In-law suites, backyard cottages and additions. Built in Central Jersey.
We add living space to the property you already own. The zoning check, the architect's plans and the permits are part of the job, handled by one company.
Three ways to get more room.
Build something new, convert space you already have, or set up a suite for family. Not sure which one your lot allows? That's the first thing we check.
New space
Something new on your lotSomething new on your lot.
Convert space
Out of what's already thereLiving space out of what's already there.
For family
Their own place, close to youA place of their own, close to you.
Don't know which one fits? Tell us what you need the space for. We'll tell you what your town allows and what the next step is.
Get a free estimateYou don't go to town hall. We do.
New Jersey is 564 separate rulebooks, one per town. That's where most projects stall. We read your town's code for your lot first, and nobody draws a plan until we know what's allowed.
- Zoning check for your address
- Variance application and hearing, if your lot needs one
- Plans drawn by our partner architect
- Building, electrical, plumbing and fire permits
- Inspections, through the certificate of occupancy
From first call to final inspection.
Seven steps. The first three are free, and you don't sign anything until you've seen a written estimate.
- 01
Call or send the form
Ten minutes on the phone about what you want to build, and where.
Your part: tell us about the project.
- 02
We check your zoning
We read your town's code for your address: what's allowed, how big, and how close to the lot line.
Your part: nothing.
- 03
Site visit and written estimate
We walk the property, measure, and give you a written estimate.
Your part: show us around.
Steps 1 to 3 cost you nothing. Start with step 1.
Design & Permit agreement first
ADUs, additions, garage apartments, in-law and mother-daughter suites, and anything that needs a variance.
A paid Design & Permit agreement for a flat fee, credited toward the build if you sign the construction contract within 60 days. It covers the zoning research, drawings by our partner architect, survey coordination, the permit or variance application, and a detailed construction budget. The drawings are yours to keep.
Straight to a build contract
Garages, garage conversions, basements, attics and studios.
These go from the written estimate straight to a construction contract.
- 04
Design
Plans drawn to your town's standards, by our partner architect where the project needs one. Nothing gets filed until you approve them.
Your part: review and sign off.
- 05
Approvals and permits
We file for zoning approval and construction permits, and handle the variance if your lot needs one.
Your part: sign the applications.
- 06
The build
Site work, foundation, framing, mechanicals and finishes. The town inspects at each stage.
Your part: pick your finishes.
- 07
Final inspection
The town issues the certificate of occupancy. We walk through it with you and hand over the keys.
Your part: move in.
A licensed contractor you can look up.
Garden State ADU is run by Osama, a New Jersey home improvement contractor. Before ADUs, we did full home renovations across the state: gut remodels, and additions taken down to the studs and rebuilt.
- License
- NJ Home Improvement Contractor #13VH13918800, registered with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Verify it with the state
- Insurance
- Insured. Certificate of insurance on request.
- Warranty
- Written warranty on our workmanship, spelled out in your contract.
- Company
- Garden State ADU is a trade name of Central Jersey Home Services LLC.
Recent work.
Finish work from our renovation projects. ADU photos get added here as each one is completed.
Four Central Jersey counties.
We design, permit and build in Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth and Somerset. Somewhere else in New Jersey? Same form, same phone number. We'll connect you with a partner builder in your area.
Somerset County
Franklin Township, Hillsborough, Bridgewater, Montgomery, Bernards, Warren, Somerville and the rest of the county.
Middlesex County
East Brunswick, Edison, Old Bridge, Monroe, South Brunswick, Sayreville, Woodbridge and the rest of the county.
Mercer County
Princeton, Lawrence Township, Hamilton, Ewing, West Windsor, Robbinsville, Hopewell and the rest of the county.
Monmouth County
Middletown, Red Bank, Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold, Holmdel, Howell and the rest of the county.
Do I need to know my zoning before I call?
No. Most people don't, and the town's website rarely makes it clear. Tell us where the house is and we'll read the code for your lot. That check is free.
What does the estimate cost?
Nothing. The call, the zoning check, the site visit and the written estimate are free. For ADUs, additions, garage apartments, in-law and mother-daughter suites, and anything that needs a variance, the next step is a paid Design & Permit agreement: a flat fee, credited toward the build if you sign the construction contract within 60 days, covering the zoning research, partner-architect drawings, survey coordination, the permit or variance application and a detailed construction budget, and the drawings are yours to keep. Garages, garage conversions, basements, attics and studios go straight from the written estimate to a build contract.
My town doesn't allow backyard ADUs. Now what?
That's common in New Jersey, and it's rarely the end of it. Many towns that say no to a detached unit still allow an in-law suite, an addition or a conversion. We'll tell you which ones your lot qualifies for.
Who draws the plans and pulls the permits?
We do, with the architect we partner with. The plans, the applications and the permits are handled through us, so you don't hire anyone separately.
What if my project needs a variance?
Then we prepare the application and take it through the board with you. It adds time, and nobody can promise how a board will vote, so we tell you up front if yours is likely to need one.
How much will it cost?
It depends on what you build, how big it is and what your lot needs. After the site visit you get a written estimate with the scope and the price for your project, before you commit to anything.
Do you build outside Central Jersey?
We build in Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth and Somerset counties. Anywhere else in New Jersey, send the same form and we'll connect you with a partner builder in your area.
What is an ADU (accessory dwelling unit)?
A second, smaller home on the same lot as a house, with its own kitchen, bath and entrance. In New Jersey you'll also hear in-law suite, backyard cottage, garage apartment, accessory apartment and mother-daughter suite. Towns use different names and they don't always mean the same thing: a mother-daughter unit, for example, is for family and can't be rented.
Tell us what you want to build.
The estimate is free and so is the site visit. We check your zoning before we talk price.
- 01Osama reaches out to you personally, by phone or text.
- 02We check your town's zoning for your address.
- 03We walk the property and measure.
- 04You get a written estimate. No obligation.