Elite ADU

01/06/2026

The owners of this charming beach bungalow needed more room to grow.
So we added:
 -A new primary suite
- A private bathroom
- A bonus seating area

More room to enjoy life by the beach.

13/05/2026

Good ADU design is about more than adding square footage — it’s about making small spaces function exceptionally well.

In smaller homes and ADUs, thoughtful storage can completely change how the space feels and functions.
Elite ADU designs and builds custom ADUs throughout Santa Cruz County — from planning and permits to construction.

Serving Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel, Scotts Valley & Watsonville.

06/05/2026

An ADU should bring together the things that enhance your lifestyle—
• an open, airy living space you want to spend time in�• a full kitchen with quality finishes�• a comfortable bath and a layout that makes everyday flow better
The kind of space that feels like home.
Serving Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel & Scotts Valley

01/04/2026

This Santa Cruz County ADU is moving through the stages that matter most—site prep, foundation, framing, and exterior work—all setting the foundation for a space that’s built to last.
What you’re seeing here:�• Excavation and site prep to establish the footprint�• New concrete foundation with utility rough-ins�• Structural framing taking shape�• Exterior progress with windows and siding underway
Every step is intentional. Every detail sets up what comes next.
At Elite ADU, we guide homeowners through the full process—from design and permitting to construction—so nothing gets missed and everything works together.
Serving Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel & Scotts Valley.

27/03/2026

A better commute starts here.

This detached workspace is designed to feel separate from the main home—quiet, private, and intentionally set up to support focus. Spaces like this create flexibility, whether used as a home office, creative studio, or future guest space.

What we created:
• Separation from the main home for privacy
• Natural light with a strong connection to the outdoors
• Flexible use today, with long-term potential

Serving Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel & Scotts Valley.

24/03/2026

This Santa Cruz County project transformed an attached space into a full ADU. With a thoughtfully expanded footprint to accommodate a kitchen, bathroom, and living area, every inch was designed to feel light and more spacious than expected.

We created:�• A full kitchen + bathroom within a compact footprint�• Clean, modern finishes that feel fresh and timeless�• Natural light and a smart layout to maximize usability�• An ideal space for guests, extended family, or independent living

ADUs are one of the most versatile investments for Santa Cruz homeowners—whether you’re creating space for aging parents, visiting family, or adult children who want a little independence while staying close to home.

Serving Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel & Scotts Valley.

27/02/2026

A Junior ADU (JADU) — which is a smaller unit created within the existing home — may share a bathroom with the primary residence.

The key requirement?

There must be interior access between the JADU and the main home.
Unlike a detached or standard ADU, a JADU does not strictly need its own separate bathroom — but it must still meet local building and zoning requirements.

In Santa Cruz County, understanding the difference between an ADU and a JADU can impact:

• Layout design
• Budget
• Permitting timelines
• Long-term flexibility

If you’re considering converting space inside your home, a JADU may be an option worth exploring.

Not sure which option fits your property? Let's check.

25/02/2026

Across California — including Santa Cruz County — an ADU must include complete living facilities, which means a full bathroom with sanitation and bathing.

At minimum, that includes:
✔️ Toilet
✔️ Sink
✔️ Shower or bathtub

Without these elements, the structure does not legally qualify as an Accessory Dwelling Unit.

If you're exploring an ADU on your Santa Cruz property, understanding the requirements early can save time, money, and redesigns.

Have questions? Let’s talk before you start drawing plans.

18/02/2026

There’s something exciting about seeing a detached ADU arrive on site — especially when it’s the start of a streamlined, design-forward build.

This pre-fabricated ADU is officially delivered and ready for the next phase. Prefab allows for controlled off-site construction, improved efficiency, and a faster timeline — without compromising quality.

At Elite ADU, we specialize in detached ADUs, backyard cottages, and accessory dwelling units throughout Santa Cruz County, guiding homeowners through:
• Feasibility + site planning
• Permits + Title 24 coordination
• Foundation + utility connections
• ADU installation + finish work
• Fire sprinkler coordination (when required)

Whether you're creating a rental unit, guest house, multigenerational living space, or home office, we handle the process from planning to final inspection.

Serving Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel, Scotts Valley, and surrounding communities.

Thinking about building an ADU in Santa Cruz County? Let’s talk.

17/02/2026