Whether you're planning a rental unit to offset your mortgage, a private guest suite for visiting family, or a comfortable in-law space where grandparents can live close by, a well-built accessory dwelling unit adds real long-term value to your property. New Generation Construction designs and builds new ADUs for homeowners across Riverside, CA — handling every stage from initial site evaluation and permitting through framing, finishes, and final inspection. We're a licensed general contractor (CSLB 910999) building ADUs the right way, on solid foundations, with materials built to last.
What new ADU construction involves
An accessory dwelling unit is a fully independent living space on the same lot as a primary residence. In Riverside, that can take several forms: a detached backyard unit built from the ground up, an attached ADU that shares a wall with the main house, a garage conversion, or a Junior ADU carved out of existing square footage. Every legal ADU needs its own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and separate entrance.
The construction work itself is a full residential build in miniature. We evaluate your lot for setbacks, utility connections, and drainage. We produce plans that meet California ADU law and Riverside's local zoning, then pull permits with the city. Once approved, we pour the foundation, frame the structure, run electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, install insulation, drywall, roofing, windows, and doors, and finish interiors with cabinetry, flooring, tile, fixtures, and paint. Exterior finishes are matched or complemented to the main home. We coordinate every trade so the sequence stays tight and the site stays clean. A typical detached ADU in Riverside runs several months from groundbreak to certificate of occupancy, depending on size, complexity, and city timelines.
Why New Generation Construction for new ADU construction
- Licensed California general contractor — CSLB #910999 — with the overhead, insurance, and accountability of a legitimate construction business, not a subcontractor working out of a truck.
- Full design-through-build service: site evaluation, plans, permits, foundation, framing, MEP, finishes, and final walkthrough handled under one contract.
- Premium materials from reputable manufacturers with real warranties — we don't swap in cheaper substitutes to shave the bid.
- Experienced in-house crews on framing, hardscape, and finish work, so the trades that shape your ADU aren't rotating strangers.
- Owner Ely Ramos is involved from the first walkthrough through the final punch list and is available to answer questions throughout the project.
- Riverside-based: we know the city's ADU ordinance, the local building department, and how to sequence a build around Southern California weather and inspection schedules.
Our new ADU construction process
- On-site consultation. We walk your property, listen to how you plan to use the ADU, measure the buildable area, and talk through setbacks, utility locations, and access.
- Design and proposal. We develop a floor plan and elevations that fit your lot and budget, then provide a written, itemized proposal so you can see exactly what's included.
- Plans and permits. We finalize construction drawings, submit to the City of Riverside, and manage plan-check corrections until permits are issued.
- Site prep and foundation. Grading, trenching for utilities, forming, and pouring a code-compliant foundation.
- Framing and rough-ins. Structural framing, roof, then electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins, followed by city inspections.
- Finishes. Insulation, drywall, interior and exterior paint, cabinetry, flooring, tile, fixtures, appliances, and any hardscape or landscape tie-ins.
- Final inspection and walkthrough. We close out permits, walk the finished unit with you, and hand over keys, warranties, and documentation.
What new ADU construction typically costs
ADU pricing in Riverside varies widely, and any contractor giving you a firm number before seeing your lot and plans is guessing. Cost is driven by square footage, whether the unit is detached or attached, foundation and site conditions, how far utilities have to be extended, roof pitch and exterior finish, and the quality level of interior finishes like cabinetry, flooring, and appliances. City fees, school fees, and utility connection fees are separate line items that also affect the total.
Our estimates include design, permits, structural build, MEP, and finishes clearly itemized so you can see where every dollar goes. We're rarely the cheapest bid on the street — we build with premium materials and licensed labor, and we stand behind the work. If you'd like a real number tailored to your lot and vision, we'll come out and put together a detailed written proposal at no cost.
Service areas we cover
- Riverside
- Corona
- Moreno Valley
- Jurupa Valley
- Norco
- Eastvale
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Redlands
- Fontana
- Chino
FAQ
How big can my ADU be in Riverside?
California state law and Riverside's ordinance set maximum sizes based on lot type and whether the unit is attached or detached. Detached ADUs are commonly built up to 1,200 square feet, and Junior ADUs up to 500 square feet within an existing home. We'll confirm exact limits for your specific lot during the consultation.
Do I need to own the property to build an ADU?
Yes. ADUs can only be permitted by the property owner. You do not have to live on the property, but the parcel must have a legal primary dwelling.
Can I rent out the ADU?
In most cases, yes — long-term rental is allowed. Short-term rental (under 30 days) is restricted in many Riverside-area jurisdictions, so we'll confirm the current rules for your address before you design around a rental strategy.
How long does an ADU project take?
Design and permitting typically run 2–4 months depending on plan check, and construction of a detached ADU commonly runs 4–8 months once permits are issued. Garage conversions and attached units are often faster.
Will an ADU require a separate utility meter?
Not always. Detached ADUs may require or benefit from separate electric and water meters depending on size and utility policy. We'll lay out the options and costs during design.
Do you handle the design or do I need my own architect?
We handle design in-house or coordinate with an architect when a project calls for it. Either way, you get one contract and one point of accountability.
Ready to talk through a new ADU on your Riverside property? Call New Generation Construction at [CALL] or request a free on-site consultation and written estimate. We'll walk your lot, listen to your plans, and show you exactly what's possible.