ADU types · Bakersfield, CA
The four kinds of ADU we build in Bakersfield.
Each type balances cost, size and privacy differently. Here they are side by side, with design and permitting included in every one.
How do the types compare in Bakersfield?
City limits come from Bakersfield's ADU FAQ and 2024 resource guide; state rules from the HCD ADU Handbook. All as of October 2026.
| Type | Where it goes | Size in Bakersfield | Often the pick when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | New building in the yard | Up to 850 sq ft (one bedroom) or 1,200 sq ft (two) | You want privacy and a full-size unit |
| Garage conversion | Inside a legally built garage | Existing footprint, plus up to 150 sq ft for an entry | The garage is sound and the budget is tighter |
| Attached ADU | Addition sharing a wall | 50% of the home, up to 1,200 sq ft, with the state minimums | The backyard is small or already in use |
| Junior ADU | Inside the existing home | 150 to 500 sq ft | You want the smallest scope and no new utilities |
Which type usually costs least?
Bakersfield's ADU FAQ says interior conversions are usually the cheapest and new construction the most expensive. As of October 2026 it gives a rough $150 to $300 per square foot overall. See Bakersfield ADU pricing and garage conversion vs. new ADU.
Could your lot take an ADU?
Give us the property address. We look up the city or county rules that govern it and reply with your options. Working in Bakersfield, Oildale, Shafter, Delano and Tehachapi.