New ADU under construction, framing stage, Watsonville CA

ADU Builder in Watsonville, CA

Ground-up construction for accessory dwelling units — framed and built by the same crew that frames Watsonville's decks and additions.

ADUs have become one of the more requested projects in the Pajaro Valley over the past few years, as more homeowners look for rental income or space for family without buying a second property. Building one is a ground-up construction project in miniature: foundation, structural framing, roof system, siding, windows, doors, and interior finish — all on a compressed footprint where every framing decision matters more because there's less room to hide a mistake.

This is where Double Y Framing's core trade — structural framing — carries the most weight. An ADU's framing has to meet the same seismic and moisture-management standards as a full custom home, on a smaller structure, often close to an existing house or property line.

We frame ADUs the same way we frame anything else: to the stamped plans, accounting for coastal moisture, and built so the rest of the trades have a square, solid structure to finish out.

Why Watsonville Homeowners Choose Us for ADUs

Structural framing is our core trade

An ADU lives or dies on its framing — that's the piece of the job we specialize in.

Built to current code

ADU framing meets today's seismic and structural requirements, not the standards of the house next to it.

Straight bids on a big project

An ADU is a real investment — you get a real number for it, not a moving target.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an ADU and an addition?
An ADU is a separate, independently livable unit — its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance — while an addition typically expands the existing house and shares its systems. ADUs also fall under California's specific ADU permitting rules.
How long does it take to build an ADU from framing to finish?
It varies with size and site conditions, but ground-up ADU construction is a multi-month project once permits are in hand — framing is usually a few weeks of that timeline, not the whole thing.
Do you handle the ADU permitting process?
We build from approved, stamped plans. If you don't have plans yet, we can point you toward next steps, but design and permitting are typically handled before we start framing.
Can an ADU be built on a smaller Watsonville lot?
California's ADU rules were specifically written to allow smaller units on tighter lots, including many standard Watsonville residential lots — setback and size limits vary by property, so it depends on your specific lot.

Start Planning Your ADU

Get a framing and construction estimate from Double Y Framing.