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 Builder & Contractor in South Lake Tahoe
ADU Construction in South Lake Tahoe
Planning an accessory dwelling unit in South Lake Tahoe? Sten Construction provides ADU construction designed around your property, site conditions and local approval requirements.
As a licensed South Lake Tahoe ADU contractor, we design and build detached backyard ADUs, garage conversion ADUs and junior ADUs within an existing home footprint. Each project is planned for Tahoe conditions, including snow loads, utilities, site requirements and the TRPA approval process.
Whether the goal is additional living space for family or guests, rental income or greater use of your property, we assess feasibility before design begins so you understand what can realistically be built on your lot.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Construction Options
The right ADU depends on your existing property, available space, utilities and local requirements. Sten Construction evaluates these factors before moving into design and construction.
Detached & Backyard ADUs
A detached ADU creates a separate living space elsewhere on the property. These projects require their own foundation, structural framing, utilities and exterior building envelope, with the design planned around the property and Tahoe conditions.
Garage Conversion ADUs
A garage conversion ADU uses an existing structure to create additional living space. Sten Construction evaluates the existing structure, utilities and project requirements before planning the conversion.
Junior ADUs
A junior ADU, or JADU, is created within the existing home footprint. Sten Construction can assess whether the existing layout and property conditions make this type of ADU suitable for the project.
what's included
What Our South Lake Tahoe ADU Construction Includes
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
Our South Lake Tahoe ADU Construction Process
Building an accessory dwelling unit involves more than the construction itself. Sten Construction coordinates the project from initial feasibility and planning through design, permitting, construction and final walk-through.
Here’s what to expect when working with our South Lake Tahoe ADU construction team.
Initial Consultation
We meet to understand your goals, budget, site, and timeline, and give you an honest read on feasibility before anything is committed.
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Project Planning & Design
We coordinate architectural and design work, confirm scope, and build a detailed line-item plan so there are no surprises later.
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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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Project Completion & Walk-Through
We close out with a full walk-through, a punch list, and complete documentation.
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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
Planning an Accessory Dwelling Unit in South Lake Tahoe
Before starting ADU construction in South Lake Tahoe, the property needs to be evaluated for feasibility, permitting, utilities and seasonal building conditions.
TRPA coverage can influence whether a detached or backyard ADU is feasible on a particular lot. Utility connections or separation may also need to be considered, while unsewered properties can have additional septic requirements.
Tahoe's shorter construction season also affects project planning, particularly when foundation work is involved. Sten Construction evaluates these factors early so the scope and feasibility of the ADU can be understood before you commit to design and construction.
Considering additional living space but not sure whether an ADU or addition is the right fit? Learn more about our
home additions in South Lake Tahoe.
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 a detached ADU and a junior ADU?
A detached ADU is a separate dwelling built elsewhere on the property and requires its own foundation, structural shell and utility connections. A junior ADU, or JADU, is created within the existing home footprint and is smaller.
Which option makes sense depends on the property, available space, utilities and applicable approval requirements.
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.
Can an existing garage be converted into an ADU?
Garage conversion ADUs are one of the ADU types Sten Construction works with. The existing structure, utilities and property conditions first need to be assessed to determine what is required for the conversion and permitting process.
What types of ADUs do you build in South Lake Tahoe?
Sten Construction works with detached backyard ADUs, garage conversion ADUs and junior ADUs created within an existing home footprint. The right approach depends on the property, available space, utilities and local approval requirements.
Let's talk
Looking for an ADU Builder in South Lake Tahoe?
If you're considering an accessory dwelling unit, start by finding out what is feasible on your property.
Sten Construction provides ADU planning and construction in South Lake Tahoe, including detached backyard ADUs, garage conversions and junior ADUs. We'll evaluate the property, discuss your goals and help you understand the project requirements before you commit.