A few of the homes we’ve built.
The whole idea is simple
A Move-In Ready ADU
One team handles every step for you: design, permits, city approvals, utilities, and construction. All you do is share your vision.
Start to keys
We handle everything.You just move in.
Every step is ours, not yours.
Step 01 · Plans
First, we design it.
We draw your home and engineer every part of it: structure, plumbing, electrical, energy, soils. All you do is pick the finishes you love.
- Floor plan
- Structural
- Title 24
- Finish selections
about 4–6 weeks
Step 02 · Permits
Then we get it approved.
We take the plans to your city and clear every department (planning, building, fire, engineering), cover the fees, and fix every correction. You never deal with a permit office.
- Planning
- Building
- Fire
- Fees & corrections
in Upland, as fast as 6 weeks
Step 03 · Construction
Then we build it.
One crew builds it start to finish, sends weekly photo updates, and manages every inspection, right through to the keys in your hand.
- Dedicated PM
- Weekly updates
- City inspections
- Keys
about 6–10 weeks
The whole project
under 6 months
in cities like Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, and more
Serving the 210 corridor & beyond
Chances are, we’ve already built an ADU on your block.
We build across 19 cities in Los Angeles, San Bernardino & Riverside — and the part everyone dreads, the city and county, is ours to handle.
- Read all stories
- On the city process
We looked into working directly with the City of Chino… it quickly became confusing — one person would tell us one thing, and someone else would contradict it.
ChristieRead their story → - On permits & plans
I knew nothing about permits, plans, or managing a build — Backyard Estates handled the complexity for me.
SunilRead their story → - On permit updates
During the permit process, we received weekly updates explaining exactly what was happening with the city and how long approvals would take.
Sylvia & EnriqueRead their story → - On the county
If you’ve dealt with construction, you know how stressful the county can be… working through the county, it has gone exactly as promised.
MikeRead their story → - On city rules & inspectors
They were able to talk to the city and remove unnecessary items… their expertise with city rules, inspectors, and local processes is invaluable.
PaulRead their story → - On city permits
I was worried because my city is notoriously difficult with permits… and they got it done. Every step of the process went smoothly.
ShayneRead their story → - On peace of mind
I’ve heard nightmare stories of projects getting shut down by the city, so having that peace of mind meant everything.
JuanRead their story → - On city approval
They worked directly with the HOA and handled the plans… once it reached the city, everything moved quickly and smoothly. The city approval was seamless and painless.
DanRead their story → - On permitting
I’m not running to the city to do permits… we don’t think we would have ever gotten through permitting on our own.
Lena and KarlaRead their story → - On permitting hiccups
Even when there were normal permitting issues with the city, Backyard Estates stayed on top of everything and kept us informed the entire time.
Laura and DanaRead their story → - On the hard parts
They handled the permitting, coordination, and scheduling — all the hard parts that would have stopped us completely.
McKenna and SheaRead their story → - Read all stories
What’s included
Standard finishes, made to feel like home from day one.
Every finish and system in your home, and every city fee off your plate.
- CabinetsWood shaker cabinets, soft-close · pantry · lazy susan · spice and trash roll-outs
- CountertopsQuartz with 4″ backsplash and mitered edge
- AppliancesStainless steel 30″ fridge, range, dishwasher, and over-range microwave
- Sink & faucetUndermount stainless steel sink with garbage disposal and Delta® Antony pulldown faucet
- Lighting4″ LED recessed lighting (4–8 per plan)
- Shower60″ fiberglass pan or tub with subway-tile walls and Delta® Portwood trim
- Vanity30″ wood vanity, soft-close, with undermount sink and quartz top
- ToiletElongated low-flow, water-saving toilet
- AccessoriesMirror · towel bar · towel ring · paper holder · widespread faucet
- Lighting3-light vanity fixture · 2 recessed lights · Nutone® quiet exhaust fan
- CeilingsVaulted 8′–10′ ceilings in the great room · 8′ ceilings in bedrooms
- Floors & doorsLuxury vinyl plank throughout · shaker 6′8″ passage doors with lever sets
- Paint & trimDunn-Edwards SuperPaint® · 1×2.5″ casing · 1×4″ baseboard
- ElectricalDecora® dimmers · outlets every 12′ · prewired data hub (CAT 6)
