
Additions & ADU Construction — Northern Hills Construction


Build With Confidence. Renovate With Precision.
Create more space, increase home value, and adapt your property to changing needs with professional additions and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) services across Sonoma, Napa, Marin, San Francisco, and Oakland counties. Northern Hills Construction handles design coordination, permitting, construction, and closeout so your addition or ADU is delivered on time, on budget, and built to last.

What we build
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Home additions — master suites, second‑story additions, garage conversions, sunrooms.
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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — detached, attached, or garage‑conversion ADUs for rental income, family, or office use.
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Kitchen and bath expansions — open layouts and functional flow improvements.
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Room repurposing — convert underused spaces into livable, code‑compliant areas.



Our process (clear, predictable, and owner‑focused)
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Discovery & Feasibility — site review, zoning check, and preliminary budget.
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Design & Permitting — coordinate architects/engineers, prepare permit sets, submit to local jurisdictions.
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Preconstruction — finalize scope, schedule long‑lead items, and set milestones.
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Construction — managed trades, weekly progress updates, safety and quality inspections.
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Closeout — punch list completion, final inspections, warranties, and O&M manuals.
Typical timeline: small additions 8–12 weeks; ADUs 4–9 months depending on design complexity and permitting. Typical contingency: 5–10% for residential projects.
What to expect in your estimate
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Itemized scope — labor, materials, allowances, and permit fees.
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Milestone payments — tied to deliverables (mobilization, framing, finishes, closeout).
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Change‑order policy — written approvals with cost and schedule impacts.
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Warranty & closeout — workmanship warranty and full documentation at handover.
Residential Builders Near You and what to expect when hiring a builder/ GC

Owner checklist before you start
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Confirm budget range and financing options.
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Gather property documents: plot plan, existing floor plans, and utility locations.
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Decide on primary use (rental, family, office) to guide design and code choices.
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Reserve contingency funds and set realistic timeline expectations.

Owner checklist before you start
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Confirm budget range and financing options.
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Gather property documents: plot plan, existing floor plans, and utility locations.
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Decide on primary use (rental, family, office) to guide design and code choices.
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Reserve contingency funds and set realistic timeline expectations.

Proof of quality
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Portfolio — view recent additions and ADUs to evaluate craftsmanship and finishes.
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References — client testimonials and job‑site visits available on request.
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Licensing & insurance — fully licensed, bonded, and insured for Bay Area projects.
General Contracting Essentials: The Complete Flagship Guide for Homeowners and Business Owners


Northern Hills Construction portfolio
Frequently asked questions
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Do ADUs require separate utility meters? Utility requirements vary by jurisdiction; we evaluate options and coordinate with providers.
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Can I rent my ADU immediately? After final inspection and certificate of occupancy, ADUs are typically rentable; local short‑term rental rules may apply.
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Will an addition increase my property taxes? Additions can affect assessed value; consult your assessor for specifics.

Why choose Northern Hills Construction for additions and ADUs
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Local permitting expertise — we navigate Sonoma County and Bay Area permit processes to reduce approval time.
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Family‑owned accountability — direct owner involvement and consistent on‑site supervision.
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Sustainability and resilience — energy‑efficient systems, wildfire‑resilient materials, and long‑term durability.
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Turnkey project management — from preconstruction planning through final inspections and as‑built documentation.



General Contractor Services for Additions & ADUs
Northern Hills Construction provides full‑service general contracting tailored to additions and ADUs across Guerneville, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and the greater Bay Area. We combine hands‑on construction experience with local permitting knowledge so your addition or ADU moves from concept to certificate of occupancy with minimal friction and predictable costs.
Core Services We Deliver for Additions and ADUs
As a full-service general contractor, we offer a wide range of services to cater to all your construction needs, Take a look at our General Contracting Service pages for Santa Rosa, and Sebastopol
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Site evaluation & feasibility — Zoning, setbacks, lot coverage, and utility checks to confirm what’s buildable.
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Permitting & agency coordination — Prepare and submit permit packages, attend plan check meetings, and manage inspections.
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Turnkey construction — Framing, structural work, MEP rough‑ins, finishes, and systems integration handled by vetted trades.
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Cost estimating & transparent budgeting — Itemized estimates, allowances, and change‑order controls to protect your budget.
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Closeout & warranties — Final inspections, as‑built drawings, O&M manuals, and workmanship warranties at handover.
Local Expertise That Matters
Working in Sonoma County and nearby Bay Area communities requires familiarity with local codes, wildfire‑resilience standards, and utility provider requirements. Northern Hills Construction’s experience in Guerneville, Santa Rosa, and Sebastopol shortens approval timelines, avoids common permit pitfalls, and ensures your ADU or addition meets both code and community expectations.
We prioritize early code review and wildfire‑resilient design choices—ember‑resistant vents, noncombustible cladding options, and defensible‑space recommendations—so your project is safer and more insurable. We also manage Title 24 energy compliance and coordinate any required utility upgrades to prevent last‑minute delays.
How Our Additions & ADU Process Works
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Discovery & budget — Site visit, zoning check, and preliminary cost range.
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Design & permits — Coordinate drawings, submit permits, and track approvals.
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Preconstruction — Finalize schedule, order long‑lead items, and set milestones.
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Construction — Managed trades, quality inspections, and weekly updates.
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Closeout — Punch list completion, final inspections, and delivery of warranties and as‑builts.
Sustainability, Value, and Long‑Term Performance
We recommend energy‑efficient systems, durable materials, and design choices that reduce operating costs and increase resale value. Whether your ADU is for rental income, multigenerational living, or added workspace, we focus on solutions that deliver long‑term return and lower maintenance.
Ready to Plan Your Addition or ADU?
Request a site visit and feasibility review to get a realistic budget and timeline. Use this CTA to guide visitors to the right next step: Request Estimate or Schedule Consultation.
Request Estimate / Contact Page
Blog: Steps to Create Your Dream Home with Custom Building
Blog: Navigating the Permit Process for Homeowners in Santa Rosa]

