How Much Does It Cost to Build a Detached ADU in Sacramento?
- Result Construction
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Hey, so you're looking at that open backyard and thinking about putting a detached ADU back there — maybe for your parents to have their own quiet space, or for your kids to have some independence while still being close, or just to get a rental going that actually brings in money and makes the house worth more when you sell. I totally get why the first thing you want to know is "how much does it cost to build a detached ADU" — nobody wants to fall in love with the idea and then find out it's way out of reach.
From what I've seen with people around Sacramento — Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, West Sac, Natomas, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, and even out toward Vacaville, Davis, Woodland, Rocklin, Lincoln, Vallejo, Antioch — detached ADUs (the standalone backyard units) usually end up costing between $250,000 and $400,000 in 2026 for a solid build with mid-range finishes. That's the real number most families pay when they do it right — not the lowball "starting at" stuff you see in ads, but the actual total after permits, materials, labor, and all the little things that add up.
Let me just break it down for you like we're talking over the fence — no hype, just what people actually spend and why.
Realistic Detached ADU Pricing in Sacramento Right Now
Here’s what families are paying in 2026 for a detached backyard ADU:
Small detached (400–600 sq ft) — $250,000 to $325,000 One bedroom, basic kitchen/bath — perfect for parents or a starter rental.
Mid-size detached (600–900 sq ft) — $300,000 to $375,000. One or two bedrooms, open living area — most common for multigenerational use.
Larger detached (900–1,200 sq ft) — $350,000 to $400,000+ Two bedrooms plus extra room — good for rentals or bigger families.
These are mid-range numbers — standard cabinets, laminate counters, vinyl flooring, and regular windows. If you go high-end (hardwood, quartz, fancy appliances), add $40k–$80k easy. If you keep it simple and use pre-approved plans, you can stay closer to the lower end. I remember a couple in Roseville who started thinking $200k would cover it — they ended up closer to $320k because they added a second bedroom and nicer finishes for resale. Still worth it for them, but they were glad they got a real quote early.
Cost Breakdown: Where the Money Goes on a Detached ADU
To make it clearer, here’s what a typical 700 sq ft detached ADU costs in Sacramento right now:
Design & Planning — $12,000–$35,000 (8–12%) Blueprints, architect, engineering. Pre-approved county plans drop this to almost nothing.
Permits & Fees — $5,000–$15,000 (5–10%) County/city fees — lower for units under 750 sq ft.
Site Prep & Foundation — $30,000–$70,000 (12–20%) Grading, utilities, concrete slab — biggest variable if your yard is sloped or has trees.
Materials & Labor — $150,000–$250,000 (60–70%) Framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical, insulation — labor is the biggest chunk.
Finishes & Appliances — $40,000–$80,000 (15–25%). Flooring, cabinets, kitchen/bath fixtures — mid-range keeps this reasonable.
Add 10–15% contingency for surprises (weather, soil issues, inspections) — that’s what keeps people from getting burned.
Get Detached ADU Quote
Want to know what a detached backyard unit would cost on your specific lot? Call us — we’ll look at your yard and give you a straight number, no sales talk.
What Drives Detached ADU Costs Up or Down
Costs aren’t fixed — here’s what moves the needle the most:
Size — Every extra 100 sq ft adds $25k–$40k (materials + labor).
Site Conditions — Flat, clear yards save $20k–$40k on prep; sloped lots or poor soil can add that much.
Location in the Radius — Primaries like Elk Grove or Roseville have standard utility access; secondary areas like Lincoln or Antioch might add $5k–$15k for hookups.
Materials & Labor — Mid-range (standard lumber, vinyl siding) vs. upgrades (hardwood, fiber cement) can swing $30k–$80k. Labor rates are steady in Sacramento but can spike if you rush the schedule.
Permits & Timeline — Pre-approved plans cut fees and delays; custom designs add weeks and dollars.
A family in Fair Oaks saved $45k by sticking to a pre-approved 600 sq ft plan and a flat lot — they still got a beautiful two-bedroom unit for rental income.
For layouts that keep costs in check, our ADU models show real designs sized for Sacramento yards.
Start My Detached ADU Project
If a detached backyard ADU sounds like what you need, let’s talk — we’ll help you figure out size, design, and a real budget.
Tips to Keep Your Detached ADU Cost Down
You can shave thousands off without sacrificing quality:
Use pre-approved county plans — free or very low-cost, skips expensive custom design.
Stick to mid-range materials — good quality but not luxury.
Pick a flat, clear lot if possible — saves big on foundation/prep.
Work with a local specialist — they know Sacramento permitting and avoid change orders.
Add energy-efficient features — rebates from PG&E or state programs can knock off $5k–$10k.
Get Detached ADU Quote
Curious what your project would cost? Call us- we’ll give you a clear, honest estimate based on your yard.
For more on overall ADU costs (detached vs. other types), check our breakdown of how much to build an ADU.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a detached ADU cost in Sacramento in 2026?
Typical range is $250,000–$400,000 for a standalone backyard unit, depending on size, finishes, and site conditions.
2. What is the highest cost in a detached ADU?
Construction and labor (60–70%) — framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical — plus site prep/foundation if your yard needs work.
3. How can I lower detached ADU costs?
Use pre-approved plans, mid-range materials, a flat lot, and a local specialist to avoid
delays and extras.
4. Do detached ADU costs vary by city in Sacramento County?
Slightly — primaries like Roseville have standard rates; secondaries like Woodland might add for utility extensions.
5. How do I get a realistic detached ADU cost estimate?
Contact a local ADU builder — they’ll assess your lot and give accurate numbers based on current 2026 pricing.
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