Briarpath ADU

2 Bed

1 Bath

600 sqft

detached

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Mike

HOMEOWNER

Mike

HOMEOWNER

We went everywhere—shows, tours, and countless companies offering different types of ADUs. But at the end of the day, we chose Backyard Estates because of a feeling of comfort. They had the experience, they had our best interests at heart. We felt they’d be there for us anytime something came up with the county or during construction.

They had the experience, they had our best interests at heart.

If you’ve dealt with construction, you know how stressful the county can be. Our biggest fear was the septic system—our neighborhood is old and all 120 homes have septic issues. But Backyard Estates solved it. We never had one issue with the septic system at all.

We never had one issue with the septic system at all.

From the moment we made the decision, the entire process was seamless. Working through the county, finalizing the design, and now being just days away from moving into a fully functional home—it has gone exactly as promised. They built what they said they were gonna do, on time, within budget, with no issues.

They built what they said they were gonna do, on time, within budget, with no issues.

We also never had to ask, “What’s next?” They showed up, stayed on schedule, and never missed a date. From start to now, it’s been less than three months.

From start to now, it’s been less than three months.

Their online project portal was a huge plus. Our project manager updated it weekly so we always knew what was done and what was coming. And anytime we had a question, we could call Dusty or Adam—they were always available.

In the end, it has been the best construction process that I’ve ever been through in my life.

It has been the best construction process that I’ve ever been through in my life.

To anyone considering building an ADU, I 100% recommend choosing Backyard Estates.

ADU DesignArchitectural PlansStructural EngineeringTitle 24Civil EngineeringPlan Check FeesBuilding & Fire FeesWater & City FeesNotarizationCounty RecordingAgency CoordinationZoning VerificationProject ManagementCity InspectionsCertificate of OccupancyTurn-Key ConstructionPremium FinishesUtility ConnectionsWeekly UpdatesFinancingExterior DesignInterior DesignPre-ConstructionFinal WalkthroughWarranty SupportADU DesignArchitectural PlansStructural EngineeringTitle 24Civil EngineeringPlan Check FeesBuilding & Fire FeesWater & City FeesNotarizationCounty RecordingAgency CoordinationZoning VerificationProject ManagementCity InspectionsCertificate of OccupancyTurn-Key ConstructionPremium FinishesUtility ConnectionsWeekly UpdatesFinancingExterior DesignInterior DesignPre-ConstructionFinal WalkthroughWarranty Support

Designed to feel like home.

Briarpath started as our Estate 600 and was customized for this home.

Project Timeline Overview

0 weeks

Plans

0 weeks

Permits

0 weeks

Construction

Week 1

Site Prep & Groundwork

Week 2

Foundation & Footings

Week 3

Framing & Rough-Ins

Week 4

Windows, Doors, & Exterior Shell

Week 5

Insulation & Drywall

Week 6

Interior & Exterior Finish

Week 7

Cabinets & Countertops

Week 8

Interior Touch-ups & Final Inspection

Site work on this lot

No surprises. Here’s why.

Our Formal Property Analysis found all of this before they signed.

Step 1 of 2

Found before we started

Our architect and engineers checked this lot before we designed anything. Finding these early is how we avoid surprises during the build.

Utility lines in the trench at one of our jobs

Longer water and power runs (57 feet)

What we found during the FPA: Water and power lines had to run farther than usual to reach the ADU.
How finding it early helped: We measured the route and sized the water pipe and the wire for that distance, so the ADU gets full water pressure and full power at the far end of the run.
What it meant for this homeowner: The yard was dug once, and the water and power work the way they were planned.

The existing panel, at the FPA site visit, Nov 4, 2024

Electrical load calculations

What we found during the FPA: The electrical panel had to power two homes.
How finding it early helped: Our load calculation showed what the panel could carry, so any upgrade and the utility’s scheduling started early, not after the walls went up.
What it meant for this homeowner: Power for both homes from day one, with no wait on the utility.

The new septic tank going in, Aug 29, 2025

A septic system, tested, permitted and installed

What we found during the FPA: The lot has no city sewer line, so the ADU needed a new septic system.
How finding it early helped: We tested how fast the soil here soaks up water (a “perc test”) and had the septic system designed around the results, so it was permitted along with the ADU’s plans.
What it meant for this homeowner: Plumbing that works like any other home’s, on a lot with no sewer to tie into.

Concrete cut for the trench at one of our jobs
Concrete cut and poured back (15 sq ft)
Concrete cut for the trench, then poured back.
Rain garden

City permits and fees

Already included in every price, in every city we build in.

StepWho we work withFees we pay

Plan reviewPlanning, Building, Engineering, City / County Fire, CA ADU LawPlan-check, fire, corrections review, state compliance

UtilitiesPublic Works, Water, Electric Provider, WasteWater, sewer and electric connection and capacity

PermitSchool Districts, RecorderSchool, address, notarization, building, permit pull

InspectionsBuildingInspection

Added for this lot

Hydrology report
Infiltration report

Step 2 of 2

Finished to match the house

So the ADU looks like it belongs with the house.

Rain guttersGutters that keep rainwater away from both homes.
Siding and trimThe same style as the house, so they look like a set.

Our team

Your team, from first visit to move-in.

One team. Every step.

Plan
- Serge MayerHead ArchitectWalks your lot and draws your plans. Civil engineering and surveying background.
Permits
- Mary CoonDirector of OperationsKeeps every step moving: permits, schedule, people.
- Elsa TomasProject AdminYour updates and documents, in one place.
Build
- Tom GibsonDirector of Construction50+ years building. Sets how every ADU gets built.
- Dusty GravattSenior Construction Mgr.Runs the job site and the crews.
- Jose CervantesProject ManagerRuns your schedule from permit to move-in.
Every step
- Adam StewartPresident & FounderStands behind every build.
- Edgar CureMarketing & Tech Mgr.Builds the tools that show you every number.