ADU Builders in Palo Alto
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Our Work
One Contractor From Design to Final Inspection
Axiom Renovation designs, permits and builds ADUs in Palo Alto, including detached ADUs, attached ADUs, junior ADUs and garage conversions. You work with one licensed general contractor (CA Lic. #1105006) from the first site visit through the final inspection.
Every project starts with a site assessment. We check your lot, setbacks, utilities and electrical capacity, and explain which ADU type fits your property before you commit.
Tell us about your property and what you want the ADU for, whether that is rental income, a home for family or a home office, and we will schedule a site visit.
What we offer
Types of ADUs We Build
Every lot is different. We build each type of ADU that California allows, and we will tell you plainly which one makes sense for your property and how you plan to use the space.
Beyond the four types below, we also build two-story ADUs and ADUs combined with a garage, which work well on lots where ground-floor area is limited. We also build new homes and ADUs together as one project.
Detached ADUs
Attached ADUs
Junior ADUs (JADUs)
Garage Conversions
Get inspired by the fresh approach to crafting a home that’s uniquely yours
Process
Our ADU Process
Step 1
Initial Consultation
We begin with a thorough initial consultation to understand your needs, assess your space, and discuss your vision, budget, and timeline.
Step 2
Planning and Design
At Axiom Renovation, we understand that the planning and design phase of an ADU project is crucial to its success. Our dedicated project managers will work closely with you to understand your goals, design ideas and budget for the project.
Step 3
Material Selection
We guide you through selecting high-quality materials that fit your design and budget, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
Step 4
Demolition and Preparation
Careful demolition and preparation work are performed to ready the space for construction, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a clean work environment.
Step 5
Construction and Installation
Our skilled craftsmen handle the construction phase, including obtaining permits, scheduling appointments, and the actual construction and installation with precision, building the new space according to the approved design.
Step 6
Electrical and Plumbing Work
Licensed professionals conduct all electrical and plumbing work, ensuring everything is up to code and seamlessly integrated into the new ADU.
Step 7
Painting and Finishing
We pay close attention to detail during the painting and finishing stage, ensuring all surfaces are properly prepared and beautifully finished.
Step 8
Fixture and Appliance Installation
We expertly install all fixtures and appliances, ensuring they function correctly and fit perfectly with the overall design.
Step 9
Final Touches and Clean-Up
Final touches are added, and a thorough clean-up is performed, leaving your new space pristine and ready for use.
Step 10
Final Walkthrough and Client Satisfaction
We conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure every detail meets your expectations and address any remaining concerns, ensuring your complete satisfaction.
About Us
Why Palo Alto Homeowners Choose Axiom for Their ADU
Axiom Renovation is a licensed California general contractor (CA Lic. #1105006) based in San Jose. Our team builds ADUs, additions and new homes across the Bay Area. One team handles design coordination, permits, utility work and construction, so you have a single point of contact for the whole project.
ADUs often need more than framing and finishes. Many need an electrical service or panel upgrade, new sewer and water lines, or coordination with PG&E. We plan for that work from the start so it does not surprise you halfway through the build.
Our History
Quality of Materials and Workmanship
At Axiom Renovation, we believe that using the highest quality materials and employing skilled and experienced craftsmen is essential to delivering exceptional results. Our team of room addition contractors has a deep understanding of the latest materials and construction techniques, and we use only the best products to ensure that your ADU is both beautiful and durable. Our commitment to quality workmanship means that you can trust our ADU construction team to deliver a finished product in a timely manner that will exceed your expectations and stand the test of time.Â
Communication and Coordination with Project Manager
At Axiom Renovation, we understand that clear and open communication is key to the success of any construction project. Our dedicated project manager will keep you informed and involved throughout the entire construction process, ensuring that your vision for your new space is realized. We work closely with all parties involved in the project, including subcontractors, suppliers, and inspectors, to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the project is completed on time and within budget. With our commitment to communication and coordination, you can be confident that your ADU will be a success.
Clear, Itemized Proposals
Every lot and every ADU is different, so we do not publish one-size-fits-all prices. After the site assessment you receive a written, itemized proposal that shows what is included, what is an allowance, and how payments are scheduled by construction stage.
Current ADU Project: 1,200 sq ft Detached ADU in Los Altos
A 1,200 square foot detached ADU now under construction in Los Altos, permitted through the City of Los Altos. Along with the ADU itself, the scope includes a 200-amp underground electrical service upgrade, with the ADU fed from the main house panel instead of a separate meter, coordinated with PG&E.
See more of our work in our project portfolio.
Palo Alto ADU Rules at a Glance
A few points from Palo Alto's ADU rules (Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 18.09) that shape most projects:
- A detached ADU on a single-family lot can be up to 900 sq ft, or 1,000 sq ft with two or more bedrooms.
- An attached ADU has the same size limits and can be no more than 50% of the size of the home.
- Detached ADUs are limited to 16 ft in height in most zones.
- ADUs can sit 4 ft from the side and rear property lines.
- The city's ADU tables do not require parking for an ADU.
Rules change, so we confirm the current standards for your parcel during the site assessment. Source: Palo Alto ADU Ordinance No. 5507.
ADU Builders Near Palo Alto
We also build ADUs in nearby Los Altos, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Mountain View, Los Altos Hills and Menlo Park. See all of our Bay Area ADU services.
ADU Questions We Hear Most
Do I need a permit to build an ADU?
Yes. Every ADU needs a building permit from your city or county. Under California law, the city must act on a complete ADU permit application within 60 days, and we prepare and submit the application for you.
How long does it take to build an ADU?
It depends on the type of ADU, the design and how long your city takes to review plans. We give you a written schedule with your proposal so you know what to expect at each stage.
Will I need an electrical panel or service upgrade?
Often, yes. A new ADU adds kitchen, heating and cooling loads, and many existing homes do not have the capacity. We run a load calculation during the site assessment and include any upgrade in the plan.
Can I rent out my ADU?
In most cases, yes. California law allows ADUs to be rented, though cities can require rentals to be longer than 30 days. We can walk you through your city's rules.
Can you build a new home and an ADU together?
Yes. We build new homes and ADUs as a single project, which lets us plan utilities, the driveway and site work once for both buildings.