ADU Builders – John Christopher Construction

Orange County ADU Design and Construction

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ADU

If you have been through a construction project before, you know how it usually goes. A general contractor hires a framer, calls a plumber, coordinates an electrician, and hopes everyone shows up and communicates. When something goes wrong there is usually a conversation about whose fault it is, and the homeowner ends up in the middle.

We built JCC to work differently.

jcc adu builders ground up construction framing

FROM FIRST DRAWING TO CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY – ONE TEAM

John Christopher Construction manages the entire ADU process in-house, from early feasibility and design through permitting, construction, and final certificate of occupancy. Every ADU project is assigned a dedicated project manager and supported by in-house licensed division leaders across every core trade.

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CALL US TO REQUEST A QUOTE

(949) 415-4534

Here is what that looks like on your project:

Design-Build Ready — Our dedicated draftsman and structural engineer prioritize JCC projects, so design-build clients move faster through planning and permitting without waiting in line at a third-party firm
Framing Division — In-house framing with dedicated division leadership
C10 Licensed Electrical Division — In-house electrical, fully coordinated from rough-in through final trim
C36 Licensed Plumbing Division — In-house plumbing, coordinated with framing and finish trades from day one
Finish Carpentry Division — In-house millwork, doors, trim, and cabinetry
Paint Division — In-house painters handling final finishes, drywall patching, and punch list closeout
Flooring Division — In-house flooring installation and demolition
Handyman Division — In-house support for small scope work, repairs, and project closeout
Dedicated Project Manager — One point of contact managing the entire build, coordinating every trade, and keeping your project on schedule

POPULAR ADU CONFIGURATIONS

Detached ADUs

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600 Sq. Ft. Detached ADU

A compact, efficient option that may help homeowners stay under important fee thresholds while still delivering a fully functional living space with bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area.

750 Sq. Ft. Detached ADU

A larger detached option that aligns with common ADU planning goals, offering more livable space and greater flexibility for bedroom and living configurations.

1,200 Sq. Ft. Detached ADU

A full second living space with room for a complete kitchen, bathroom, living area, laundry, storage, and flexible one or two bedroom layouts. Designed for homeowners who want a true independent unit on their property.

Attached ADUs

We also build attached ADUs, garage conversions, and second-story ADU additions. Every configuration is approached the same way — one team, one accountable contractor, no handoff gaps.

Attached ADU

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Garage Conversions

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Above Garage ADU

CUSTOM DESIGN OR PRE-APPROVED PLANS

Custom ADU Design

Every property is different. We help Orange County homeowners create ADU designs built around their lot, their goals, and how the space will actually be used. Our in-house draftsman and engineer move quickly because JCC projects are their priority — not one of dozens of third-party requests sitting in a queue.

Pre-Approved ADU Plans

Pre-approved plans can help some homeowners move faster through the permitting process. We can walk you through whether a pre-approved plan program makes sense for your property and city requirements during your initial consultation.

ADU COST EXPECTATIONS

ADU budgets vary based on size, site conditions, utility access, city requirements, and finish selections. As a general planning baseline, detached ADU projects in Orange County typically start in the $375–$450 per square foot range for a fully permitted, move-in ready unit. This includes architectural and engineering coordination, permit support, site preparation, foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, windows, doors, insulation, drywall, interior finishes, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, fixtures, and all final construction details.

Every project is different. After reviewing your property and goals, we provide a detailed scope and estimate tailored to your specific job.

WHY HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE JCC FOR THEIR ADU

Most ADU builders are general contractors who subcontract everything and manage from a distance. We are different because we have invested in building a real team — licensed division leaders, dedicated project managers, in-house trades, and a design-build capability that lets us take clients from the first conversation all the way to the keys.

No finger pointing. No excuses. Just a hardworking Southern California team that shows up, communicates, and delivers a product we are proud to put our name on.

We are always growing, always learning, and always looking for ways to get better. That commitment is what has built our reputation in Orange County, and it is what keeps our clients referring us to the people they care about.

