#1 ADU Contractor in East Irvine
Custom Builds by Horizon Remodeling
Horizon Construction & Remodeling Inc. builds accessory dwelling units and home additions for homeowners in East Irvine, handling design coordination, budgeting, permitting through the City of Irvine Building and Safety Division, and material selection across every phase of the project. Because much of the area falls under homeowners association architectural review, we factor that process in from the start so nothing stalls mid-build. Specialty trade portions are performed by appropriately licensed subcontractors we coordinate directly. The goal is a finished ADU that adds real, usable space to your property.
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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Working as your adu contractor in East Irvine means understanding a set of rules that goes beyond a single document. California ADU law now lives in Government Code sections 66310 through 66342, and amendments effective January 1, 2026 changed how square footage is counted, measuring interior livable space rather than total footprint. Once you submit, the reviewing agency has 15 business days to confirm your application is complete and 60 days to approve or deny it. Approval is ministerial, meaning no public hearing and no discretionary design review.
Because East Irvine is a district within the City of Irvine and not a separate municipality, every ADU application goes to the City of Irvine Building and Safety Division. Two local factors shape the review before it even reaches that office. Old Town Irvine is California Historical Landmark No. 1004, and the villages surrounding it sit under homeowners association architectural review, so exterior materials and massing can draw additional scrutiny on top of the standard permit process.
The lot itself drives most of the remaining decisions. The typical home here is a stucco tract house or attached townhome on a slab foundation, built under the Irvine Company master plan from the 1970s onward. That foundation type, combined with how tightly parcels are laid out, directly affects where a detached unit can land, how far utilities have to run, and whether a garage conversion or a new detached structure is the more practical path. We walk the parcel first, checking setbacks, grade, equipment access, and utility routes before a line goes on paper.
State law sets firm floors that no local agency can undercut. A unit cannot be capped below 850 square feet of interior livable space, or 1,000 square feet with more than one bedroom. Side and rear setbacks cannot exceed four feet. Owner-occupancy cannot be required. Building an ADU cannot trigger a fire sprinkler retrofit of the main house. And there are no impact fees on a unit of 750 square feet or less.
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 East Irvine ?
Horizon Construction and Remodeling is a licensed Class B general building contractor, bonded, and based in Fullerton, making East Irvine a practical service area rather than a distant one. We have been doing design-build work since 2009, and ADUs are a natural fit for that approach because the design choices and the construction realities are the same conversation. One company draws the plans, pulls the permits through the City of Irvine Building and Safety Division, and builds the unit from foundation to roof.
A detached ADU is essentially a small standalone house placed on a lot that already has a primary residence. That means foundation work, framing, a weathertight envelope, a kitchen, a bathroom, and separate utility connections handled by appropriately licensed subcontractors we coordinate. For the master-planned villages of East Irvine, including Northwood, West Irvine, and Portola Springs, homeowners association architectural review often runs parallel to the city permit process, and we prepare both submittals together rather than treating one as an afterthought.
The tract homes built under the Irvine Company plan from the 1970s onward typically sit on slab foundations, which shapes how we approach utility routing and ADU placement from the earliest design conversations. We also build ADUs in Irvine, Lake Forest, and Foothill Ranch.
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ADU Contractor Services in East Irvine
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ADU Contractor in East Irvine FAQ
What is an ADU and why should I build one?
An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a self-contained secondary unit added to your property, typically as a detached backyard cottage, a garage conversion, or an attached in-law suite. Building one with Horizon Construction and Remodeling can generate rental income, house extended family, or simply give your household more usable space.
How much does it cost to build an ADU in California?
What an ADU costs in East Irvine depends on factors we cannot assess from a web page alone. The size and type of unit matter, and so does whether you are converting an existing attached garage on one of the area’s typical slab-foundation tract homes or building a new detached structure from the ground up. Site work, utility runs, and the finish level you choose all move the number. What we can tell you is where the money actually goes. State law exempts ADUs of 750 square feet or less of interior livable space from impact fees, limits school fees to units above 500 square feet, and restricts connection fees for conversions and junior ADUs because the state does not classify those as a new residential use. Building an ADU also cannot force a fire sprinkler retrofit on your existing home.
Because permits in this part of the city run through the City of Irvine Building and Safety Division, and because many neighborhoods here sit under homeowners association architectural review, the approval path has more steps than a simple city submission. We walk the property, confirm setbacks and utility conditions, and then give you a fixed scope and price. One point worth stating plainly: the CalHFA ADU grant program is closed, its funding fully allocated, and the agency itself warns that anyone offering to help you obtain an ADU grant today is running a scam.
Do I need permits for an ADU in East Irvine?
Yes, every ADU requires a building permit, but the approval process is ministerial rather than discretionary, meaning no public hearing or design review board stands between you and a decision. For a property in East Irvine, applications go to the City of Irvine Building and Safety Division, since East Irvine is a district within the city rather than a separate municipality. State law gives the agency 60 days to approve or deny, with 15 business days to confirm completeness, and a pre-approved plan shortens that review to 30 days. Horizon prepares and submits the full package and stays with the project through every inspection.
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 East Irvine?
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. handles ADU design, permitting through the City of Irvine Building and Safety Division, and construction from start to finish, coordinating every trade so your project meets code and stays within budget.
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?
Ready to move forward? Reach out to Horizon Construction & Remodeling Inc. to schedule a free consultation, where we assess your property, talk through your goals, share design recommendations, and put together a detailed estimate before guiding you through every 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 East Irvine and the surrounding Orange County communities.
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