May 12, 2025
How Much Does It Actually Cost to Build an ADU in California?
How Much Does It Actually Cost to Build an ADU in California?
How Long Does It Take to Build an ADU? In San Jose, A Lot Less Time Now
- ADU Design & Construction, ADU Law
Breaking news for Bay Area homeowners that actually matters to your timeline (and sanity)
Hey there!
Welcome to some news that will actually impact your ADU timeline in San Jose.
The traditional ADU permitting process is like trying to board a flight with six layovers when you only need to go 300 miles. You spend more time waiting at the gate than actually moving toward your destination, the food is terrible, and by the time you arrive, you’ve forgotten why you wanted to travel in the first place.
For the average Bay Area homeowner, that translates to 6-9 months just to get plans approved before construction can even begin. Six. To. Nine. Months. Of. Waiting.
But what if I told you there’s now a direct flight option?
If permit purgatory makes your stomach turn, I’ve got news that will actually change your life: LiveLarge is now pre-approved by the San Jose Building Department.
The Game-Changer: Pre-Approved Plans in San Jose
This might sound like the most boring announcement ever, but for anyone in San Jose looking to add an ADU, this is like skipping to the front of a 6-month line.
The permitting process is the #1 timeline killer for ADU projects. As someone who spent years as a residential builder, I can tell you the honest truth: getting plans approved can take a small eternity in the Bay Area.
But now, San Jose has pre-approved our entire plan set. That means:
- No more back-and-forth with plan reviewers (an exercise that typically adds 3-4 months to your timeline)
- No more “please revise and resubmit” (the most depressing four words in construction)
- No more hoping your designer understands building codes (spoiler alert: many don’t)
The most time-consuming part of the ADU process is now eliminated for LiveLarge units in San Jose. Your timeline just got significantly shorter, and your headache potential just dropped by about 85%.
San Jose’s ADU Fair: Your Fast-Track to Getting Started
San Jose isn’t just pre-approving our units – they’re going all in on making ADUs happen with an upcoming event you should absolutely attend if you’re serious about this:
ADU Fair + Building Open House
- When: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 5-7pm (after work, because they understand you have a job)
- Where: City Hall Rotunda and Plaza
- Why you should drag yourself there:
- Meet us in person (we don’t bite, promise)
- Speak directly with building inspectors and city planners (skip the endless phone tag)
- Walk away with an actual permit for qualifying projects (this is not a drill)
This Isn’t Like Most “Exciting Announcements”
How many times have you seen something awesome announced – like a sleek new car model – only to discover it’s only available in Europe for the first year?
You wait. And wait. Eventually, you forget about it entirely or lose interest.
ADUs and prefab buildings often follow the same disappointing pattern. The concept sounds amazing, but then reality sets in: “Oh wait, this is going to take fifteen different approvals and I’ll be 80 years old before I can use it.”
This announcement is different. San Jose is actually removing real barriers, not just talking about it.
No, we can’t just airdrop these units into your backyard with zero oversight (though we’ve suggested it). But San Jose is doing something that actually matters: streamlining the process to eliminate the worst headaches.
Who Should Come to the ADU Fair?
- You’re considering an ADU but dread the permit process
- You own property in San Jose and want to increase its value
- You’re curious about how much faster the process has become
- You just like seeing well-engineered, fortress-like structures that are probably overbuilt for their purpose (we take that as a compliment)
The bottom line: San Jose is making ADUs happen faster than ever before. We’re proud to be part of it, and we’re ready to help you take advantage of this rare moment when government efficiency actually improves your life.
See you at the ADU Fair on May 22nd. We’ll be the ones without the stress wrinkles that usually come with navigating building departments.
Discover More
May 5, 2025
How Long Does It Take to Build an ADU in California? The Honest Timeline
April 28, 2025
Can I Actually Fit an ADU on My California Property? (Spoiler: Probably)