Greentree ADU

2 Bed

2 Bath

749 sqft

detached

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Ken

HOMEOWNER

Ken

HOMEOWNER

For a young couple starting out, living in this area would be unaffordable. Building an ADU became a way for them to stay in Norco, enjoy the community, and still be near us. My name is Ken Mortensen, and this whole project began as a family discussion.

Building an ADU became a way for them to stay in Norco, enjoy the community, and still be near us.

The first time Sandy and I met Adam was at an open house, and his enthusiasm made us feel comfortable about what we were considering. Being able to walk through the homes helped us understand the space. Going from 1,800 sq ft down to 749 sq ft was intimidating, but the open houses showed us how well the space could be used—it didn’t feel small at all.

The open houses showed us how well the space could be used

A major question for us was experience in Norco. Some companies opted out, but Adam and Tom had built ADUs here before and were willing to take on our project. Backyard Estates came out for an initial survey, helping us understand the regulations and locating our utilities. They even confirmed that we didn’t need a sewage pump, which was a huge relief.

They worked seamlessly together

I was really impressed with the subcontractors. They worked seamlessly together, familiar with each other and committed to quality. Walking through open houses and seeing the finishes also reassured us that the finishes weren’t going to feel small or cheap—they matched the quality of our own home.

The finishes weren’t going to feel small or cheap—they matched the quality of our own home.

But above everything, the care that occurred in the building of the house stood out. Dusty, the subcontractors—everyone involved seemed to genuinely care about the work. They wanted to build a solid home for us, on time and for the right price.

Everything aligned: the quality, the cost, the experience.

In the end, everything aligned: the quality, the cost, the experience. It was simply a perfect fit for what we wanted.

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.

Greentree started as our Estate 750+ 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 utility runs (106 feet)

What we found during the FPA: Sewer, water and power lines had to run farther than usual.
How finding it early helped: We mapped the route and checked the sewer’s slope over that distance, then sized the pipe and wire for the length.
What it meant for this homeowner: The yard was dug once, and every line works the way it was planned.

Sprinkler lines in another ADU we built

Fire sprinklers

What we found during the FPA: The fire department required sprinklers in the ADU.
How finding it early helped: Planning sprinklers from day one meant the water line, meter and ceilings were sized for them, and the fire department reviewed one complete design.
What it meant for this homeowner: No redesign after approval, and sprinklers that fit cleanly into the finished rooms.

A sewer cleanout at one of our jobs

Sewer scope

What we found during the FPA: The existing sewer line needed a camera check before the ADU could tie in.
How finding it early helped: The camera showed the line’s condition before we connected, so any repair was planned in, not found under a new yard.
What it meant for this homeowner: A sewer line ready for two homes, and a finished yard left alone.

The existing water meter, at the FPA site visit
A separate water meter for the ADU
A water meter of its own for the ADU, separate from the house.
Electrical work outside another ADU we built
A separate electric meter for the ADU
An electric meter of its own for the ADU, separate from the house.
An area drain beside another ADU we built
Drainage flow lines graded
Drain lines and grading that carry rainwater away from both homes.
Concrete cut for the trench at one of our jobs
Concrete cut and poured back (174 sq ft)
Concrete cut for the trench, then poured back.

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

Encroachment permitA city permit to work in the street or sidewalk to reach the utilities.

Step 2 of 2

Finished to match the house

So the ADU looks like it belongs with the house.

Tile roofTile to match the house, on a roof built to hold it.
SidingThe same style as the house, so they look like a set.
TrimThe same window and door trim as the house.

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.