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ADU Contractor and Custom Backyard Home Builder in Carmichael, CA
Welcome to Burnette Construction. We are a veteran-owned general contractor building high quality accessory dwelling units in Carmichael, California. An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a secondary home built on your existing property. People also call these homes backyard cottages, granny flats, in-law suites, or casitas.
Our founder, Christian Perry, is a United States Marine Corps veteran. He holds California contractor license CSLB #1084547. He started this company to bring honesty, clear communication, and dependable project management to home building. This means that we finish your project on time and on budget with zero surprise fees.

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CSLB Licensed
#108457

$1M+ General Liability
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Why Carmichael Homeowners Choose Burnette Construction
Building a secondary home is a major investment. You want a team you can rely on every single day. Here is what we offer:
- 5.0 Google Rating: Verified five-star reviews from local California homeowners.
- BBB A+ Rating: Accredited business recognized for honest trade practices.
- Licensed General Contractor: California state license CSLB #1084547 in good standing.
- Full Insurance Protection: More than $1,000,000 in general liability insurance per project.
- Milestone Payments: You do not pay for work before it happens. Payments only occur when city building inspectors sign off on approved work.
Choose Your Project Path
Complete ADU Construction and Remodeling Services in Carmichael, CA
Every residential parcel in Carmichael is unique. Carmichael is famous for half-acre and full-acre lots. These large parcels give you full privacy and plenty of room to build a detached guest house or pool cottage. We provide fifteen dedicated services to fit your property and family needs.
ADU Design Build Service in Carmichael, CA
Our ADU design build service takes your idea from paper to a completed home under one simple agreement. First, we visit your Carmichael property to measure lot boundaries and check soil conditions. Next, our draft team draws custom floor plans and 3D models. After you approve the plans, we submit them directly to the local building department for permits. Finally, our crews construct your home from foundation to final paint. This means that you work with one responsible team from start to finish.
Check your estimated project budget with our ADU Design Build Cost Calculator.
Attached ADU Construction in Carmichael, CA
An attached ADU shares at least one common wall with your main house. Our attached ADU construction service is perfect for lots with smaller backyards. It allows us to tie directly into your home’s existing plumbing and electrical systems. This saves time and lowers site trenching costs. We also design private exterior entrances. This means that your guests or tenants enjoy full independence.
Detached ADU Construction in Carmichael, CA
A detached ADU is a standalone house built in your backyard. Our detached ADU construction service gives you the highest level of privacy and the best rental returns in Carmichael. We manage all site grading, concrete foundation pouring, wood framing, roofing, and full utility connections. Because the home is separate, you can install private sub-meters for electricity and water.
ADU Remodeling in Carmichael, CA
If you already have a backyard structure or an older secondary unit, our ADU remodeling service updates the space. We replace outdated kitchen cabinets, install energy efficient heating and cooling units, and modernize bathrooms. Also, we bring older buildings up to current California safety codes. This increases comfort and raises the monthly rent you can charge.
Prefab ADU Installation in Carmichael, CA
Prefabricated homes are built in a factory and shipped to your home site. While the manufacturer builds the box, our prefab ADU installation service handles the on-site work. We grade your yard, pour the engineered concrete foundation, dig utility trenches, and coordinate the crane delivery. Next, we secure the unit to the foundation and connect all plumbing and electrical lines. This allows you to finish your project faster.
Review potential savings with our Prefab ADU Installation Cost Calculator.
Two Story Accessory Dwelling Unit Builder in Carmichael, CA
When you want more living space without losing your entire backyard lawn, build upward. As an experienced two story ADU builder, we engineer strong structures that maximize vertical height. You can place a garage or workshop on the ground level and build a beautiful two-bedroom apartment upstairs. This design keeps your yard open for gardening, pets, or play.
Backyard Cottage ADU Building in Carmichael, CA
A backyard cottage is a compact home ranging from 400 to 750 square feet. We design smart layouts with vaulted ceilings, large windows, and built-in storage. Because every square foot is planned carefully, the cottage feels open and comfortable. Next, we match the exterior siding, paint colors, and roof tiles to your main house. This ensures your new cottage looks like it was always part of your property.
In-Law Suite ADU Construction in Carmichael, CA
An in-law suite allows you to care for aging parents right on your own property. We build single level suites with zero-step entries, wide interior doorways, and curbless roll-in showers. In addition, we install solid blocking in bathroom walls for grab bars. This means that your family members stay safe, comfortable, and independent as their needs change.
Granny Flat Accessory Dwelling Unit Building in Carmichael, CA
A granny flat is a self-contained private home equipped with a full kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Senior family members enjoy their own space, cook their own meals, and visit grandchildren easily across the lawn. This option saves thousands of dollars each month compared to the high cost of assisted living facilities.
