Orange & Riverside Counties
Arizona
ADU Construction in Riverside County & Greater Phoenix, AZ
Nikolic Construction builds accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from the ground up – backyard units, garage conversions, attached additions, and JADUs. We handle permits, design coordination, and construction in Riverside County CA, Orange County CA, and Greater Phoenix AZ. Free consultations. No obligation.
- Licensed CA (CSLB) & AZ (ROC)
- Permits handled for you
- 5.0 Stars - Angi Verified
- 30+ years experience
Build an ADU in Riverside County, CA or Greater Phoenix, AZ
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a self-contained secondary residence built on the same lot as your primary home. In Riverside County and across Southern California, ADUs are one of the smartest property investments homeowners can make in 2026 – adding rental income, increasing property value, and creating space for aging parents or adult children.
Nikolic Construction is a licensed ADU contractor serving Riverside County and Orange County, CA, as well as Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the Greater Phoenix metro in Arizona. Owner Daniel Nikolic personally oversees every project from free consultation through final inspection.
Whether you need a detached backyard ADU, a garage conversion, an attached ADU addition, or a Junior ADU (JADU), we handle design coordination, city permits, construction, and the certificate of occupancy – so you don’t have to.
Ready to Build Your ADU in Riverside County or Greater Phoenix?
Get a free consultation – Daniel Nikolic will evaluate your property and give you a clear, honest estimate. Licensed CA & AZ. No obligation.
What we build
Type of ADU Construction we build - California & Arizona
From detached backyard cottages to garage conversions and attached additions – Nikolic Construction builds all ADU types in Riverside County, Orange County, and Greater Phoenix, AZ.
Detached ADU
A fully independent structure built in your backyard. Maximum privacy and value. Most popular choice in Riverside County.
Attached ADU
Added onto the side or rear of your existing home. Shares one wall with the main house. Cost-effective option.
Garage Conversion ADU
Convert your existing garage into a fully permitted, livable ADU. Fastest and most affordable path to adding a unit.
Junior ADU (JADU)
Up to 500 sq ft carved from existing interior space. Lowest cost and fastest approval under California 2025 ADU law.
Why Homeowners in Riverside County & Phoenix Choose Us for ADU Construction
We’re not a large ADU factory with a call center.
Daniel Nikolic handles every estimate personally and we build only what we can stand behind.
Licensed in California & Arizona
CSLB licensed in CA, ROC licensed in AZ. Fully insured with general liability and workers' comp. You can verify our license numbers at any time.
We handle all permits & inspections
From building permits to plan checks, electrical, plumbing, and final Certificate of Occupancy - we manage every step so you don't have to.
Transparent, honest pricing
No surprise costs mid-project. We provide detailed written estimates before work begins. What we quote is what you pay.
Owner on every project
Daniel Nikolic handles every estimate and is involved throughout construction. You're not handed off to a project manager you've never met.
Local knowledge
We know Temecula's PRADU program, Murrieta's permit process, Scottsdale's zoning codes, and Phoenix metro requirements inside and out.
30+ years of verified reviews
Rated 5.0 on Angi with verified reviews from homeowners in Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, and across Riverside County.
Real projects. Real results.
Recently Completed ADU Projects: Riverside County & Greater Phoenix
Every ADU we build starts with a homeowner who has a goal – earning rental income, housing a parent, or finally making use of that empty backyard. I’ve personally overseen every one of these projects from the first site walk to the day we handed over the keys.
600 sq ft detached ADU - Murrieta, CA
The homeowners came to me wanting rental income to offset their mortgage. Their Murrieta backyard had plenty of space but they had no idea where to start with permits or design.
480 sq ft garage conversion ADU - Temecula
Converted a 2-car garage into a fully permitted ADU with a private entrance, full kitchen, bathroom, and living area. The homeowner wanted a space for their adult daughter returning home from college.
750 sq ft detached ADU - Menifee, Riverside County
Built a fully independent 2-bedroom ADU in the backyard of a single-family home in Menifee. The homeowners wanted to rent it out long-term as a source of passive income.
