ADU Construction in Gilroy, CA

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Gilroy can seem like a maze of decisions and regulations, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’ve been considering adding extra space to your home for a rental, a guest house, or to accommodate family, you’re not alone—many homeowners are exploring this option to maximize their properties. Here at Michael Marini Construction, we know that the journey starts with understanding both the potential and the requirements involved. With years of experience guiding clients through everything from design ideas to local building rules, we’re here to help make your ADU dreams become a reality while enhancing your property value. Whether you have specific visions for your new space or need inspiration, our team is ready to assist you at every step.

Michael Marini Construction specializes in managing the entire process of ADU construction in Gilroy, CA, including design and permitting for both attached and detached units. Our team is experienced in navigating local regulations and creating functional spaces that can serve as rental units, guest houses, or additional living areas to enhance your property’s value.

What Is an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary, self-contained living space built on the same lot as a primary home. While compact in size, an ADU includes all the essentials of a standalone home, such as a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and separate entrance, making it a fully functional residence.

ADUs come in a variety of forms depending on the layout of your property and your personal needs. These include:

• Detached ADUs – freestanding structures often built in the backyard.
  
  
• Attached ADUs – units that share a wall with the main home but have their own entrance and living space.
  
  
• Garage Conversions – existing garages converted into livable units with updated utilities and interiors.
  
  
• Interior Conversions – such as finished basements or attics repurposed into private, habitable spaces.
  
  

What sets ADUs apart is their versatility and efficiency. They’re designed to fit into existing residential zones without drastically changing the footprint of your property. Whether modest or modern, an ADU can serve a wide range of purposes—from long-term living to temporary stays—all while blending seamlessly with the main home’s structure and style.

With increasing demand for flexible housing, ADUs are becoming a smart, legal, and highly valuable solution for homeowners across California.

Why Build an ADU?

Building an ADU offers a range of long-term benefits, making it one of the most valuable additions you can make to your property. Here’s why more and more homeowners are choosing to build them:

1. Extra Living Space Without Leaving Home

An ADU offers the ideal setup for multigenerational living, giving aging parents, adult children, or extended family members a private space while still being close by. It offers independence for the occupants and peace of mind for you.

2. Passive Rental Income

An ADU can easily be turned into a long-term rental or short-term Airbnb, giving homeowners a consistent source of income. In high-demand areas like San Jose and Gilroy, an ADU can pay for itself over time and become a powerful tool for financial stability.

3. Increased Property Value

Adding an ADU doesn't just add square footage—it adds resale appeal. Buyers often look for properties with additional income potential or space for guests, making your home more competitive on the market.

4. Flexible Use for Work or Leisure

Need a quiet space to work from home? A private art studio? A guest suite for visiting friends? ADUs are incredibly adaptable and can be reimagined as home offices, creative spaces, or personal retreats without sacrificing your main home's functionality.

5. Smart Solution for Evolving Needs

As families grow and lifestyles change, your home should adapt. ADUs offer that flexibility. Whether you’re planning for aging in place or preparing for future care needs, having a second living unit on your property gives you options for years to come.

In short, an ADU is more than just an addition—it’s a forward-thinking investment in space, comfort, and future value. At Michael Marini Construction, we help homeowners design and build ADUs that truly work for their lives, not just for today, but for what’s ahead.

Regulations and Zoning in Gilroy

Constructing an ADU requires careful navigation through local regulations designed to uphold community standards while addressing the vital need for housing.

To begin, one crucial aspect of our journey is understanding the basics of what is required. The Gilroy city ordinance mandates that ADUs must be built on lots with existing single-family homes; thus, properties located on multi-family lots are not considered eligible for ADU construction.

Additionally, size limitations come into play—detached ADUs may extend up to 1,200 square feet, while attached ones cannot exceed more than 50% of the existing house size. This information helps us plan appropriately right from the start.

Staying informed of updates from Gilroy’s planning department can save us a lot of time and frustration since regulations tend to evolve. It's worth making a note to check these details regularly as we move forward with our project.

Planning Your ADU with Michael Marini Construction

At Michael Marini Construction, we take pride in offering a complete, start-to-finish service for ADU construction. We don’t just build structures—we manage the entire process to make it as smooth, clear, and efficient as possible.

1. Site Assessment and Feasibility

Every project begins with a thorough evaluation of your property, including zoning regulations, lot size, utility connections, and access. We’ll confirm whether your lot is eligible for an ADU and help you navigate local requirements, permits, and design limitations.

2. Design and Planning

We work closely with you to develop a custom ADU design that suits both your functional needs and your property’s character. Whether you're looking for something modern and minimalist or more traditional in style, our design process is focused on maximizing space, comfort, and value.

We’ll guide you through:

• Layout and floor plan options
  
  
• Material and finish selections
  
  
• Accessibility and energy efficiency features
  
  
• Budget alignment and timeline expectations
  
  

3. Permits and City Approvals

Dealing with local municipalities can be overwhelming. That’s why our team handles all the paperwork and ensures your ADU meets current building codes, safety standards, and city regulations. Our familiarity with local processes across San Jose and the surrounding areas speeds up approvals and keeps projects on track.

4. Construction and Craftsmanship

Once permits are secured and materials are chosen, our experienced crew gets to work. We build each ADU with the same care and precision that has made Michael Marini Construction a name clients return to. We stick to timelines, keep the site tidy, and maintain open communication at every stage—so you’re never left wondering what’s happening next.

5. Final Touches and Walkthrough

We don’t consider a job complete until you’re fully satisfied. After construction, we’ll do a final walkthrough, make any necessary adjustments, and answer all your questions about maintenance, functionality, and next steps.

Why Choose Michael Marini Construction for ADU Construction?

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit is a major investment, and choosing the right team makes all the difference. At Michael Marini Construction, we bring a rare combination of experience, craftsmanship, and genuine client care to every ADU project. Here’s what sets us apart:

Proven Experience You Can Rely On

With more than 20 years in the construction industry, our team has successfully delivered a wide range of ADUs in Gilroy and surrounding areas. We know how to navigate the unique challenges that come with these builds—from zoning and permits to custom design and space optimization. Every project is carefully planned and executed with attention to detail, so the final result fits your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Truly Personalised Service

We understand that no two homes—or homeowners—are the same. That’s why we treat each ADU project as a unique opportunity, not just another build. Being personally involved, making regular site visits and staying in close contact with clients throughout the process. This hands-on approach allows us to respond quickly, make adjustments as needed, and maintain the high standards our clients have come to expect.

Full Support from Start to Finish

Managing an ADU can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating permits, building regulations, and inspections. We take that weight off your shoulders. From the moment we begin working together, our team handles the paperwork, ensures compliance with local codes, and coordinates every stage of the project so you can focus on the exciting parts—like watching your new space come to life.

High-Quality Materials and Craftsmanship

A successful ADU should look great and last for years. That’s why we only use trusted, high-quality materials—whether for finishes, fixtures, or foundational work. We take pride in craftsmanship that adds real value to your property and enhances both form and function.

When you choose Michael Marini Construction, you're getting more than a contractor—you're getting a dedicated partner who’s committed to delivering an ADU you’ll be proud of.

Built for Comfort, Designed for Life: Contact Michael Marini Construction Today!

An ADU is more than an extra building—it’s a space that can grow with your family, support your goals, or simply make life easier. With our focus on honest communication, smart design, and dependable workmanship, Michael Marini Construction delivers ADUs that feel like a natural extension of your home.

Whether you're ready to build or just exploring your options, we’re happy to talk through your ideas and answer your questions. Just visit us at mariniconstruction.com or call us at 408-310-8732 to get started!