Kirkwood ADU

2 Bed

1.5 Bath

749 sqft

detached

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Mark and Melissa

HOMEOWNER

Mark and Melissa

HOMEOWNER

After years of dreaming, we finally found the team that could bring our vision to life. We visited every open house Backyard Estates held, studying each home and taking pieces from every one to put into our own.

The quality was consistent—over and over again—which made our decision easy.

We knew Backyard Estates was the company for us.

As we’re getting older and don’t want to move again, this home gives us space for our daughter’s family and the chance to finally enjoy all the whistles we never had in our house. It truly feels like a new chapter.

Everyone just exuded integrity… they exuded confidence and quality.

From Adam, Tom, Dusty, and the entire team, everyone just exuded integrity… they exuded confidence and quality. We felt very, very safe in their hands, and never once questioned the process. Every Friday, we received a detailed update so we always knew exactly what had been done and what was coming next.

So excited and feel so blessed to have met Backyard Estates and to have them create this beautiful home for us.

What we’ve been dreaming about for years has come together so smoothly. Everything unfolded just as promised. We are so excited and feel so blessed to have met Backyard Estates and to have them create this beautiful home for us. This home is full of opportunity, and we’re thrilled for our future.

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.

Kirkwood 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 (138 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.

The existing panel, at the FPA site visit, Mar 17, 2025

Electrical panel relocated

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.

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.

Digging out and grading the pad, Aug 15, 2025

Over-excavation and site prep

What we found during the FPA: The soil under the ADU had to be dug out and packed down again before the foundation.
How finding it early helped: The soil findings set how deep to dig and how tight to pack it, so the dig, the compaction tests and the foundation were all in the plan from the start.
What it meant for this homeowner: A solid base under the home, with no stop for soil work in the middle of the build.

Hauling dirt to the truck at one of our jobs
Extra dirt hauled away because of the slope
Extra soil and debris hauled off the lot.
Rain garden

Step 2 of 2

Finished to match the house

So the ADU looks like it belongs with the house.

GuttersGutters that keep rainwater away from both homes.
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.