Serving the Valley
ADU and Casita Construction in Gilbert, AZ
We handle permits, plans, and construction for backyard ADUs in Gilbert, from a detached casita for family to a rental unit that pays your mortgage.
adu project · GilbertGilbert's ADU Rules Are Not as Simple as 'Just Build a Casita'
Gilbert has two separate categories, guest homes and ADUs, with different rules on kitchens, rentability, and permits. On top of that, a newer state casita law can override some town restrictions, which means what your neighbor was told two years ago may not apply to your permit today.
What you are living with
Homeowners who skip the code research end up with plans drawn for the wrong category, or they build a guest home thinking they can rent it and find out at permit review they cannot. Some pay for architectural drawings twice. Others wait months for corrections that could have been caught in a one-hour pre-application meeting.
What you get instead
We review your lot and your goals before a single line gets drawn. We tell you which category fits your situation, what the state law allows versus what Gilbert requires, and what a realistic budget looks like for your specific property. No surprises at permit submittal.
Our Recent Work
Accessory Dwelling Units Built to Code, Built to Last
An ADU adds a fully independent living space to your property. We handle design, permits, and construction as a single team, so nothing falls through the cracks between a designer and a separate builder.
Site and Zoning Review
Before any design work starts, we review your lot size, setbacks, utility access, and local zoning rules to confirm what you can actually build. No surprises at permit submission.
Custom Architectural Plans
We produce permit-ready drawings tailored to your lot and goals, whether that is a detached garage conversion, a new stand-alone structure, or an attached addition with a private entrance.
Full Permit Management
We submit to the building department, respond to plan-check comments, and schedule all required inspections. You do not have to chase city offices or decode permit portals.
Complete Structural Build
Foundation, framing, roofing, windows, and exterior finish are all completed by our licensed crews. Work is inspected at each required stage so the structure meets code from the ground up.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing
We rough in and finish all MEP systems, including a dedicated electrical panel, water supply, sewer tie-in, and HVAC sized for the unit. All work is permitted and inspected separately from the main house.
Interior Finish and Final Walkthrough
Insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and appliances are installed and finished to match the scope we agreed on. We walk the completed unit with you before closing out the permit.
Why Homeowners Choose Bayside for Their ADU
A lot of contractors say they build ADUs. Fewer have handled the full cycle from zoning review through final inspection as a single accountable team. Here is what actually sets us apart.
One License, One Contract, One Point of Contact
As a licensed design-build contractor, AZ ROC 353387, we own every phase. You are not coordinating between an architect, a general contractor, and a separate permit expediter. One contract covers design through construction, and one person answers your calls.
We Tell You What Will Not Work Before We Start
Setback conflicts, utility capacity limits, HOA restrictions, and deed conditions can kill an ADU project mid-build. We do a thorough feasibility check upfront so you know exactly what is buildable on your lot before any money changes hands.
Family-Owned, Not a Volume Production Shop
We are a family-owned contractor, not a franchise turning over projects as fast as possible. The same people who sell the job manage the build. If something comes up in the field, a decision-maker is reachable the same day.
Permit History With Local Building Departments
We have submitted and closed ADU permits with multiple jurisdictions across the Valley. We know common plan-check sticking points before they delay your project, and we write our drawings to address them from the start.
What our clients say
Today we finished my kitchen and bath remodel. I worked with Paul who was nothing short of excellent. Not only did he design the kitchen and bath but he cared enough to order and oversee everything down to the tiniest detail. He suggested patterns…
We had an amazing experience with a whole house remodel with Bayside. Yarden was there for us throughout the entire process through design, picking materials and the construction. I have to admit I was a little nervous because of friends that have…
How an ADU Project Works With Us
Four straightforward phases from first conversation to move-in ready. We set expectations at each stage so you know what is happening and what comes next.
Feasibility and Scope Meeting
We meet at your property, walk the lot, review setbacks and utility locations, and discuss what you want the unit to accomplish, rental income, family housing, or a home office. We leave with enough information to tell you what is buildable and give you a realistic budget range.
Design and Permit Submission
Our team produces the architectural and engineering drawings, coordinates with structural and MEP engineers as required, and submits a complete permit package to the building department. We track the application, respond to plan-check comments, and notify you when permits are approved.
Construction
Work begins with site prep and foundation and proceeds through framing, roofing, exterior finish, and all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins. Our project manager schedules required inspections at each phase and keeps you updated on progress and timeline weekly.
