#1 ADU Contractor in San Bernardino
Custom Builds by Horizon Remodeling
Horizon Construction & Remodeling Inc. builds accessory dwelling units and home additions for San Bernardino homeowners, handling design, budgeting, permit coordination with the City of San Bernardino Building and Safety Division, and material selection from start to finish. The housing stock here runs from prewar bungalows near downtown to postwar tract homes in neighborhoods like Del Rosa and Verdemont, and the age of each structure shapes what the building code requires, so we assess that early. Our work as an ADU contractor in San Bernardino covers detached backyard units, garage conversions, and attached additions.
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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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If you are looking for an adu contractor in San Bernardino, understanding the rules that govern your specific property is the first conversation we have with every homeowner. California consolidated its ADU statutes into Government Code sections 66310 through 66342 in 2024, and those rules were updated again on January 1, 2026. Under the current law, square footage is counted as interior livable space only, and approval is ministerial, meaning there is no public hearing and no discretionary design review standing between your application and a decision.
Once you submit, the agency has 15 business days to confirm your application is complete and 60 days to approve or deny it. In San Bernardino, that application goes to the City of San Bernardino Building and Safety Division. No unusual local overlay applies here, so what actually governs your project is the building code itself and the age of your house. That second point matters more than people expect, because homes in this city span an enormous range of construction eras, from prewar bungalows near downtown to the wartime and postwar tract homes that went up rapidly during the Norton Air Force Base years.
San Bernardino County adopted a dedicated ADU ordinance, Development Code Chapter 84.36, at the Board of Supervisors on January 13, 2026. Under that chapter, a standard ADU may range from 200 to 1,200 square feet, a junior ADU is limited to 500 square feet, and height limits run 25 feet for attached units and 18 feet for detached ones, with two additional feet permitted to match an existing roof pitch. Side and rear setbacks are four feet, with five feet of separation required between detached structures.
Two provisions set the county standards apart from what you find in coastal counties. Two ADUs are permitted per lot, and properties of five acres or more may accommodate three units. Sewer connection is required whenever a sewer line runs within 200 feet of the property line, with that distance increasing by 100 feet for each additional dwelling unit. When sewer is not reachable, the project must rely on septic or an advanced treatment system, and we bring Environmental Health into the conversation before a single plan is drawn.
The character of San Bernardino’s housing stock shapes the physical side of every project. The modest single-story homes common to neighborhoods like Del Rosa, Verdemont, Northpark, and University Heights often have compact layouts with the kitchen separated from the living room, which affects where a detached unit can reasonably sit and how far water, sewer, and electrical lines have to travel to reach it. The age of the structure governs what upgrades the existing home may need to support an addition or a new unit on the same lot. We work through all of that before a shovel goes in the ground.
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 San Bernardino ?
Horizon Construction and Remodeling is a Class B general building contractor, licensed and bonded, and we have been doing design-build work since 2009. When you hire us for an ADU in San Bernardino, one company handles the drawings, runs the permit through the City of San Bernardino Building and Safety Division, and carries the project through to a final inspection. There is no handoff between a designer and a separate builder, which matters on a job where the plan and the field conditions have to stay in sync.
San Bernardino’s housing stock spans a long period, from prewar bungalows near downtown to the tract homes that went up during and after the Norton Air Force Base era. Many of those postwar properties sit on lots that can accommodate a detached or attached ADU, but the age of the house and the base building code are what govern feasibility here. We look at the existing structure, the utility connections, and what the City of San Bernardino Building and Safety Division will require before we talk design.
State law removes several common obstacles regardless of where your parcel sits in the city. There is no owner-occupancy requirement for an ADU, no sprinkler retrofit triggered on the main house, and no impact fees on a unit with 750 square feet or less of interior livable space. Neighborhoods we work in regularly include Del Rosa, Verdemont, Northpark, and University Heights. Contact us to request a free estimate for your ADU project.
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ADU Contractor Services in San Bernardino
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ADU Contractor in San Bernardino FAQ
What is an ADU and why should I build one?
An accessory dwelling unit is a self-contained secondary home on your property, built as a backyard cottage, a converted garage, or an in-law suite. Working with Horizon Construction and Remodeling on an ADU in San Bernardino lets you add rental income, house extended family, or simply gain usable living space on a lot you already own.
How much does it cost to build an ADU in California?
What an ADU costs in San Bernardino depends on factors we cannot determine from a web page alone. The size and type of unit matter, as does whether you are converting an existing structure or building a new detached unit from the ground up. Site work, utility runs, and the finish level you choose all move the number in different directions. Many of the postwar tract homes in areas like Del Rosa and Verdemont sit on lots where utility connections and setbacks need to be confirmed before anyone can responsibly quote a price. We walk the property first, verify the actual conditions, and then give you a fixed scope and price you can hold us to. Anyone offering firm numbers before doing that is guessing.
State law does give you some meaningful cost protections worth knowing. 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. Your existing home also cannot be forced into a fire sprinkler retrofit simply because you are adding an ADU. Permits for any of this work go through the City of San Bernardino Building and Safety Division, and the age of the structure, which in many neighborhoods means a home built during the Norton Air Force Base era, is what governs the applicable code requirements. One caution worth stating plainly: the CalHFA ADU grant program is closed and fully allocated, and the agency itself warns that anyone claiming they can help you obtain an ADU grant is running a scam.
Do I need permits for an ADU in San Bernardino?
Yes, every ADU requires a building permit, and in San Bernardino that application goes through the City of San Bernardino Building and Safety Division. State law sets the review timelines, so what drives the complexity here is mostly the building code itself and the age of the house rather than any unusual local overlay. Many homes in areas like Del Rosa or Verdemont date to the Norton Air Force Base era, and that older construction often surfaces surprises during plan check. We handle the submittal, track any correction notices, and coordinate all required inspections through to final approval.
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 San Bernardino?
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 work in San Bernardino from initial design through final inspection, coordinating permits with the City of San Bernardino Building and Safety Division and keeping the project on budget throughout.
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 schedule a free estimate on your San Bernardino ADU project. We review your property, talk through your goals, and walk you through every phase from design to completion.
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Horizon is a licensed Class B general building contractor serving San Bernardino and the surrounding Orange County communities.
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