Top-rated guest house builders.

Get matched with top guest house builders in your area

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Share some details icon
Share some details about your home project.
Match with local pros icon
Within moments, match with highly-rated local pros.
Compare quotes icon
Compare quotes and choose the best pro for the job.

Guest house builders in Oakland

Avatar for EBM Construction
EBM Construction
2535 77th Avenue
4.90(
10
)
Approved Pro
EBM Construction
2535 77th Avenue
4.90(
10
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
166 local quotes requested

Hi I’m Elias I’ve been in the construction industry since 2013 I’m a local, family-run business, serving the Bay Area. My company provides a wide range of repair, maintenance, and improvement services; for both residential and commercial, We do jobs both big and small: from a one hour quick fix, up to full remodels. We get the job done right the first time- and I back it with a one year guarantee. My team and I have many years of experience in multiple trades; and we always use the best tools, techniques, and products for each situation. Best Regards Elias Bautista construction

"I am super appreciative that I found Elias. He really stepped up when a simple project turned into something a lot more complicated. We had some windows that we needed to replace, but in the course of fixing that, we ended up replacing the asbestos siding to our house, which revealed wood-shingled siding that needed to be painstakingly replaced. Elias handled everything for me. He found the right people to help him, kept me informed, and the work is clean and well done. I would definitely use his services in the future. I have since returned to him for various other repairs involving plumbing, electrical, tile work, drywall, and carpentry. Thank you for your services, Elias!"

Tom G on February 2025

Hi I’m Elias I’ve been in the construction industry since 2013 I’m a local, family-run business, serving the Bay Area. My company provides a wide range of repair, maintenance, and improvement services; for both residential and commercial, We do jobs both big and small: from a one hour quick fix, up to full remodels. We get the job done right the first time- and I back it with a one year guarantee. My team and I have many years of experience in multiple trades; and we always use the best tools, techniques, and products for each situation. Best Regards Elias Bautista construction

"I am super appreciative that I found Elias. He really stepped up when a simple project turned into something a lot more complicated. We had some windows that we needed to replace, but in the course of fixing that, we ended up replacing the asbestos siding to our house, which revealed wood-shingled siding that needed to be painstakingly replaced. Elias handled everything for me. He found the right people to help him, kept me informed, and the work is clean and well done. I would definitely use his services in the future. I have since returned to him for various other repairs involving plumbing, electrical, tile work, drywall, and carpentry. Thank you for your services, Elias!"

Tom G on February 2025


Avatar for Cal Green Remodeling
Cal Green Remodeling
1400 Coleman Ave, Unit F14-2
5.00(
14
)
Approved Pro
Cal Green Remodeling
1400 Coleman Ave, Unit F14-2
5.00(
14
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
763 local quotes requested

Welcome to Cal Green Remodeling. We do our best to take the stress out of home remodeling, working directly with our clients to make sure they understand the process, options available, and budget. Our goal is to make your project everything you dreamt it would be. From custom kitchens to concrete floors we do it all and our experienced professionals can help you figure out what products are right for you. We offer industrial grade finishes that can handle excessive traffic, as well as fine finishes for your home. Contact us today for a free estimate, we look forward to hearing from you. Website - https://calgreenremodeling.com/ Phone - 800-803-9927

"We were looking to remodel our kitchen or bath for a few years. We kept getting estimates from different companies and always felt the price was off or the person was not a good fit. Then, finally, we met Shai with Cal Green Remodeling. What a great guy! He is very upfront and honest about what we can expect in terms of cost and work flow. Because of his honest approach, we hired him. We felt he gave us the good and bad and how to resolve the bad as well. In the end, the process was fairly smooth, and the few hick-ups we had, for example, the city and their permit process, were well explained to us at the beginning, so we were ready. Our kitchen or bath looks amazing, and I plan to work with Cal Green Remodeling again. Thanks Shai!"

