Vista 1,100 sq. ft. ADU

Project Overview

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The goal was to create a comfortable, modern living space that maximized every inch of a small footprint. The design focused on functionality, natural light, and simple finishes that feel high-end without the price tag.

Built entirely without a general contractor, this project involved hands-on coordination of every step—permits, subcontractors, materials, and inspections. Managing it personally gave firsthand insight into how homeowners can save big while maintaining quality and craftsmanship.

"By not hiring a contractor and going the owner/builder route, we built for less than half of what we were quoted by general contractors and ADU specialists."
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Ben Shahbazi
Owner/Founder

Behind the Scenes

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The build kicked off with framing—laying out and raising the walls that shape the ADU. Every stud and beam was placed by hand to create a solid, precise structure from the ground up.
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Once the walls were up, exterior sheathing and window openings took shape, giving the ADU its first real form. This stage brought the layout to life and prepped the structure for weatherproofing.
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Next came the concrete work, including the walkways and exterior finishes. Clean lines and careful leveling helped set the tone for the modern, functional look of the space.
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Inside, the bathroom started taking shape—waterproofing, insulation, and framing for fixtures all came together to form the foundation of a clean, efficient design.
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Final touches began with cabinetry, shelving, and interior trim. Attention to detail and smart space planning made this stage where the project really started to feel like a home.
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We bought 24 panels, inverter, mounting rachs, safety shut down equipment, wiring, and a set of solar plans/permit and installed it all in 2 days. We run 2 houses, charge an EV, and head a 220v sauna everyday and have no electric bill.