Our Process

Building a casita or ADU in Tucson doesn't have to be stressful. Our proven 5-step process takes the guesswork out of every phase, from your first phone call to the day you get the keys.

01

Free Site Visit & Consultation

Timeline: 1-2 days from first contact

Everything starts with a conversation. We come to your property, walk the lot, take measurements, and listen to what you want to build. This isn't a sales pitch. It's a real assessment of what's possible on your specific property.

What we cover during the site visit:

  • Property measurements and setback assessment
  • Zoning check for your neighborhood (Tucson, Pima County, or HOA restrictions)
  • Utility connection feasibility (water, sewer, electric, gas)
  • Soil conditions and grading considerations
  • Preliminary budget range based on your goals
  • Discussion of your intended use (rental, family, home office, etc.)

Cost: Free. No obligation. If the project isn't feasible, we'll tell you honestly.

02

Custom Design & Planning

Timeline: 2-4 weeks

Our design team creates custom floor plans based on your property constraints, budget, and intended use. We don't sell cookie-cutter plans. Every casita we design is built for the specific lot it sits on, accounting for sun orientation, privacy, drainage, and desert landscaping.

What you'll receive:

  • 2-3 conceptual floor plan options
  • 3D renderings showing your casita in context with your existing home
  • Material and finish selections (you choose, we advise)
  • Detailed line-item cost estimate with no hidden fees
  • Projected construction timeline
03

Permitting & Approvals

Timeline: 4-8 weeks (varies by jurisdiction)

Permitting is where most ADU projects stall. Not with us. We've submitted hundreds of permit applications to Pima County Development Services and the City of Tucson. We know the reviewers, we know the common sticking points, and we handle 100% of the paperwork so you don't have to.

What we handle for you:

  • All building permit applications and engineering documents
  • Zoning compliance verification under Tucson's "Casitas in Tucson" program
  • Coordination with Tucson Water, TEP, and Southwest Gas
  • HOA review and submission (if applicable)
  • Plan review responses and revisions
04

Construction

Timeline: 3-6 months depending on scope

This is where your casita comes to life. Our in-house construction crews handle every phase of the build, from site preparation through final finishes. We don't subcontract the critical work. You'll have a dedicated project manager who provides weekly photo updates and is available by phone anytime.

Construction phases:

Site preparation & grading
Foundation & slab work
Framing & structural
Roofing & weatherproofing
Plumbing & electrical rough-in
HVAC installation
Insulation & drywall
Interior finishes & cabinetry
Flooring & tile work
Exterior stucco & landscaping
Final inspections
Certificate of occupancy
05

Final Walkthrough & Handoff

Timeline: 1-2 days

Before we hand you the keys, we do a comprehensive walkthrough together. Every outlet, every faucet, every door hinge. If anything doesn't meet your expectations, we fix it before calling the project complete.

What's included:

  • Room-by-room inspection with you present
  • Punch list completion (typically same day)
  • Appliance and system orientation (HVAC, water heater, etc.)
  • All warranty documentation and maintenance guides
  • 1-year structural warranty and 2-year systems warranty

Ready to Start Step One?

Your free site visit is completely no-obligation. We'll assess your property, answer your questions, and give you a straight answer on what's possible.

Schedule Your Free Site Visit