Albert R on December 2023

Welcome to Cal Green Remodeling. We do our best to take the stress out of home remodeling, working directly with our clients to make sure they understand the process, options available, and budget. Our goal is to make your project everything you dreamt it would be. From custom kitchens to concrete floors we do it all and our experienced professionals can help you figure out what products are right for you. We offer industrial grade finishes that can handle excessive traffic, as well as fine finishes for your home. Contact us today for a free estimate, we look forward to hearing from you. Website - https://calgreenremodeling.com/ Phone - 800-803-9927

"We were looking to remodel our kitchen or bath for a few years. We kept getting estimates from different companies and always felt the price was off or the person was not a good fit. Then, finally, we met Shai with Cal Green Remodeling. What a great guy! He is very upfront and honest about what we can expect in terms of cost and work flow. Because of his honest approach, we hired him. We felt he gave us the good and bad and how to resolve the bad as well. In the end, the process was fairly smooth, and the few hick-ups we had, for example, the city and their permit process, were well explained to us at the beginning, so we were ready. Our kitchen or bath looks amazing, and I plan to work with Cal Green Remodeling again. Thanks Shai!"

Albert R on December 2023


Avatar for Geico Builders
Geico Builders
1901 Harrison Street
5.00(
18
)
Approved Pro
Geico Builders
1901 Harrison Street
5.00(
18
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
1346 local quotes requested

Geico Builders specializes in meeting your expectations before, during, and after the project is complete. Our most upstanding quality is our accountability--you can expect us to own the work we complete for your home. Of course, we know accountability means nothing without proof, which is why we are happy to offer a 2-year workmanship warranty to all of our clients. This is a rare quality for this industry, but we wanted to prove to you that we stand by our craftsmanship through our home remodeling construction services. Every Crew at Geico Builders has been professionally trained and will treat your home with integrity and respect.

"We are completely satisfied with our backyard, where we wanted to do a complete renovation, making our yard more beautiful and usable, for games with friends, easy access for my dogs and everything else! From the beginning Brian helped us with the choice of materials, locations, colors and many great suggestions. Our Project Manager, Delmar, and Brian did an excellent job updating us and communicating and always responded quickly to any questions or concerns. We had a tight deadline for our project because we wanted to finish before 06/01 - he did our entire project quickly and efficiently! I want to thank you very much, I am very happy, I recommend Geico Builders and together with Brian for all your projects! I hope to work with him soon on our front yard, after all I only have good things to say!"

Mark S on June 2025

Geico Builders specializes in meeting your expectations before, during, and after the project is complete. Our most upstanding quality is our accountability--you can expect us to own the work we complete for your home. Of course, we know accountability means nothing without proof, which is why we are happy to offer a 2-year workmanship warranty to all of our clients. This is a rare quality for this industry, but we wanted to prove to you that we stand by our craftsmanship through our home remodeling construction services. Every Crew at Geico Builders has been professionally trained and will treat your home with integrity and respect.

"We are completely satisfied with our backyard, where we wanted to do a complete renovation, making our yard more beautiful and usable, for games with friends, easy access for my dogs and everything else! From the beginning Brian helped us with the choice of materials, locations, colors and many great suggestions. Our Project Manager, Delmar, and Brian did an excellent job updating us and communicating and always responded quickly to any questions or concerns. We had a tight deadline for our project because we wanted to finish before 06/01 - he did our entire project quickly and efficiently! I want to thank you very much, I am very happy, I recommend Geico Builders and together with Brian for all your projects! I hope to work with him soon on our front yard, after all I only have good things to say!"

Mark S on June 2025


Avatar for Vinny Landscaping
Vinny Landscaping
4.77(
35
)
Approved Pro
Vinny Landscaping
4.77(
35
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Super punctual
Recommended by 94% of Angi customers
Recommended by 94% of HomeAdvisor customers
438 local quotes requested

We have the experience and dedication to bring your dreams to reality! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Our team has quality experience in this industry, and we make sure our customers are happy before we leave. Call or click to schedule an estimate today!

"Vinny and workers were very hardworking. They worked fast and efficiently. They were polite and friendly. Overall, they did a beautiful job to my backyard lawn."

Grace n on May 2025

We have the experience and dedication to bring your dreams to reality! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Our team has quality experience in this industry, and we make sure our customers are happy before we leave. Call or click to schedule an estimate today!

"Vinny and workers were very hardworking. They worked fast and efficiently. They were polite and friendly. Overall, they did a beautiful job to my backyard lawn."