Ready to Build Your ADU in Riverside County or Greater Phoenix?
Get a free consultation – Daniel Nikolic will evaluate your property and give you a clear, honest estimate. Licensed CA & AZ. No obligation.
What Homeowners Say About Our ADU Work
Real feedback from verified clients in Murrieta, Temecula, and Lake Elsinore.
ADU Construction: Where We Build in California & Arizona
the Greater Phoenix metro in Arizona. Location-specific service pages coming soon for each city.
Riverside County – Primary Market
Orange County – Secondary Market
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers from homeowners in Murrieta, Temecula, Riverside County, and Greater Phoenix, AZ.
How much does an ADU cost in Riverside County, CA?
ADU costs in Riverside County typically range from $80,000 for a basic garage conversion to $540,000+ for a large custom detached ADU. A standard 600 sq ft detached ADU costs approximately $180,000–$280,000 including design, permits, and construction. Permit fees in Temecula and Murrieta are typically $1,500–$7,500. California’s 2025 laws waive permit fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft. Nikolic Construction provides free, detailed estimates with no obligation.
How long does it take to build an ADU in Riverside County?
The total timeline from consultation to Certificate of Occupancy is typically 6-12 months in Riverside County. Permit approval takes 4-8 weeks (California law requires cities to decide within 60 days). Construction takes 12-20 weeks depending on the ADU type. Garage conversions can be faster – sometimes 8-14 weeks of construction. Using Temecula’s Permit Ready ADU (PRADU) plans can shorten the design and permit phase significantly.
Do you handle ADU permits in Riverside County and Temecula?
Yes, Nikolic Construction manages the entire permit process for ADU projects in Riverside County, including Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Riverside, Corona, and Norco. We prepare and submit all building permit applications, handle plan check revisions, coordinate with Public Works and Fire departments, and schedule all required inspections through to Certificate of Occupancy.
Can I build an ADU in my backyard in Murrieta or Temecula?
Yes. Both Murrieta and Temecula allow ADUs in residential zones under California state law. Key requirements include a minimum 4-foot setback from side and rear property lines, maximum 1,200 sq ft for detached ADUs, and 16-foot height limit (with exceptions). Temecula offers a Permit Ready ADU (PRADU) program with pre-approved plans. There is no minimum lot size requirement. Contact Nikolic Construction for a free property evaluation to confirm ADU feasibility for your specific parcel.
Can I build an ADU (casita) in Scottsdale or Phoenix, AZ?
Yes. Arizona allows ADUs – often called casitas or guest houses – on residential properties in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Mesa, and surrounding cities. Arizona ADU regulations differ from California and vary by city, so it’s important to work with a contractor who knows local zoning codes. Nikolic Construction is licensed in Arizona (ROC verified) and has experience navigating Greater Phoenix metro permit requirements for ADU and casita construction.
What is a JADU and should I build one instead of an ADU?
A Junior ADU (JADU) is a smaller version of an ADU – up to 500 sq ft – created within your existing home’s footprint, such as converting a bedroom or part of a garage. JADUs are faster and cheaper to permit and build than a full ADU. Under California 2025 law, JADU permit fees are generally waived. If your goal is to add a small rental unit or in-law space at minimal cost, a JADU might be the right choice. We’ll evaluate both options during your free consultation.
Can I rent out my ADU in California?
Yes. Once your ADU has a Certificate of Occupancy, you can rent it out as a long-term rental in California. In Riverside County, ADUs typically rent for $1,500–$2,500 per month depending on size and location. Short-term rental rules (Airbnb/VRBO) vary by city – check your city’s specific ordinance. Your property taxes will slightly increase based on the ADU’s added value, but the base value of your home is not reassessed.
Contact Nikolic Construction
Owner Daniel Nikolic handles all estimates personally.
Phone - Call or Text
(951) 239-4205
Email Us
d.nikolic@nikolicconstruction.com
Business Hours
Mon - Fri: 7:00am - 5:00pm