Services
ADUs & Casitas
Accessory dwelling units and casitas — full-build guest houses, in-law suites, or short-term rental units on the same lot. Slab, framing, MEP, kitchen, bath, and finish. Designed for Texas zoning and tied into your existing utilities or built with independent service.
Pricing varies by site. Final scope, materials, and access influence the all-in number — we'll quote your specific project after a quick conversation.
About our adus & casitas work
Accessory dwelling units and casitas — full-build guest houses, in-law suites, and short-term rental units on the same lot as the primary residence. Full builds include slab, framing, roofing, MEP, kitchen, bath, and complete finish-out. ADUs in San Antonio fall under specific zoning rules that vary by district — some allow ADUs by right with setback compliance, others require platting changes or zoning variances. We pull the zoning sheet and verify allowed use, maximum unit size (typically 800-1,000 sq ft or 40% of primary structure), required setbacks, and parking before design begins. Utility strategy is decided early — tie into existing primary residence water, sewer, and electrical (simpler permit, shared meters) versus independent service drops (separate meters, higher cost but rentable as a standalone unit). Slab is post-tension or conventional reinforced depending on soil. Framing is 2x6 exterior for insulation depth, MEP is sized to actual occupancy load, and finishes are spec'd to match either guest-house quality or short-term rental durability depending on intended use. Permitted through City of San Antonio with all inspections and Certificate of Occupancy.
What's included
- Zoning verification — allowed use, setbacks, max unit size
- Stamped architectural, structural, and MEP plans
- Foundation — post-tension slab or pier-and-beam per soil report
- 2x6 framing, OSB sheathing, house wrap, roofing, and dry-in
- Full MEP — independent service or tied to primary residence
- Kitchen, full bath, laundry, HVAC mini-split or central system
- Interior finish-out — drywall, flooring, cabinetry, tile, trim
- City of San Antonio permit, inspections, and Certificate of Occupancy
Materials & techniques
Slab spec depends on soil report — expansive clay soils common in parts of Bexar County usually call for post-tension to control movement, while sandier soils tolerate conventional reinforced slab. Framing is 2x6 exterior for R-19 batt or blown-in cellulose, R-38 attic. HVAC for sub-1,000 sq ft ADUs is typically a single-zone mini-split — efficient, low ductwork cost, and easy to size at 1 ton per 400-500 sq ft in San Antonio's climate. Plumbing tie-in is decided up front — sub-feed from primary residence saves a service tap but shares the meter; independent service is required for rentable units with separate utility billing.
How the project runs
- 1
Zoning and feasibility
Pull zoning sheet for parcel, verify ADU allowance, max size, setbacks, and parking requirements. Identify utility tie-in vs independent service strategy and confirm budget impact.
- 2
Design and engineering
Architectural plans for unit layout, structural engineering for slab and framing, MEP plans sized to occupancy. Stamped and submitted for permit.
- 3
Foundation and shell
Site prep, foundation pour, framing, roofing, windows, and exterior cladding. Dry-in before MEP rough-in begins.
- 4
MEP rough-in and inspection
Electrical, plumbing, gas, and HVAC rough-in. Independent service drops or sub-feed from primary panel. City inspections at rough-in stage.
- 5
Finish-out and CO
Insulation, drywall, paint, flooring, cabinetry, tile, fixtures, and trim. Final MEP trim-out, appliance install, and City of San Antonio final inspection for Certificate of Occupancy.
Frequently asked questions
Are ADUs legal in San Antonio?
Yes, in most residential zoning districts, but with conditions — max unit size, setback compliance, and in some cases owner-occupancy on the primary residence. We pull the zoning sheet for your specific parcel before quoting.
Can I rent my ADU on Airbnb or as a long-term rental?
Short-term rental requires a City of San Antonio STR permit, which has specific rules around primary residence vs non-primary STRs. Long-term rentals (30+ days) are generally allowed in any zoning district that permits ADUs. Independent utility service is recommended for rental units.
Does an ADU need its own utility meters?
Not legally required if it's used as a guest house or family in-law suite — sub-feeding from the main house is allowed. For rental use, independent meters are strongly recommended so utility billing can be cleanly separated. Independent service runs add $8,000-$20,000 depending on tap distance.
How big can an ADU be?
Most San Antonio zoning districts cap ADUs at 40% of the primary residence's conditioned square footage or 800-1,000 sq ft, whichever is less. Setbacks also constrain footprint — typically 5-10 ft side and rear setbacks for accessory structures.
How long does an ADU build take?
Typical 600-900 sq ft ADU — 6-9 months from permit issuance through Certificate of Occupancy. Permitting alone runs 6-12 weeks for ADUs due to zoning review on top of standard building permit review.
Why hire us for adus & casitas
In-house crew
Design, build, irrigation, and maintenance all run under one roof — no subbing out, no juggling vendors. You get one project manager from sketch through final walk-through.
San Antonio specialists
Built for South-Central Texas — heavy clay, caliche, long dry summers, and flash rain. Our designs and installs are tuned to what survives and looks good locally.
Clear pricing
No surprise line items. We size the work after a quick conversation or site visit and issue a written quote with materials and labor broken out so you can compare apples to apples.
