Junior ADU
Junior ADUs in Sacramento, CA
Definition
What is a junior adu?
A junior ADU, or JADU, is a small living unit of up to 500 square feet created inside the walls of your existing single-family home, often from a bedroom, a primary suite or part of an attached garage. It has its own entrance and an efficiency kitchen, and may share a bathroom with the main house. It is the lowest-cost ADU option.
Who is a junior adu best for?
- Homeowners who want a modest rental or guest suite at the lowest cost
- Families housing a caregiver, a college student or an adult child
- Homes with an underused primary suite, den or attached garage
- Owners who plan to add a detached ADU later, since one ADU and one JADU are generally allowed
How big can a junior adu be?
Junior ADUs are limited to 500 square feet and must be within the existing walls of the single-family home, which can include an attached garage. They need an efficiency kitchen with a sink, cooking appliance, counter and storage, and may share a bathroom with the main house.
How long does a junior adu take?
Most junior ADUs take about 4 to 8 months from first site visit to move-in. The permit set is smaller, and construction often takes 6 to 10 weeks.
How much does a junior adu cost in Sacramento?
$50,000 to $100,000
Junior ADUs in the Sacramento area typically range from $50,000 to $100,000. Adding a bathroom, moving plumbing and creating a new exterior entrance are the main cost drivers.
Costs and financing optionsRules in plain English
What are the Sacramento rules for a junior adu?
Rules vary by jurisdiction and change often. Call us to confirm what applies to your property.
- Sizeup to 500 sq ft, within the existing walls of the single-family home.
- Kitchenan efficiency kitchen is required. A full kitchen is optional.
- Bathroommay be shared with the main house or private.
- Entranceneeds its own exterior entrance separate from the main entry.
- Combinationone ADU plus one junior ADU on a single-family lot is generally allowed.
- Owner occupancysome rules have applied to JADUs specifically, so we confirm current requirements for your address.
How we build it
How we design, permit and build your junior adu
- 01
Find the right space
We walk the house to find the room or wing that can become a suite with the least disruption.
- 02
Plan the entry and kitchen
A new exterior door and an efficiency kitchen are placed where plumbing and venting are simplest.
- 03
Keep the house livable
Work is contained and dust-controlled so your household can stay in place.
- 04
Inspect and hand over
We schedule inspections, finish the punch list and walk you through every system.
Can I have a junior ADU and a detached ADU on the same lot?
Generally yes. California allows one ADU plus one junior ADU on a single-family lot in most cases. Many homeowners start with a junior ADU for a family member and add a detached unit later. We can plan both at once so utilities are sized for the future.
Ready to plan yours? See our full Design, Permit, Build process, browse design concepts, or read the Sacramento ADU rules guide.
Junior ADU gallery
Representative images. Completed project photos coming soon.
FAQ
Junior ADU questions
How big can a junior ADU be?
A junior ADU can be up to 500 square feet and must be inside the existing walls of the single-family home.
Does a junior ADU need its own bathroom?
No. A junior ADU may share a bathroom with the main house, though many owners add a private bath for renters.
What counts as an efficiency kitchen?
An efficiency kitchen includes a sink, a cooking appliance, a food prep counter and storage cabinets. It does not need a full range or full-size refrigerator.
How much does a junior ADU cost in Sacramento?
Junior ADUs typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 in the Sacramento area, depending mostly on plumbing and whether a bathroom is added.
Free quote
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916.505.2036ADU Design Center2230 26th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818Call to schedule your visit.
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