Excellent

John Christopher Construction, Inc.5.0

Based on 103 reviews

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Web Beeman

2 months ago

John Christopher Construction built an ADU to my exact specifications, worked with me on a daily basis, and brought the project to completion in the budget allotted. Ours was not an easy build due to the fact that we had to excavate quite a bit as the ADU was build in to a hillside and near a slope to the rear of my property. If I had to focus on one thing, it would without question be communication. I was assigned a job foreman who guided me through the entire process, listened to my needs, provided me feedback, and helped me along the way with all the little changes that arose during the build. We made a few changes along the way and we were given clear communication of the requested change, as well as a fixed price for the change. The use of sub contractors is a part of any build and each of the contractors selected were respectful of my property and my neighbors, did an above average job, and were a compliment to John Christopers team. I would advise anyone considering an accessory dwelling unit to choose this contractor for the project. We spent a lot of time selecting the right contractor and were even led astray by a few. I can honestly say from my perspective, there’s no-one better suited to build a detached ADU than John Christopher Construction. Before choosing John Christopher, we viewed several of their builds in process as well as spoke to some of their employees and customers. We would be happy to host potential customers as the pictures I am attaching to the review don’t even come close to doing the ADU credit.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind review Web, it was a pleasure working with you.

brandon hovind

2 years ago

I have financed several ADU's that these guys have built, and my clients all love their work. I send people who ask me about ADU's to them as well. They are not only good builders but high-quality people as well. I can't recommend them enough.

Response from the owner:Thank you Brandon, it's a pleasure to work with you

Iris Bourne

2 years ago

Chris is in the process of building our ADU. He is a great communicator, prompt, explains everything in detail, has a lot of patience and does quality work. He is very organized, gives me updates on any charges that he has gone over with me, his billing is very detailed and accurate and prompt. His crew is friendly, polite and very professional. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a honest, professional, talented contractor. I will use him again for any future projects as he is very knowledgeable and easy to work with. We are absolutely 100% happy that we choose him to work with. Thank you for all your hard work!

Response from the owner:Thank you Iris, it's out pleasure to help

Holly Jeanne

2 years ago

So happy with John Frize and Christopher Manos from John Christopher Construction's work on my new build ADU that I had them return almost immediately to tackle the main bath in my house. They converted a tub into a walk in shower according to my vision. No mansplaining, just open communication to make the changes I wanted. Thrilled with the contributions of all their specialty team members working together for a timely, organized, clean and beautiful project. Holly Jeanne Sneed Homeowner, City of Orange

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind review Holly, it's truly our pleasure to help

Christopher Randolph

3 years ago

Chris Manos and Coastal Handyman Pros are a hidden gem. The top ADU contractors in southern California by far. They are constantly on site, on time, on where on budget. When do you get to put those together when talking about construction? They really care about their clients and it shows in the craftmanship and supervision of our project. Chris and John do more than ADUs and can't wait to hire them to help renovate our main house. Give Chris and John a call first, you won't regret it.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind review Christopher, it's our pleasure to help and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Amaryllis VY

4 years ago

Hello everyone, I usually don't do this, but I told that young man I would keep my promise. After years of speaking about it, My husband and I finally settled to renovate our Garage into an _ADU. We initially went with my husband's “work friend,” who is cheap and fast. Still, after a week of working for us, I came down to the decision to let him go of the lack of communication and responsibility, so I proceeded onwards and took manners into my own hands. I looked online and settled on John and Chris's construction, as they had a satisfactory history. I told them I had a specific time frame to finish, and they surpassed it with flying colors! The young gentleman Zachary was so accommodating and experienced in helping me pick out the perfect layout for my garage, and it came out better than I could think of. Based on The quality, With quickness and pleasant service, I would recommend them to anyone. 5 STARS!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind review Amaryllis, it was a pleasure working with you too

HeatherJo Bowman

4 years ago

Highly recommend! I have hired JCC for numerous ADU projects (by way of the modular home company I work for.) We have a regular and ongoing rotation of incoming work, that I'm happy to continue to contract them for. They offer fair pricing, they're very transparent and very timely! Chris & John are extremely hands-on owners and their willingness to go above and beyond for my customers and the company I work for - is quite exceptional!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind review Heather, it's a pleasure to work with you and your team

James Hickman

4 years ago

Chris was very professional. He was very clear and concise with expected timelines and explained that the only unknowns were products possibly disrupted in the supply chain due to Covid/Port Congestion. Being in the supply chain business, was impressed that he was aware of such and how it could effect the timelines. I would highly recommend Chris and his Company. Very happy to discuss with anyone wanting a new ADU or add on. Chris has my contact information if needed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind review James, it's our pleasure to help