ADU Construction in Santa Ana, CA

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ADU Builder

ADU Construction in Santa Ana, CA

Serhal Builders builds ADUs in Santa Ana, including detached backyard units, garage conversions, attached ADUs and junior ADUs.

Santa Ana offers a Pre-Approved ADU Plans program with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom detached ADU plan sets from approved designers. Using one can cut pre-construction cost, but each set still needs site-specific design work, and your project must meet the city’s grading permit exemption requirements to use them.

We’re a licensed, veteran-owned general contractor (CSLB #1074208) with more than 31 years in construction, and we build ADUs across Orange County.

Full-Service Solutions

Complete ADU Services in Santa Ana

One licensed contractor from design and permits to the final inspection.

Detached ADUs icon
Detached ADUs

A separate backyard home built from the ground up, with its own entrance, kitchen and bathroom.

Garage Conversions icon
Garage Conversions

We turn an existing garage into a full living space, often the most budget-friendly way to add a unit.

Attached ADUs icon
Attached ADUs

An addition connected to your home with its own entry, kitchen and bath, so family stays close but independent.

Junior ADUs (JADU) icon
Junior ADUs (JADU)

A unit of up to 500 square feet created inside your existing home, with its own entrance.

Design & Floor Plans icon
Design & Floor Plans

In-house design, plans from our design partner, or your own architect’s plans. We work whichever way suits you.

Permits & City Approval icon
Permits & City Approval

We prepare and submit the permit package and handle plan-check corrections with the city.

Utilities & Systems icon
Utilities & Systems

Electrical, plumbing, sewer, water and gas tie-ins planned early so there are no surprises mid-build.

Kitchens, Baths & Finishes icon
Kitchens, Baths & Finishes

Cabinets, counters, tile, flooring and fixtures, all handled by the same team that remodels full homes.

Why Choose Us

Solutions & Benefits

Every lot is different. These are the three ways most homeowners add a unit.

Detached ADU
Attached & JADU
Plans & Permits

Detached ADUs & Garage Conversions

A detached ADU gives you a separate backyard home with its own entry, kitchen and bath. A garage conversion reuses an existing structure and is often the most budget-friendly way to add a unit.

Attached ADUs & Junior ADUs

An attached ADU connects to your home but lives independently. A junior ADU is up to 500 square feet created inside your existing home, a good fit for family members who want their own space nearby.

Plans & Permits Your Way

Use our in-house design, our design partner, or plans you already have. We prepare the permit package, respond to plan-check comments and coordinate inspections until final sign-off.

Local Knowledge

What Santa Ana Homeowners Should Know

Pre-approved plan sets – Santa Ana offers detached ADU plans in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts, downloadable from the city.
Grading exemption – Projects must meet the grading permit exemption requirements to use the pre-approved sets, and a grading exemption form is submitted with the application.
Customization still needed – Every pre-approved set needs some site-specific work. We complete that and submit the package.
Custom plans – If the pre-approved layouts don't fit your lot or goals, we design a custom ADU instead.
ADU floor plans for a Santa Ana home
Homeowners reviewing ADU floor plans
Simple Process

Our Working Process

Building an ADU in Santa Ana has more steps than a remodel. Our process keeps it clear and manageable.

We look at your lot, utilities and goals and recommend the ADU type that fits.
We design in-house, with our partner, or from your plans, then handle submittal and plan-check corrections with the city.
Our crew builds the ADU and coordinates every inspection through to final sign-off.
Quick Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Santa Ana have pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes. Santa Ana offers detached ADU plan sets in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts from approved designers.
Can every Santa Ana property use the pre-approved plans?
No. Projects must meet the city's grading permit exemption requirements, and every plan set needs site-specific customization.
Can you build a custom ADU in Santa Ana instead?
Yes. If a pre-approved plan doesn't suit your lot, we design and permit a custom ADU.
Are you a licensed contractor?
Yes. Serhal Builders is a licensed California general contractor (CSLB #1074208). We're veteran-owned and family-run, with more than 31 years of construction experience.
Do you handle the plans and permits?
Yes. We can design your ADU in-house, work with our design partner, or build from plans you already have. Either way we prepare the permit package and handle corrections with the city.
Can I convert my garage into an ADU?
In most cases, yes. California law generally does not allow cities to require replacement parking when a garage is converted into an ADU. We check your specific property before design.
How do I get started?
Call us at 949-829-4999 or request a quote online. We'll talk through your goals, look at your property and explain which ADU type fits best.