#1 ADU Contractor in Aliso Viejo
Custom Builds by Horizon Remodeling
Horizon Construction & Remodeling Inc. handles ADU contractor work in Aliso Viejo, covering the full project from initial design and budgeting through permit submission with the City of Aliso Viejo Building and Safety Division and final construction. Because most homes here fall under the Aliso Viejo Community Association, we account for association requirements alongside city permits so nothing stalls your project mid-build. Our scope includes detached backyard units, attached additions, and converted spaces, with material selection and coordination managed under one contract.
Services We Offer
How Our ADU Process Works
When it comes to enhancing your living space, room additions combined with Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction offer unparalleled versatility and value. These projects not only increase square footage but also provide additional living accommodations, whether for extended family, rental income, or work-from-home setups, making them a popular choice for homeowners seeking to maximize their property’s potential. According to California’s Department of Housing and Community Development, ADUs are a key solution to expanding housing options in urban and suburban neighborhoods.
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Finding the right adu contractor in Aliso Viejo means understanding a permit process that runs through two parallel systems at once. The City of Aliso Viejo Building and Safety Division handles the building permit side, while the citywide Aliso Viejo Community Association, recognized as the first community-wide association of its kind in California, layers its own approval requirements on top. We work through both from the start so nothing stalls mid-project.
California ADU law, codified in Government Code sections 66310 through 66342, was updated effective January 1, 2026. Square footage is now measured as interior livable space. Once a complete application is submitted, the reviewing agency has 15 business days to confirm completeness and 60 days to issue an approval or denial. Approval is ministerial, meaning no public hearing and no discretionary design review.
State law sets a floor of protections that apply regardless of local rules. A city cannot cap an ADU below 850 square feet of interior livable space, or 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom. Side and rear setbacks cannot exceed four feet. Owner-occupancy cannot be required, building the ADU cannot trigger a sprinkler retrofit of the main house, and there are no impact fees on units of 750 square feet or less.
Most homes in Aliso Viejo were built from the mid-1980s through the 1990s under the original 1979 master plan, typically two-story tract or attached homes where the kitchen opens into a family room rather than sitting as a closed separate space. That layout directly affects where a detached unit can be positioned, how far utilities must run, and whether a garage conversion or a new detached build makes more sense. We walk each parcel and check setbacks, grade, equipment access, and utility routes before a single line is drawn.
Other Remodeling Services We Offer
A modern kitchen adds functionality, comfort, and lasting value to your home. At Horizon Construction & Remodeling, our kitchen remodeling experts bring fresh ideas and professional project management tailored to your unique needs. From layout design to material selection, we prioritize delivering a high-standard kitchen that’s both beautiful and energy-efficient — enhancing the way you cook, gather, and live every day.
Whether you envision a classic Southern California pool or a fully customized backyard oasis, Horizon Construction & Remodeling delivers the highest level of quality and service. Our comprehensive pool design and remodeling services cover everything from layout and decking to built-in BBQs and final touches like landscaping. Let Horizon be your trusted partner in transforming your backyard into the perfect outdoor retreat.
If you are planning a complete bathroom remodel or simply want to change your tub, shower, update your plumbing fixtures, or make the space more efficient, our team at Horizon will help you through the process with expert advice, professional craftsmanship, and affordable options with beautiful results. Learn more about our bathroom remodeling services.
Transform your space with our expert interior work services. We offer a comprehensive range of solutions — from space planning and custom design to the selection of high-quality finishes and materials. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with you to create a space that’s both functional and stylish, tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget. Whether you’re updating a single room or overhauling your entire interior, we bring precision, creativity, and craftsmanship to every project.
At Horizon, we believe your home is more than just four walls — it’s where life happens. It’s the place you relax, gather with family and friends, and create lasting memories. That’s why we offer a full range of exterior work services designed to elevate your outdoor living space. From patios and hardscaping to custom decks and exterior renovations, we help turn your vision into a dream yard that complements your lifestyle and enhances curb appeal.
At Horizon Construction & Remodeling, our expert team includes a dedicated design and planning division that works hand-in-hand with licensed architects and structural engineers. We take care of everything — from detailed plans and blueprints to securing city permits — so you don’t have to deal with delays or red tape. Our goal is to streamline the process and provide a fully approved set of documents that aligns with both your vision and city regulations, saving you time and stress.
Why Choose Horizon Remodeling As Your ADU Contractor in Aliso Viejo ?
Horizon Construction and Remodeling works in Aliso Viejo as a licensed Class B general building contractor, bonded, and in business since 2009. A detached ADU is a complete small dwelling placed on a lot that already carries a primary home, covering foundation, framing, roof, envelope, a kitchen, a bathroom, and the utility connections that serve them. Because nearly every property in Aliso Viejo sits under the Aliso Viejo Community Association alongside the standard city permit, we prepare both submittals at the same time rather than treating one as an afterthought.