- ClosetsMirrored wardrobe doors with shelf and pole
- Siding & roofStucco 16/20 · 30-year asphalt shingles · 8″ Windsor fascia
- WindowsWhite vinyl dual-pane Low-E · Title 24 compliant · 2″ faux-wood blinds
- Door36″ Masonite® fiberglass entry door, prehung and primed
- ElectricalDawn-to-dusk light · (2) GFCI patio outlets · EV charger prep
- Plumbing1 exterior hose bib
- StructureWood-framed · slab-on-grade foundation · 2×4 walls · 5/8″ fire-rated drywall
- InsulationR15 walls + R30 roof · interior and exterior walls insulated
- EnergyCA Title 24 compliant · PV solar system available
- RoofGabled roof · 20″ front/rear overhang · 3×3 concrete patio stoop
- Water heaterHigh-efficiency 50-gallon heat-pump water heater (3.24 EF) with enclosure
- HVACMini-split system with flush cassettes · one head per bedroom · heating and cooling
- PlumbingPEX water lines · shutoff valves at every fixture · external exhaust venting
- Electrical200A panel + 225 busbar · 100A ADU sub-panel · CAT 6
- Planning
- Building
- Engineering
- Public Works
- Waste
- City / County Fire
- Recorder
- Water
- Electric Provider
- School Districts
- CA ADU Law
- Address, plan-check, and building fees — admin, inspection, sub-panel, fire
- School fees · notarization · permit pull · plan-checker follow-up
- Corrections review · state compliance · dedicated PM + superintendent
Impact fees are separate, city-imposed charges some cities apply to larger ADUs. When one applies, we flag it upfront in your Formal Property Analysis, so you see it before you commit.
See the full spec on any floor planI could literally sit back and know that all of the details were being handled — that is priceless.
JenniferRancho Cucamonga · Estate 600Floor plans
Ten proven plans. Customize any of them.
Ten Estate plans with transparent package pricing: finishes, appliances, permits, and city fees included. Every lot is different, so we confirm your site-specific costs with a Formal Property Analysis.
Your ADU, your way
Then make it yours.
Every finish is premium and included. Mix, match, and choose the colors that feel like home.
Urban OliveThese are just starting points. Mix guides, match pieces, and pick the colors that are yours.
Browse every finish & color
IncludedCabinetsShaker Cabinets - Olive Green
IncludedCabinet PullsCabinet Pulls - Brushed Gold
IncludedCountertopsCountertop - Bella Calacatta
IncludedInterior Door HandlesDoor Handles - Satin Brass
IncludedEntry Door HandsetsDoor Handset - Brushed Gold
IncludedFlooringLuxury Vinyl Plank - Fox Hound
IncludedInterior FinishesRecessed Lighting
IncludedInterior FinishesOrange Peel Wall Finish
Why homeowners choose us
You get a move-in-ready home, not a second job.
Building an ADU can turn you into the project manager, juggling trades, the city, and the schedule. With Backyard Estates, all of them are ours. You get one team, one all-in price, and one point of contact from your backyard to keys.
You line up the architect, the engineers, the city, and every crew, and keep every one of them on schedule, all on your own.
- A separate bill from every trade
- Delays that drag on for months
- On your own once they leave
- You chase them for status
“I went with another company first, and it turned into a nightmare. The permits dragged on for nine months, and the price just kept climbing.”
PaulBefore Backyard Estates
We carry the architect, the engineers, the city, and every crew, from your backyard to keys, for one all-in price we set after reviewing your property.
- One all-in price, no surprises
- About 8 weeks to build
- Full one-year warranty
- A progress update every Friday
“Backyard Estates handled the city, cut the extra costs, and did exactly what they said. Starting with them would have saved me five months and about $10,000.”
PaulAfter Backyard EstatesHow it actually works
A Simple Process.
Here’s every step from hello to keys. It starts with a conversation, and once permits clear, most builds finish in about eight weeks.
- 1
A free office visit
We pull up your property and place real ADUs on your lot: layouts, placement, and honest, upfront pricing to ground the conversation.
Free, and about 90 minutesSchedule an office visit - 2
Formal Property Analysis
Our architect and engineers verify 250+ items on site: utilities, soil conditions, setbacks, city rules, and confirm your exact number.
$500, fully credited to your buildSchedule your analysis - 3
Your formal proposal
We sit down together and walk through everything: your property’s unique site characteristics, the full scope of work, an estimated timeline, your return on investment, and a clear payment schedule, with the next steps spelled out. It’s the whole picture, so you can make an informed decision.