Grace n on May 2025


Avatar for Unique Home Design & Remodeling
Unique Home Design & Remodeling
303 Twin Dolphin Dr.
New on HomeAdvisorNew on Angi
Approved Pro
Unique Home Design & Remodeling
303 Twin Dolphin Dr.
New on AngiNew on HomeAdvisor
Approved Pro
2163 local quotes requested
42 years of experience

Unique Home Design & Remodeling is a leader in providing value-added construction services to our customers by creating a successful partnership throughout the construction process. Our pledge is to establish lasting relationships with our customers by exceeding their expectations and gaining their trust through exceptional performance by every member on our construction team. Unique Home Design & Remodeling's mission is to accomplish full customer satisfaction in every area possible from color selection to project completion. Unique Home Design & Remodeling's main focus is to provide our future clients with a professional home improvement experience. We vow to our customers with the highest level of quality construction services at fair market and competitive prices. To ensure the longevity of our company through repeat and referral business achieved by customer satisfaction in all areas including timeliness, attention to detail and service-minded attitudes.

Unique Home Design & Remodeling is a leader in providing value-added construction services to our customers by creating a successful partnership throughout the construction process. Our pledge is to establish lasting relationships with our customers by exceeding their expectations and gaining their trust through exceptional performance by every member on our construction team. Unique Home Design & Remodeling's mission is to accomplish full customer satisfaction in every area possible from color selection to project completion. Unique Home Design & Remodeling's main focus is to provide our future clients with a professional home improvement experience. We vow to our customers with the highest level of quality construction services at fair market and competitive prices. To ensure the longevity of our company through repeat and referral business achieved by customer satisfaction in all areas including timeliness, attention to detail and service-minded attitudes.


Building CA
1191 Camino Tassajara
5.00(
5
)
Approved Pro
Building CA
1191 Camino Tassajara
5.00(
5
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
598 local quotes requested

We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in remodeling services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today!

"Building CA did a fantastic job on my home renovation. I wanted to remodel my kitchen for years, but always felt overwhelmed by the process. The Building CA team made everything so easy. From explaining the plans, to material selection and the overall installation, they provided clarity and confidence every step of the way. My new cabinets, floors, countertops and fixtures are stunning. I get so many compliments on the quality craftsmanship and design. I highly recommend their services. Thank you Building CA!"

Kalie h on February 2024

We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in remodeling services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today!

"Building CA did a fantastic job on my home renovation. I wanted to remodel my kitchen for years, but always felt overwhelmed by the process. The Building CA team made everything so easy. From explaining the plans, to material selection and the overall installation, they provided clarity and confidence every step of the way. My new cabinets, floors, countertops and fixtures are stunning. I get so many compliments on the quality craftsmanship and design. I highly recommend their services. Thank you Building CA!"

Kalie h on February 2024


Avatar for Dream Build Services LLC
Dream Build Services LLC
3654 Thornton Avenue #530
5.00(
6
)
Approved Pro
Dream Build Services LLC
3654 Thornton Avenue #530
5.00(
6
)
Approved Pro
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
615 local quotes requested

We specialize in all phases of remodeling for your home, business, bathrooms, kitchens, finishing basements, and more! We offer a diverse range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of every customer. We take a personalized approach to each project. We work closely with our clients to understand their vision, preferences, and budgetary requirements. We strive to exceed expectations by delivering exceptional service, great quality work, and professionalism on every job. Read more below on all the services we offer and contact us with any questions or to schedule a free estimate today!

"Dream build Services did an excellent job painting and re roofing my house. They were very professional and friendly. I would highly recommend this company."

Brittney S on March 2025

We specialize in all phases of remodeling for your home, business, bathrooms, kitchens, finishing basements, and more! We offer a diverse range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of every customer. We take a personalized approach to each project. We work closely with our clients to understand their vision, preferences, and budgetary requirements. We strive to exceed expectations by delivering exceptional service, great quality work, and professionalism on every job. Read more below on all the services we offer and contact us with any questions or to schedule a free estimate today!

"Dream build Services did an excellent job painting and re roofing my house. They were very professional and friendly. I would highly recommend this company."

Brittney S on March 2025


Avatar for BEAR Remodeling Inc.
BEAR Remodeling Inc.
2678 N Main St
4.90(
10
)
Approved Pro
BEAR Remodeling Inc.
2678 N Main St
4.90(
10
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
1657 local quotes requested

**Due to our current installation schedule we have a project minimum* depending on the job size- ask for details as it varies depending on project size- starting at 5K* Please call today to schedule a complimentary consultation 925-567-3021 BEAR Remodeling, Inc. is a family-owned business and a full-service General Contractor that specializes in residential home remodeling projects. Our services include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, room additions, garage conversions, and ADU'S With full licensing, bonding, and insurance, it ensures a reliable and trustworthy experience for its clients. Our team of experienced professionals, which includes both engineers and designers, collaborate in order to deliver exceptional results, consistently exceeding client expectations and transforming homes into stunning spaces. (we do not work with modular/trailer homes or offer handyman services.)