Permits here run through the City of Aliso Viejo Building and Safety Division. Most of the housing stock in areas like Glenwood, Canyon View Estates, Laguna Audubon, and Pacific Ridge dates to the 1980s and 1990s, so we account for what those lots can accommodate before a line gets drawn.
Design-build matters on an ADU because the design choices and the construction limits are tied together from the start. One team draws it, permits it, and builds it. Specialty trade portions are handled by appropriately licensed subcontractors we coordinate directly.
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ADU Contractor Services in Aliso Viejo
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ADU Contractor in Aliso Viejo FAQ
What is an ADU and why should I build one?
An ADU is a secondary housing unit on your property, such as a backyard cottage, garage conversion, or in-law suite, and building one with Horizon Construction & Remodeling Inc. can expand your living space, open a rental income stream, or give family members independent quarters. In Aliso Viejo, where most homes are 1980s and 1990s tract builds, ADU projects also need to satisfy the Aliso Viejo Community Association alongside the city permit.
How much does it cost to build an ADU in California?
What an ADU costs in Aliso Viejo depends on details no contractor can assess from a website alone. The size of the unit, whether you are converting an existing attached garage on a 1980s tract home or building a new detached structure, how far utility lines need to run across your lot, and the finish level you select all drive the final number in different directions. We walk the property, confirm setbacks and utility connections, and then give you a fixed scope and price you can hold us to. Anyone quoting a firm figure before seeing the parcel is guessing.
California law does protect you on certain costs. A unit at or under 750 square feet of livable space is exempt from impact fees, and school fees only apply above 500 square feet. Connection fees for a conversion or junior ADU are limited because the state does not classify those as a new residential use, and adding an ADU cannot force a fire sprinkler retrofit on your existing home. Keep in mind that Aliso Viejo projects go through the City Building and Safety Division, and the citywide Aliso Viejo Community Association adds a separate approval layer. One warning worth repeating: the CalHFA ADU grant program is closed and fully allocated, and the agency itself states that anyone offering to help you obtain that grant is running a scam.
Do I need permits for an ADU in Aliso Viejo?
Yes, an ADU requires a building permit, but the approval process is ministerial rather than discretionary, meaning no hearing and no design review board weighs in. In Aliso Viejo, applications go to the City of Aliso Viejo Building and Safety Division, and because most homes here trace back to the master-planned buildout of the 1980s and 1990s, association rules under the Aliso Viejo Community Association apply alongside the city permit. State law gives the agency 15 business days to confirm completeness and 60 days to approve or deny, with a pre-approved plan shortening that window to 30 days. We prepare and submit the full package and carry it through every inspection so the process does not fall back on you.
How long does ADU construction take with Horizon Remodeling?
Most ADU construction projects take between 4 to 8 months from design to completion, depending on scope and permit approvals. Horizon Remodeling prioritizes efficient timelines while maintaining quality workmanship.
What types of ADUs can Horizon Remodeling build?
We specialize in building detached ADUs, attached ADUs, garage conversions, backyard cottages, and junior ADUs (JADUs). Our team can help you choose the right ADU style for your property and goals.
Can I build a detached ADU on my property in Aliso Viejo?
Yes, if your property meets California zoning and space requirements. Horizon Remodeling will assess your site, secure the necessary permits, and build a fully detached ADU tailored to your preferences.
Is Horizon Remodeling licensed to build ADUs in my area?
Yes, Horizon Remodeling is fully licensed, bonded, and insured to build ADUs throughout Orange County and surrounding areas. We have over 18 years of experience delivering high-quality ADU projects.
What are the benefits of hiring Horizon Remodeling for my ADU project?
Horizon Construction & Remodeling Inc. manages every phase of your ADU project, from design through final inspection, coordinating permits with the City of Aliso Viejo Building and Safety Division and keeping the work aligned with both city code and Aliso Viejo Community Association guidelines so your addition stays on budget and on schedule.
Does Horizon Remodeling handle ADU design and permitting?
Absolutely! Horizon Remodeling provides complete ADU design services, including architectural plans and 3D renderings. We also handle city permits and inspections, streamlining your project and reducing stress.
How do I get started on an ADU with Horizon Remodeling?
Reach out to Horizon Construction & Remodeling Inc. to set up a free consultation, where we assess your property, talk through your goals, and deliver a detailed estimate with design recommendations. Because nearly every home in Aliso Viejo falls under the Aliso Viejo Community Association, we help you navigate both city permits and association requirements as we guide you through each phase of your ADU project.
Recent ADU and Garage Conversions
Three completed ADU and garage conversion projects from our Orange County portfolio. Every project below was built in San Clemente. Nothing loads from YouTube until you press play.
ADU project in San Clemente
ADU project in San Clemente
ADU project in San Clemente
Built by Horizon Construction & Remodeling, Inc. Licensed Class B general building contractor.
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Horizon is a licensed Class B general building contractor serving Aliso Viejo and the surrounding Orange County communities.
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