Final Inspections and Handoff
Once interior finishes are complete, we schedule the final building inspection and any utility sign-offs. After the permit is closed, we do a full walkthrough with you, deliver all warranty documents, and make sure any punch-list items are resolved before we consider the job done.
ADU Construction in Gilbert, Arizona
Gilbert allows ADUs on most single-family residential lots, but not every property qualifies automatically. Lot size, setbacks, and existing structures all factor in before you can break ground. We serve Gilbert homeowners who want a straight answer on what their property can actually support before spending money on plans.
Permits & review
Gilbert processes ADU permits through its Development Services one-stop shop at (480) 503-6700. The town distinguishes between guest homes and ADUs under its code: ADUs can be rented and have full kitchens, guest homes cannot. A new state casita law adds another layer, and it can preempt some of Gilbert's local restrictions. Getting that distinction right before you design saves months of back-and-forth.
Housing stock
Most Gilbert residential lots are single-family subdivisions built from the 1990s onward, typically with rear-load garages or standard side-yard setbacks. Many lots are large enough to support a detached ADU in the 600 to 1,200 square foot range. Typical construction costs in Gilbert run $130,000 to $260,000 depending on size, finish level, and site conditions. Smaller detached units start lower.
Areas we serve
We serve Gilbert and the surrounding East Valley, including Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and Tempe. Gilbert's no-additional-parking requirement for ADUs makes backyard builds more straightforward on typical subdivision lots, but we still walk every site before quoting a number.
Common questions
How much does an ADU cost to build in Gilbert, Arizona?
Most Gilbert ADU projects land between $130,000 and $260,000 for a detached unit with a full kitchen and bathroom. A smaller 500 to 700 square foot casita with basic finishes can come in closer to $100,000 to $140,000. A larger 1,200 square foot, 3-bedroom unit with quality finishes will be at the higher end. What drives cost up fast: site conditions like caliche rock, distance from your main electrical panel, and finish selections. Get a fixed-scope estimate before you sign anything.
Does my Gilbert lot qualify for an ADU?
Gilbert allows ADUs on single-family residential lots, but not every property qualifies automatically. Your lot needs to meet minimum size requirements, and setbacks from property lines must be maintained, typically 5 feet on sides and rear for a detached unit. Some lots in older subdivisions or those with HOA restrictions may have additional hurdles. We pull your parcel details before the first conversation so we are not wasting your time on a project that cannot happen.
What is the difference between a casita and an ADU in Gilbert?
Under Gilbert's previous code, guest homes, which locals call casitas, could not be rented out and could not have full kitchens. ADUs are permitted to have full kitchens and can be rented. Arizona's new state preemption law has changed some of this, but the distinction still matters for permitting and how the unit is classified. If you plan to rent the unit or put in a full kitchen, make sure it is permitted as an ADU, not just a guest house, or you can run into problems later.
Do I need extra parking to build an ADU in Gilbert?
No. Gilbert does not require additional off-street parking for an ADU. This is a meaningful advantage for lots where a second driveway or garage pad would eat up backyard space. You can build the unit without redesigning your parking situation.
What are the real drawbacks of building an ADU?
The honest drawbacks are cost, time, and site limitations. Construction takes 6 to 12 months from permit submission to move-in, and Gilbert's permitting process adds time upfront. You lose yard space permanently. If your lot has poor soil, old utilities, or limited electrical capacity, costs climb quickly. HOAs in some Gilbert communities can restrict or prohibit ADUs regardless of what the town allows. And if you are financing the build, lenders treat ADU loans differently than primary mortgage products, so have a funding plan before you start.
How long does ADU permitting take in Gilbert?
Plan on 8 to 16 weeks from complete permit submittal to approval, depending on project complexity and current Development Services volume. Incomplete submittals are the biggest cause of delays. We prepare engineered drawings and a full permit package before submission to avoid back-and-forth corrections. You can reach Gilbert's One Stop Shop at (480) 503-6700 if you want to confirm current review times before we start.
Can I use an ADU in Gilbert as a rental property?
Yes. A properly permitted ADU in Gilbert can be rented out, including as a long-term rental. Short-term rental regulations in Gilbert apply separately and you should verify current rules before listing on platforms like Airbnb. The key is that the unit must be permitted and built as an ADU, not classified as a guest home or non-habitable structure. Units built without permits cannot be legally rented and create liability problems when you sell.
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