"Working with BEAR Remodeling on our ADU garage conversion has been a great experience! The 3D design has really helped us see the project before work began. The team has stayed organized, finished on time, and delivered exactly what we had imagined. Everything has turned out clean, modern, and built to last. We have happily recommended BEAR Remodeling to anyone looking for reliable remodeling services!"

Ryker H on May 2025

**Due to our current installation schedule we have a project minimum* depending on the job size- ask for details as it varies depending on project size- starting at 5K* Please call today to schedule a complimentary consultation 925-567-3021 BEAR Remodeling, Inc. is a family-owned business and a full-service General Contractor that specializes in residential home remodeling projects. Our services include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, room additions, garage conversions, and ADU'S With full licensing, bonding, and insurance, it ensures a reliable and trustworthy experience for its clients. Our team of experienced professionals, which includes both engineers and designers, collaborate in order to deliver exceptional results, consistently exceeding client expectations and transforming homes into stunning spaces. (we do not work with modular/trailer homes or offer handyman services.)

"Working with BEAR Remodeling on our ADU garage conversion has been a great experience! The 3D design has really helped us see the project before work began. The team has stayed organized, finished on time, and delivered exactly what we had imagined. Everything has turned out clean, modern, and built to last. We have happily recommended BEAR Remodeling to anyone looking for reliable remodeling services!"

Ryker H on May 2025


Avatar for Zacarias Remodeling Construction
Zacarias Remodeling Construction
1320 Paso De Sauce RD
5.00(
28
)
Approved Pro
Zacarias Remodeling Construction
1320 Paso De Sauce RD
5.00(
28
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
1343 local quotes requested

We are a locally owned and operated company since 2009, with lots of industry experience. We specialize in Additions and Kitchen Remodels, but also offer a wide range of expertise for a variety of other Home Improvement projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction! We are a bilingual company, and are happy to serve both our English and Spanish Speaking communities! ¡Hablamos Espanol!

"Oscar truly stands out as a contractor who cares deeply about his clients, and that’s exactly how he made me feel. I reached out to five different contractors to assess my bathroom and offer ideas, but my experiences varied significantly. Some were overly sales-driven, others dismissed my ideas entirely, and one didn’t even follow up with an estimate. Oscar, however, was a breath of fresh air. He arrived on time, listened attentively to my ideas, and offered thoughtful suggestions. He was highly collaborative with the other workers on site, making sure everything was well coordinated. Oscar's expertise in the industry is evident, and he’s exceptionally creative when it comes to problem-solving. When he identified additional challenges during the project, he took the time to offer practical solutions, demonstrating his commitment to delivering the best result. Oscar has earned my trust and will be my go-to contractor for any future projects. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a reliable, skilled, and dedicated professional"

Lisa N on March 2025

We are a locally owned and operated company since 2009, with lots of industry experience. We specialize in Additions and Kitchen Remodels, but also offer a wide range of expertise for a variety of other Home Improvement projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction! We are a bilingual company, and are happy to serve both our English and Spanish Speaking communities! ¡Hablamos Espanol!

"Oscar truly stands out as a contractor who cares deeply about his clients, and that’s exactly how he made me feel. I reached out to five different contractors to assess my bathroom and offer ideas, but my experiences varied significantly. Some were overly sales-driven, others dismissed my ideas entirely, and one didn’t even follow up with an estimate. Oscar, however, was a breath of fresh air. He arrived on time, listened attentively to my ideas, and offered thoughtful suggestions. He was highly collaborative with the other workers on site, making sure everything was well coordinated. Oscar's expertise in the industry is evident, and he’s exceptionally creative when it comes to problem-solving. When he identified additional challenges during the project, he took the time to offer practical solutions, demonstrating his commitment to delivering the best result. Oscar has earned my trust and will be my go-to contractor for any future projects. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a reliable, skilled, and dedicated professional"