You decide if it’s right for you - 4
Plans & permits
We draft your custom plans, finalize your finishes, and clear all 11 city departments for you.
Plans in 4–6 weeks · permit time set by your city - 5
We build it
A dedicated project manager and superintendent run the job, with weekly photos and updates in your portal.
About 8 weeks on average - 6
Keys in hand
We pass final inspection and hand over the keys, ready for family to move in or for the rent to start.
Move in, or start earning
Ready when you are
See it on your property.
Bring your address to a free office visit. We’ll place real ADUs on your lot and show you exactly what’s possible.
- Free
- About 90 minutes
- Plans on your lot
Real homeowners
What our customers have to say.
Families all across LA & the Inland Empire — tap a face to watch their story, or scroll through their words below.
Backyard Estates exuded integrity, confidence, and quality—we always felt completely safe in their hands.
Mark and MelissaClaremont · Estate 750+ · 2 bd · 1.5 baThis was the most pleasant experience I’ve ever had building a structure.
I could literally sit back and know that all of the details were being handled—that is priceless.
It has been the best construction process that I’ve ever been through in my life.
She gets the best of both worlds—her own space while still being close to family.
I had to do nothing… it was a completely different experience.
We really made an excellent choice when we chose Backyard Estates.
It’s like a dream come true, really.
If I ever had to do this again, I would definitely use Backyard Estates.
This is the answer—I’ll get exactly what I want.
Once the build started, I haven’t doubted their character ever—they do exactly what they say.
I felt that someone had my back every single step of the process.
You’ve met a few. See them all.
Hear from every family we’ve built for, in their own words.
See all testimonialsHow people pay for it
Most homeowners never touch their savings.
An ADU is one of the few home projects that can help pay for itself. Most owners borrow against the equity they already have — so there’s often no cash out of pocket. Here are the usual paths.
- Most popular
HELOC
Borrow against your home's equity with flexible, interest-only payments during the draw period.
- Interest-only payments while you draw
- Draw funds as the build progresses
- Keep your existing low-rate mortgage
Best forHomeowners with built-up equity
- Fixed rate
Home equity loan
A fixed rate with predictable monthly payments, disbursed as a single lump sum up front.
- Fixed, predictable payment
- Lump-sum disbursement
- Keep your existing mortgage
Best forThose who want payment certainty
- Consolidate
Cash-out refinance
Replace your current mortgage with a larger one and take the difference as cash for the build.
- One loan, one payment
- Access equity as cash
- May reset your mortgage term
Best forConsolidating into a single loan
- Specialized
Construction loan
A short-term loan for the build that converts to permanent financing once your ADU is complete.
- Draw-based as milestones are met
- Converts to a permanent mortgage
- Useful without existing equity
Best forBuyers building without home equity
- Future value
Renovation loan
A mortgage that funds the build based on your home's projected value once the ADU is complete.
- One loan covers a purchase or refinance plus the ADU build
- Available to buyers and current homeowners
Best forHomeowners without sufficient existing equity
- Not sure which fits?
Let’s find your best path.
The right one depends on your equity and rate — we’ll work out yours, for free.
Talk through your options
The people behind your build
You bring the backyard. We bring people who’ve done this before.
Permitting, design, construction, finances, onboarding. Every stage has someone who’s handled it hundreds of times, so nothing about your project is anyone’s first day.
From Adam, Tom, Dusty, and the entire team, everyone just exuded integrity, confidence, and quality.
Mark & MelissaClaremont · Read their story →Completed ADUs
Real backyards. Real move-ins.
Homes we designed, permitted, and built across LA & the Inland Empire — most from a bare backyard to keys in about six months.
You don’t have to figure this out alone
Wherever you are, there’s a next step that fits.
You tell us why. We handle how. Start light, or go straight to certainty.
- Just exploring
Intro call
About 15 minutes · by phoneGet your questions answered by someone who actually knows your city. No property needed.
Free
Schedule a call - Ready to see what fits your lot
Office visit
About 90 minutes · in UplandWe pull up your property, place real ADUs on your lot, and walk you through honest pricing. This is where it becomes real.
Free
Book an office visit - Ready for certainty
Get your exact price
Formal Property Analysis · on your propertyWe verify everything: utilities, sewer, setbacks, access, so your price is real and there are zero surprises later.
$500 fully credited when you build
Get my exact price
