space for a detached ADU, while hillside lots may favor a conversion or attached unit due to grading and access.
Can I rent out an Oakland ADU?
Yes. Many Oakland homeowners build ADUs specifically for rental income; we confirm the unit type and any local requirements during feasibility.
Building in Oakland?
Send us your lot details and any bid you've received. We'll show you what's possible — and what you'd save.
Get a Free Estimate