Lisa N on March 2025


Avatar for Superb Builders & Custom Made Cabinetry Inc.
Superb Builders & Custom Made Cabinetry Inc.
3.17(
24
)
Approved Pro
Superb Builders & Custom Made Cabinetry Inc.
3.17(
24
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
917 local quotes requested
4 years of experience

Family owned business with over 22 years of experience -Remodeling - General - Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom - full home remodels - room additions - ADU's - Full Roof replacement -

"Would not recommend them to anyone. We had the worst experience with these guys. Scope of project: kitchen complete remodel, replacing carpet flooring with vinyl tile flooring , redo electrical for kitchen area only cost: 100K+ what went to plan: - kitchen demo - made one nice dry wall - setting up and framing of the kitchen area what went wrong: - communication/scheduling : we would never be told ahead of time when work was being done. Sometimes there would be days stretches where no one showed up and then guys would show up randomly on a Sunday morning. At the start of the project we told them we were going to move into the back half of the house, so just have that clean. We moved into trash and debris everywhere. They also saw a vinyl strap , strapped to our tree, tied to our neighbor's fence (it was there keeping the fence up as the tree was leaning into the neighbors fence). In their brilliance, they decided to cut the strap and use it for themselves. How did we know? we found it on our roof, used to tie some electrical conduit. Who the heck does that?! We should've cut ties at that point, it was just the start...if we only knew. But we gave them the benefit of the doubt...but things kept going wrong. - Kitchen cabinet install was not leveled, we end up telling them to not bother coming back and we installed the whole kitchen ourselves (re-leveling the base cabinets, putting on the hardware, installing the cabinet doors. - broke several custom panels (to their credit, they did pay for the reorder) but we ended up installing it ourselves , which we were never offered refund the labor. - the kitchen counter was not leveled, we also had to redo it ourselves in order for the independent countertop guys to install it. - cut hole for electrical switch too big, huge gap now in our org Eichler panel that is not repairable unless we replace the whole wall. - cut hole in wood beam ceiling too big for ceiling vent even though they had the manufacturer's specifications. tried to fix it, but it looks terrible. - lied and said they had experience installing lux vinyl tile. They didn't. The flooring , which is supposed to be new, looks like flooring that has been there for years and hadn't been replaced. It was discolored, uneven, not leveled, and not even lined up. How can you mess up lining up squares? Our sales person Joe ,came and made excuses after excuses , telling us " no one can install it better than them" , that this is the "best" we'll get. I cannot believe he could look us in the face and say that. We ended up requesting 1500 back, though for us to reorder redo the tiles for the kitchen will be 3K+. - as a last F you to us, they gave us the bill for the permit fees which includes a 3% of project cost recycling deposit that is 100% refundable if they just do the paperwork and let the city know where they recycled the demolition material. Our kitchen project was 80K and so it was $2400. Guess what, they "never heard of this" and have no proof of where they recycled the material and so cannot get the refund. I have no idea where they dumped the material.....and we're out 2400. The best thing about this project is finishing and NEVER having to deal with them again."

bobby p on April 2020

Family owned business with over 22 years of experience -Remodeling - General - Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom - full home remodels - room additions - ADU's - Full Roof replacement -

