Added square footage that matches your existing home in material, proportion, and finish, engineered for TRPA coverage limits and Tahoe snow loads, not built as an afterthought.
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ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Builder in South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe ADUs: Built to Add Space, Value, and Rental Income
An ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, is a second self-contained home on your property: a detached backyard unit, a garage conversion, or a junior ADU inside the existing footprint. In South Lake Tahoe they add living space for family, a place for guests, or rental income, and California's ADU laws have made them far easier to permit than a few years ago. We design and build ADUs to code and through TRPA, engineered for Tahoe snow loads and site conditions.
what's included
What Every South Lake Tahoe ADU Project Covers
Feasibility & ADU-type assessment
TRPA coverage & city/county permitting
Full kitchen & bathroom build-out
Mechanical, electrical & plumbing (including separate utilities where required)
Architectural design & floor plans
Foundation & structural framing
Insulation & energy envelope for Tahoe winters
Exterior finishes matched to the main home
Stens ADU Process
How We Work
Structure protects everyone, homeowner and builder. Here's what to expect from start to finish.
Initial Consultation
We meet to understand your goals, budget, site, and timeline, and give you an honest read on feasibility before anything is committed.
01
02
Project Planning & Design
We coordinate architectural and design work, confirm scope, and build a detailed line-item plan so there are no surprises later.
03
Proposal & Agreement
You receive a clear, line-item proposal and a signed agreement defining scope, cost, and schedule before work begins.
Construction Phase
We execute with clean jobsites, consistent oversight, weekly photo updates, and change orders documented and approved in writing before any work proceeds.
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05
Project Completion & Walk-Through
We close out with a full walk-through, a punch list, and complete documentation.
06
Ongoing Support
We stand behind the work. We are local and we will be driving past your ADU for years, so we do it right the first time.
Tahoe ADU Reviews From Our Clients
I had a fantastic experience with this contractor. Communication was a breeze; they were always clear, responsive, and willing to answer any questions, making the entire process stress-free. Work was completed much faster than anticipated without compromising on quality, demonstrating their efficiency and expertise. Their attention to detail and professionalism were exceptional, leaving me thoroughly impressed. Highly recommend for anyone needing reliable and top-notch service
Z.
Nils did a great job repairing late October bear damage under our vacation home! After being strung along for a month by one repair guy and declined by 2 others (too busy), I got lucky finding Nils who responded right away via Yelp. With the first winter storm approaching, Nils quickly removed/ replaced torn up insulation, crushed heating ducts, vents, and siding, plus a broken fence & gate. Nils was super professional coordinating with me (out-of-town owner) and my property manager. I would definitely use him again.
Carolyn Y.
The home we purchased in Stateline did not have a bathroom fan. Nils came out, estimated the project and then returned after I had received the bathroom light/fan I had ordered. He installed it and properly vented it to the outside. I will definitely use him again for any future needs I have.
Cassie C.
I’m highly recommending this company. They did a great job in my house. If you looking for some who can handle all kind of remodeling you are can hire them.
Vladimir K.
Nils and his team are amazing craftsmen! They were easy to work with, and charged a reasonable fee for the superb quality of work they performed – is this case a high end deck. Sten Construction is a top 10 builder.
BuildTec
I had a fantastic experience with this contractor. Communication was a breeze; they were always clear, responsive, and willing to answer any questions, making the entire process stress-free. Work was completed much faster than anticipated without compromising on quality, demonstrating their efficiency and expertise. Their attention to detail and professionalism were exceptional, leaving me thoroughly impressed. Highly recommend for anyone needing reliable and top-notch service
Z.
Nils did a great job repairing late October bear damage under our vacation home! After being strung along for a month by one repair guy and declined by 2 others (too busy), I got lucky finding Nils who responded right away via Yelp. With the first winter storm approaching, Nils quickly removed/ replaced torn up insulation, crushed heating ducts, vents, and siding, plus a broken fence & gate. Nils was super professional coordinating with me (out-of-town owner) and my property manager. I would definitely use him again.
Carolyn Y.
Before You Build
What to Consider Before Building an ADU in South Lake Tahoe
ADUs in Tahoe have three big variables: permitting, utilities, and the season. California law has streamlined ADU approvals, but TRPA still controls land coverage and often decides whether a detached unit is even possible on your lot. Utilities may need to be extended or separated, and septic capacity matters on unsewered parcels. And the short building season means timing the foundation before winter. We assess all of it up front so you know what is feasible and what it will cost before you commit.
FAQ
Common South Lake Tahoe ADU Questions
How much does an ADU cost to build in South Lake Tahoe?
ADU cost depends on the type and size. A garage conversion is usually the most affordable path because the structure exists, a junior ADU inside the home is next, and a fully detached unit costs the most because it needs its own foundation, utilities, and shell. Tahoe adds snow-load engineering and a short season. We give a line-item estimate after a feasibility visit.
Is my Tahoe property eligible for an ADU?
Most single-family lots in South Lake Tahoe can have an ADU under California law, but TRPA land-coverage limits, lot size, setbacks, and septic or sewer capacity determine what type and size is possible. The first step is a feasibility check, which we do before any design work so you are not paying to design something that cannot be permitted.
What is the difference between an ADU and a junior ADU?
An ADU is a full second dwelling with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance, up to roughly 1,200 square feet. A junior ADU (JADU) is smaller, up to about 500 square feet, created within the existing home footprint, and can share some systems with the main house. JADUs are cheaper and faster to permit but smaller and less flexible for rental.
How do you handle budget and change orders?
Every ADU starts with a detailed, line-item estimate. Change orders are documented with exact costs and approved in writing before work proceeds, and budget status is in your weekly updates.
Do you handle the ADU permits and TRPA approval?
Yes. We manage the full permitting process, including city or county building permits and TRPA review for coverage and setbacks, and defensible-space and BMP requirements where they apply. TRPA is the step most homeowners underestimate, and it is where local experience matters most.
Can you build my ADU while I'm not in Tahoe?
Yes. Many ADU clients are out-of-town or second-home owners building a unit for rental or family. We handle access, decisions, and coordination remotely with weekly photo updates, the same way we run our custom builds.
Let's talk
Planning an ADU in South Lake Tahoe?
Whether you want rental income, space for family, or added property value, we will tell you what is feasible on your lot and what it will cost before you commit. We are local, licensed, and we will be driving past your ADU for years, so we build it right.