Design & Build
Your ADU Today

Stop dreaming about your property’s potential and start building it. Whether you want to generate high-yield rental income or create a beautiful space for your family, Darren’s Design handles everything from the very first sketch to the final city approval. 

NOW IS THE TIME

Why Build an ADU Right Now?

With high mortgage rates keeping many Bay Area homeowners from moving, upgrading your current footprint is the smartest financial decision you can make. An Accessory Dwelling Unit is no longer just a backyard shed; it is a powerful wealth-building asset.

Massive Equity Boost

Adding a permitted unit increases overall property values by 20-35% adding $100,000+ in value immediately.

Keep Family Close

Build a stunning, accessible home to house family members who are priced out of the housing market.

Incredible Passive Income

A secondary unit in Oakland commands monthly rental income ranging from $1,500 to $3,500.

Did you know?

You can now get your unpermitted ADU legalized! 

THE PROCESS WE'LL GUIDE YOU THROUGH

We Guide You from Planning to Approval

The city permitting process can feel overwhelming, but we act as your dedicated guides. We handle every single detail to ensure a stress-free build. Here is our exact roadmap to getting your project approved.

Submit Application Online
We prepare and file all initial architectural concepts, lot evaluations, and paperwork with the City of Oakland to kickstart your project.
Await Planning Approval
You can relax while we monitor the city's progress. Thanks to recent state laws, local permitting agencies must review your application for completeness within fifteen business days.
Prepare Your Permit Documentation
Our team finalizes the complex structural engineering and ensures your design meets Oakland's rigorous health, safety, and environmental standards.
Apply for Your Building Permits
We officially submit your comprehensive building plans. To save you time and money, we can even utilize Oakland's pre-approved building plans to bypass the most rigorous engineering reviews and fast-track this step.
Submit a Recycling Plan
We manage your construction waste plan to ensure full compliance with the California Green Building Standards Code.
Work Out Utilities
We handle the complex utility logistics. Because all newly constructed, detached secondary units in Oakland must be entirely electric, we coordinate the installation of separate electrical meters and independent panel access.
Await Final Review & Receive Permits!
We address any final city comments. Once approved, we pay the necessary local fees—and we always look for state-mandated impact fee exemptions to save you money.
Start Building and Inspecting
Our trusted local crews break ground. We establish a realistic schedule, generally targeting a five-to-six-month building timeline, and manage all municipal inspections through to completion.

WHY CHOOSE US ?

Oakland's Trusted ADU Design Experts

We are not just contractors; we are your local Oakland design partners focused on developing your home and neighborhood into a sustainable addition to your life.

We maximize your budget.

We actively navigate local fee waivers and state-sponsored exemptions to save you thousands upfront.

We design for your future.

We specialize in the sleek, sustainable, and all-electric infrastructure that define modern East Bay architecture.

We tailor our service to you.

There is no one size fits all solution to what your ADU looks like, so we'll customize every feature to fit your future.

GETTING IT RIGHT

Stay updated & Subscribe to our Newsletter

CONTACT

Ready to get started?

Send us a message using the contact form.