"Would not recommend them to anyone. We had the worst experience with these guys. Scope of project: kitchen complete remodel, replacing carpet flooring with vinyl tile flooring , redo electrical for kitchen area only cost: 100K+ what went to plan: - kitchen demo - made one nice dry wall - setting up and framing of the kitchen area what went wrong: - communication/scheduling : we would never be told ahead of time when work was being done. Sometimes there would be days stretches where no one showed up and then guys would show up randomly on a Sunday morning. At the start of the project we told them we were going to move into the back half of the house, so just have that clean. We moved into trash and debris everywhere. They also saw a vinyl strap , strapped to our tree, tied to our neighbor's fence (it was there keeping the fence up as the tree was leaning into the neighbors fence). In their brilliance, they decided to cut the strap and use it for themselves. How did we know? we found it on our roof, used to tie some electrical conduit. Who the heck does that?! We should've cut ties at that point, it was just the start...if we only knew. But we gave them the benefit of the doubt...but things kept going wrong. - Kitchen cabinet install was not leveled, we end up telling them to not bother coming back and we installed the whole kitchen ourselves (re-leveling the base cabinets, putting on the hardware, installing the cabinet doors. - broke several custom panels (to their credit, they did pay for the reorder) but we ended up installing it ourselves , which we were never offered refund the labor. - the kitchen counter was not leveled, we also had to redo it ourselves in order for the independent countertop guys to install it. - cut hole for electrical switch too big, huge gap now in our org Eichler panel that is not repairable unless we replace the whole wall. - cut hole in wood beam ceiling too big for ceiling vent even though they had the manufacturer's specifications. tried to fix it, but it looks terrible. - lied and said they had experience installing lux vinyl tile. They didn't. The flooring , which is supposed to be new, looks like flooring that has been there for years and hadn't been replaced. It was discolored, uneven, not leveled, and not even lined up. How can you mess up lining up squares? Our sales person Joe ,came and made excuses after excuses , telling us " no one can install it better than them" , that this is the "best" we'll get. I cannot believe he could look us in the face and say that. We ended up requesting 1500 back, though for us to reorder redo the tiles for the kitchen will be 3K+. - as a last F you to us, they gave us the bill for the permit fees which includes a 3% of project cost recycling deposit that is 100% refundable if they just do the paperwork and let the city know where they recycled the demolition material. Our kitchen project was 80K and so it was $2400. Guess what, they "never heard of this" and have no proof of where they recycled the material and so cannot get the refund. I have no idea where they dumped the material.....and we're out 2400. The best thing about this project is finishing and NEVER having to deal with them again."

bobby p on April 2020

...
Showing 1-10 of 967

FAQs for guest house building service projects in Oakland, CA

In most states, yes—you can build a guest house, but every city or county sets its own zoning rules and building codes. Before breaking ground, check local ordinances, confirm lot setbacks, and secure the right permits. A local contractor or design-build firm can walk you through the paperwork and site requirements so your project starts on solid legal footing.

Yes—homeowners often tap a few different financing tools. A home-equity line of credit (HELOC) lets you borrow against your equity as you need funds. If you prefer a lump sum tied directly to the project, a short-term construction loan can roll into a second mortgage once the build is complete. Cash-out refinancing is another option: you replace your current mortgage with a larger one and use the difference to cover construction costs.

When you build a guest house, you’re creating a separate structure for hosting visitors without the full amenities needed for permanent living. An accessory dwelling unit, however, includes a complete kitchen and bathroom, meeting building codes for a long-term residence. This key difference makes an ADU ideal for long-term occupancy or rental income, adding enduring value to your property.

How many rooms you need depends on how you plan to use the space. Aim for one bedroom per every one or two occupants to make sure everyone has enough privacy and comfort. Added living and dining areas give you extra functionality, especially for rental use or long-term stays.

Most homeowners pick somewhere between 600 and 1,500 square feet to fit all the essentials. Make sure your design supports one to two occupants per bedroom and includes enough common areas for comfortable daily living. A well-proportioned layout boosts both functionality and property value.

No—a guest house isn’t just a bump-out on your main home. A bump-out is a small extension within an existing room for extra seating or storage. In contrast, you build a guest house as a standalone building with its own foundation and amenities, giving you a fully separate living area that can boost your property’s versatility and value.

The Oakland, CA homeowners’ guide to guest house building services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
white and gray kitchen with butchers block countertop
Apr 8, 2025
Apr 8, 2025
Looking to enhance the warmth and utility of your kitchen? Explore how much a butcher block countertop costs and start your budget here.
built-in outdoor kitchen with grill and sink
Apr 30, 2025
Apr 30, 2025
Budget for outdoor kitchen costs based on factors such as appliances, materials, permits, labor, amenities, kitchen size, customizations, and more.
BLUE TWO STORY HOME
Apr 30, 2025
Apr 30, 2025
Budget for the cost to add a second story based on factors such as size, foundation work, materials, labor, permits, post-construction cleaning, and more.
small bathroom that has been updated in a remodel
Apr 29, 2025
Apr 29, 2025
Budget for the cost to remodel a small bathroom based on factors such as required fixtures, bathroom size, labor, remodel type, site prep, and more.
guest house in the backyard
Apr 27, 2025
Apr 27, 2025
Need to build a guest house? Here’s how much it costs, what factors affect cost, and what to expect.
Kitchen view leading into dining area
Apr 28, 2025
Apr 28, 2025
Use this guide to budget for bump-out addition costs based on factors such as room size, room type, labor, finishes, permits, and more.
Share project details to get started.