Guest House ADU Construction in Carmichael, CA
Hosting friends and visiting relatives is simple with a custom guest house. We build comfortable private suites complete with private bathrooms, coffee bars, and quiet sleeping areas. When you do not have guests staying over, you can use this space as a private home office or creative studio.
Pool House & Studio ADU Building in Carmichael, CA
If you have a swimming pool, a pool house ADU adds great luxury and utility. We construct hybrid buildings that include a pool changing room, a full bathroom, and a spacious studio. We use water resistant flooring and open sliding doors that connect directly to your patio. This makes outdoor entertaining easy and fun.
Multigenerational Living ADU Construction in Carmichael, CA
Housing costs in Northern California are high. Many families choose to live together on one property to share costs and build wealth. We construct multigenerational living units with sound-insulated interior walls and private entrances. This setup gives adult children or extended family their own private space while staying connected.
Basement Conversion ADU in Carmichael, CA
If your home has an existing basement or lower level, our basement conversion ADU service turns empty storage space into legal housing. We install heavy moisture barriers, cut emergency escape window wells, and soundproof the ceiling. Because the exterior walls and roof already exist, converting a basement is fast and affordable.
Check pricing with our Basement Conversion ADU Cost Calculator.
Garage Conversion ADU in Carmichael, CA
Converting a garage is the fastest and most affordable way to build an ADU in Carmichael. Our garage conversion ADU service transforms a typical two-car garage into a 400 to 500 square foot apartment. We pour a smooth level floor, frame interior walls, run new plumbing lines, and install modern insulation. Under California state law, you do not have to replace the lost covered parking spaces if your home is near public transit.
Estimate your conversion with our Garage Conversion ADU Cost Calculator.
Tenant Improvement in Carmichael, CA
In addition to residential homes, our tenant improvement service remodels commercial and office properties across Carmichael. We build new interior partition walls, install commercial flooring, update lighting, and complete ADA compliant restrooms. Our team keeps the job site clean and manages the schedule strictly so your business can open quickly.
Estimate commercial work with our Tenant Improvement Cost Calculator.
HOW IT WORKS
Our Simple 7-Step Building Process
We believe in clear communication and organized work. Here is how we build your home step by step:
1
Initial Phone Consultation
We speak with you about your goals, property address, and budget.
2
On-Site Property Review
We visit your Carmichael property to measure setbacks, inspect the electric panel, and locate sewer lines.
3
Design and Drafting
Our architects create custom 3D plans and blueprints tailored to your lot.
4
Written Fixed-Price Proposal
We provide an exact price with detailed specifications so you know all costs upfront.
5
City Plan Check and Permits
We submit drawings to the Sacramento County Community Development Department and manage all review comments.
6
Careful Construction Execution
Our skilled trades complete framing, plumbing, electrical, and finish work under daily supervision.
7
Final Walkthrough and Move-In
We walk through the finished home with you, test all systems, and hand you the keys.
How Permitting Works in Carmichael, California
Building an ADU in Carmichael follows clear guidelines set by California state law and local city ordinances. We handle all paperwork directly with the Sacramento County Community Development Department located at 827 7th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Here are the key zoning rules you should know:
- Unit Size Limits: You can build a detached ADU up to 1,200 square feet on single-family lots. Attached units can be built up to 50% of your main house size.
- Property Setbacks: State law requires only 4-foot side and rear setbacks for new detached units. Existing garage conversions do not require any new setbacks.
- Building Heights: Detached units can reach 16 to 18 feet in height, while attached units can reach up to 25 feet conforming to main house limits.
- Local Utilities: We connect your unit to SMUD for electric service, Carmichael Water District, and SacSewer. This ensures safe water pressure and reliable electrical service.
- HOA Protections: If you live in an HOA community, California law (AB 670 and AB 3182) prevents your HOA from banning accessory dwelling units.
- Review Timelines: City plan reviewers are required by state law to process complete ADU permit applications within 60 days.
Start Your Carmichael ADU Project with Burnette Construction Today
Do you want to add living space, support your family, or earn monthly rental income? Contact Burnette Construction today. Call our office at (916) 821-9353 or visit our online estimate page to book your on-site consultation.
Common Questions About Building an ADU in Carmichael
Can my HOA stop me from building an ADU in Carmichael?
No. California law protects your right to build an ADU. Homeowners associations cannot ban or unfairly delay approved secondary dwellings.
Do I have to pay school and park impact fees in Carmichael?
If your ADU is smaller than 750 square feet, state law completely exempts you from impact fees. This can save you thousands of dollars.
How much rent can I earn from an ADU in Carmichael?
Most one and two-bedroom ADUs in Carmichael rent for $2,200 to $2,900 per month per month depending on their size and luxury finishes.
How long does the entire build take?
Permitting usually takes 8 to 12 weeks. Construction takes another 3 to 6 months depending on unit size and whether it is a garage conversion or ground-up build.